Clemson’s Mo Simmons Named to USA Volleyball Junior National Team

May 13, 2011

Rising Clemson sophomore Mo Simmons has been named to the USA Volleyball Junior National Team. Simmons and 11 other junior athletes from across the country will come together at St. Mary’s College in Maraga, California from July 10-19 in preparation to represent the United States of America at the FIVB Women’s Junior World Championships in Peru from July 20-31.

“There were some amazing players there. I just went out there and did what I could,” said an elated Simmons. “To be honest, I didn’t think I made it, and was happy for the opportunity. They gave us a few things to work on, and I wasn’t even thinking I’d make it.”

The team was selected after a rigorous, three-day series of competitions held at the Olympic Training facility in Colorado Springs, CO. Rob Browning (St. Mary’s) is the head coach, and he is assisted by Erik Sullivan (Texas) and Jill Kramer (West Virginia), who is familiar with Simmons after spending two seasons at Virginia.

The twelve-member team includes the top young players from around the country, a literal “who’s-who” of the best college volleyball players. Players must have been born in 1992 or 1993 to be eligible for the team.

“I am really psyched,” said Simmons. “I’m happy that they selected me, and I need to keep getting better. When you are around great players, it helps to elevate your game, and that is what happened at the tryout. I am ready to do whatever they need to help the team win, and I am just really ready to get out there. I think that it will hit me once I get out to California to start training. Representing the US is big time.”

Simmons was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2010 after recording 201 kills, 185 digs, and 101 blocks in her freshman campaign. Simmons is known for her high-flying athleticism, and her power above the net both offensively and defensively.

Simmons was an all-state basketball and volleyball standout at Mill Creek High School in Georgia.