COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – 2022 NSIC Libero of the Year, and Augustana rising fifth-year senior, Erika Bute, made the trip to the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as one of 200 athletes who attended the USA Volleyball Women's National Team Open.
Bute was not new to the atmosphere of the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center as she took part in the U.S. Women's National Team Open Tryouts two previous times.
"It's three days of playing great volleyball and being surrounded by some of the best in the game," said Bute. "This year was probably my best experience so far. With it being my third time, I felt pretty comfortable in the environment and thought I played pretty well.
"Of course the goal is to make the team but no matter what I just feel like I have no reason not to take advantage of the opportunity."
Bute was joined by a familiar NSIC face through Taylor Buckley of Northern State. The pair was a part of a small number of Division II representation and were proud to represent their institutions on such a large scale.
"Erika's involvement in the USA Volleyball training program has been invaluable to her as a student-athlete and for our program's exposure on a national level," said Augustana head volleyball coach Jennifer Jacobs. "We are blessed with her love for the game and I am happy for her to get to participate in the USA Volleyball program."
The Vikings ended the season with an overall record of 20-10 while going 11-9 in the NSIC, making it to the NSIC Tournament semifinals. Bute was named the NSIC Libero of the Year, leading the NSIC in total digs and digs per set for the majority of the 2022 season. She was a four-time NSIC Libero of the Week during her junior campaign and will return next year for her fifth season with Augustana.
About the WNT Open Program
The WNT Open Program is used for consideration for selection to both the U.S. Women's National Team and the U.S. Women's Collegiate National Team. In 2023, members of the U.S. Women's National Team will compete in the following events: Volleyball Nations League, Paris Olympic Qualifier, Pan American Cup and NORCECA Continental Championship.
More than 45 top volleyball coaches participated at the Training Center to help run the program and evaluate the athletes. The U.S. Women's National Team staff included Head Coach Karch Kiraly, Assistant Coach Erin Virtue (head coach at Michigan), Assistant Coach Tama Miyashiro and Assistant Coach Alfee Reft (head coach at UCLA).
Olympic gold medal setter, Jordyn Poulter, and U.S. Women's National Team libero, Morgan Hentz, also appeared at the program.
–GoAugie.com–
