Silvernail, Lee Mates On U.S. Team Cougar, Irish Standouts To Play In World University Games

Washington State’s Sarah Silvernail and Notre Dame’s Jaimie Lee of Spokane made the cut.

Silvernail and Lee were named to the U.S. World University Games volleyball team Monday. For many, it’s a stepping stone to U.S. National and Olympic Games teams.

They were among the 87 athletes who scrimmaged at the U.S. national volleyball headquarters during the weekend in Colorado Springs, Colo. Just 10 were selected to the World University Games team while 10 others were chosen to play on the U.S. training team.

Washington State’s Jennifer Stinson of Davenport was among those selected to the training team.

Although Silvernail is on the University Games team, her spot on the national team is inevitable.

“Silvernail was the best player at the tryouts,” said newly appointed U.S. National coach Mick Haley.

He said Silvernail, the Pac-10 player of the year, will be switched from middle blocker to right-side hitter. One possibility is to put her on the right and position Stanford’s freshman sensation, Kerri Walsh, in the middle. Walsh was not at the tryouts and is scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery soon.

When asked about Silvernail’s chances of making the 2000 Syndey Olympic team, Haley didn’t hesitate.

“She’s going to be there,” he said. “I’d be really surprised if she’s not going to be one of the top players in the world in three to four years.”

Currently, Silvernail is keeping her skills sharp by playing for the Utah Predators, a pro volleyball team. The Tacoma resident graduates from WSU this spring.

Lee, a Ferris High School grad, also was named her conference’s top player. The Big East junior star was the Irish’s setter this past year but said she’ll return to outside hitter in the fall. She’s known for her excellent defensive skills.

“I was a little surprised (I made the team) because of my size,” said Lee, who stands 5-foot-10.

Lee, along with the other national players, will report to Colorado Springs between May 15 and June 15, at the end of the school year.

The World University Games are in Sicily, Italy, Aug. 19-31.

Although Lee said she’ll be cutting it close, she’ll be back in the states Sept. 2 and will be in Spokane Sept. 5-6 to compete in the Gonzaga University-hosted Spikeoff Spokane.

Notre Dame, Washington State and Utah will join Gonzaga at the Arena, also the site of the 1997 NCAA volleyball Final Four.

Stinson, expected to fill the void on the Cougars team left by Silvernail’s departure, also will live in Colorado Springs this summer. The training team scrimmages with the national and junior teams.

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