July 28, 2009

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Former Husky setter Courtney Thompson was named to the Team USA squad for the upcoming FIVB World Grand Prix games. Team USA starts play in Brazil on Friday, July 31 and Thompson is expected to be the team's starting setter.

Thompson cemented her spot on the roster after earning the Best Setter and Best Server awards in the FIVB Women's World Championship Qualification Tournament at Orlando earlier this month.

Thompson, a Husky letterwinner from 2003-06, was a three-time first team All-American during her Washington career and is the school's only Honda Award winner, given annually to the top female collegiate athlete.

The U.S. Women's National Team opens the FIVB World Grand Prix at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of Pool A. The Americans begin the tournament versus Germany on July 31, followed by NORCECA rival Puerto Rico on Aug. 1. On Aug. 2, the FIVB will have its featured match of the preliminary round as top-ranked and 2008 Olympic Games gold medalist Brazil hosts second-ranked and 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Team USA.

The U.S. Women travel from Rio de Janeiro to Miao Li, Chinese Taipei, the following weekend for Pool D action. Team USA plays NORCECA rival Dominican Republic on Aug. 7, Netherlands on Aug. 8 and Germany on Aug. 9.

The Americans conclude the preliminary action in Pool I Aug. 14-16 at Bangkok, Thailand. The U.S. Women face Russia on Aug. 14, Puerto Rico on Aug. 15 and host Thailand on Aug. 16.

Information for this story was gathered from USAVolleyball.org.