COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Augustana volleyball student-athlete Erika Bute will take part in the U.S. Women's National Team Open Tryout set for Friday through Sunday at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
 
Bute, who finished her freshman campaign with Second Team All-NSIC accolades, is one of 214 athletes from 94 colleges and universities to take part in the event. The native of Alden, Minnesota, is one of 47 liberos in the event and one of two liberos to come from an NCAA Division II institution with the remaining coming from Division I schools.
 
"We are excited that Erika has the opportunity to tryout at this event," Augustana head volleyball coach Jen Jacobs said. "She will get to experience the amazing USA volleyball coaches and train alongside some of the best volleyball athletes in the country. It is also great for our program and institution to have this national exposure. Go, Erika!"
 
Of the athletes taking part in the event, 56 will be selected for the U.S. Collegiate National Team programs while another four will join the U.S. Women's Junior National Team that will compete in the 2020 NORCECA Women's U20 Continental Championship.
 
U.S. Women's National Team head coach Karch Kiraly will direct the tryout process.
 
"We're really excited about the CNT program for 2020," Kiraly said. "Our CNT coaching staff will place a heavy emphasis on teaching, learning and training. The teaching and learning will cover the most important aspects of the Women's National Team program: our culture, our principles, philosophies, techniques and tactics. And the training will give players the chance to put into action all those ideas. Since the programs will take place in the home of the U.S. Olympic Women's Team, in Anaheim's American Sports Centers, it'll be bristling with opportunities for emulation and inspiration. We're looking forward to starting the process soon, at the WNT Open Tryout in Colorado Springs - can't wait to see everyone there!"
 
Bute's freshman campaign saw her earn a pair of NSIC Defensive Player of the Week honors and tallied 583 digs throughout the season. She finished with 5.4 digs per set, ranking second in the NSIC and totaled 26 service aces.