March 31, 2008
ATLANTA – Talisa Kellogg, a junior on Georgia Tech’s 2007 volleyball team, is one of 22 players that has been tabbed to the U.S. Women’s Senior A2 National Team program, as announced by USA Volleyball and USAV Managing Director of High Performance Indoor Programs Tom Pingel.
“This is a great honor for Talisa,” said Georgia Tech head volleyball coach Bond Shymansky. “She has improved tremendously in the past few years and it’s nice to have the USA program recognize her abilities. Talisa is a well rounded player who has an amazing attitude and confidence. I know that her court personality will translate to being a great teammate during her training time with the A2 program.”
Kellogg participated in a tryout held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in early 2008, and was one of seven outside hitters to be selected to the program.
The 2007 AVCA honorable mention All-American led the Yellow Jackets in kills (449) and kills/game (3.96) as a junior and she already ranks among the top-10 in Georgia Tech history with 1,396 career kills and 53 solo blocks. Her 3.88 kills per game mark ranks third in school history.
Joining Kellogg with the program will be current Yellow Jacket associate head coach Ben Bodipo-Memba, who has been selected to be one of two assistant coaches for the 2008 U.S. Women’s National A2 Teams.
The 22 players, all with remaining collegiate eligibility, will be split into two 11-member squads during training sessions prior to competing in the USA Volleyball Adult Open Championships May 24-31 in Atlanta. The competition will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center Hall B. Additional information on the tournament can be found at www.usavolleyball.org/adults.
2008 U.S. Women’s National A2 Team Selections
Sarah Ammerman (Outside Hitter, Junior in 2008, Texas A&M University, Parker, Colo.)
Sydney Anderson (Setter, Sophomore in 2008, University of Nebraska, Salt Lake City, Utah)
Kylie Atherstone (Opposite, Senior in 2008, Cal Poly, Chico, Calif.)
Lori Baird (Middle Blocker, Senior in 2008, University of Utah, Murray, Utah)
Kelsey Bowers (Middle Blocker, Senior in 2008, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.)
Brittnee Cooper (Middle Blocker, Junior in 2008, Louisiana State University, Houston, Texas)
Zoe Garrett (Middle Blocker, Sophomore in 2008, University of Southern California, Laguna Beach, Calif.)
Ellen Herman (Outside Hitter, Junior in 2008, Ohio University, Toledo, Ohio)
Alli Hillgren (Libero, Junior in 2008, University of Southern California, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.)
Jamie Houston (Outside Hitter, Senior in 2008, University of Hawai’i, Huntsville, Ala.)
Kristy Jaeckel (Outside Hitter, Redshirt Freshman in 2008, University of Florida, Littleton, Colo.)
Talisa Kellogg (Outside Hitter, Senior in 2008, Georgia Tech, Westerville, Ohio)
Carli Lloyd (Setter, Sophomore in 2008, University of California-Berkeley, Bonsall, Calif.)
Elena Martinez (Libero, Senior in 2008, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, La.)
Jessica Nyrop (Setter, Senior in 2008, University of San Diego, Harrison, Idaho)
Dominique Olowolafe (Middle Blocker, Sophomore in 2008, Cal Poly, Lansing, Mich.)
Callie Rivers (Outside Hitter, Sophomore in 2008, University of Florida, Winter Park, Fla.)
Kimmee Roleder (Outside Hitter, Sophomore in 2008, University of Southern California, Pasadena, Calif.)
Am’ra Solomon (Opposite, Junior in 2008, University of California-Berkeley, Los Angeles, Calif.)
Maria Taylor (Opposite, Senior in 2008, University of Georgia, Alpharetta, Ga.)
Nicole Vargas (Setter, Senior in 2008, Long Beach State University, Seal Beach, Calif.)
Lauren Williams (Middle Blocker, Sophomore in 2008, University of Southern California, Houston, Texas)
2008 U.S. Women’s National A2 Team Coaching Staff
Head Coaches: Jerritt Elliott (University of Texas) and Cathy George (Michigan State University)
Assistant Coaches: Jill Pape-Kramer (University of Virginia) and Ben Bodipo-Memba (Georgia Tech)
