North Platte’s Nicholson Named to USA Youth National Team, Elkhorn South’s Swanson an Alternate

At one time, Olivia Nicholson was a hidden volleyball gem tucked away in North Platte.

Now, it appears Nicholson is on her way from being one of Nebraska’s best-kept secrets to being a household name in the volleyball world.

USA Volleyball officially announced last night that Nicholson, a 6-foot-1 sophomore middle blocker, has been named to its 12-player U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team roster. The team will compete in the biennial 2014 NORCECA Women’s U-18 Continental Championships June 22-30 in Costa Rica.

Additionally, Elkhorn South 6-foot-1 freshman middle blocker Sarah Swanson was named as one of eight alternates to the team, in case of injuries. The team is comprised of players born in either 1998 or 1999.

“This group of athletes has the challenge of playing at a high enough level to qualify for the World Championships,” U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team Head Coach Jim Stone said. “In recent years, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico have all been very competitive. The USA coaching staff is looking forward to getting started and working with all the athletes.”

Nicholson helped lead the North Platte Bulldogs to a record of 21-11 last fall. North Platte lost to Lincoln North Star 3-1 in a Class A district final. She also helped lead the Flatrock 171s to a third-place finish in the American Division at the Colorado Crossroads USAV qualifier during this club season. She was set to join the Nebraska Juniors 161 team for the end of the club season prior to being selected to the USA National Team.

As a freshman, Nicholson had 142 kills with a .231 attack percentage to go along with 31 solo blocks and 19 block assists. This past fall as a sophomore, despite playing in fewer games because of an angle injury, she tallied 246 kills with a .273 percentage along with 51 solo blocks and 18 block assists.

“As you can see from Ollie’s freshman to sophomore stats, she is developing intoa great player,” North Platte coach Laura Miller said today. “We are very excited about what she will be contributing to our teams the next two seasons.

“Ollie is becoming more confident in herself and her abilities. She is wanting the ball in clutch situations. She has a great work ethic and has become an awesome team player. We are very excited for her and this opportunity she has worked really hard for. She will have an amazing experience and she will bring it all back to our gym this fall!”

Last fall, Swanson was a dominating presence at the net as a freshman for Elkhorn South, which finished as the Class B runner-up. Swanson led the Storm with 45 blocks on the season and her 134 kills were fifth on the team. She also has been a dominating force on the Nebraska Elite 151 Revolution club team, which is ranked #1 in the state.

Below is the complete roster for the 2014 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team.

2014 U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team

(Name, Position, Hometown, Volleyball Club, USAV Region, HS Graduation Year)

Belen Castillo (MB, Merced, Calif., Delta Valley Volleyball Club, Northern California, 2015)
Morgyn Greer (OH, Dripping Springs, Texas, Austin Juniors, Lone Star, 2016)
Hailey Harward (L, Phoenix, Ariz., Aspire Volleyball Club, Arizona, 2016)
Sarah Langs (MB, Fairview, Texas, Skyline Juniors, North Texas, 2016)
Clare Lenihan (MB, Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., SCVC, Southern California, 2017)
Mimi Mirkovic (OH, Irvine, Calif., Tstreet, Southern California, 2017)
Olivia Nicholson (MB, North Platte, Neb., Flatrock, Great Plains, 2016)
Kathryn Plummer (S, Aliso Viejo, Calif., Tstreet, Southern California, 2016)
Rachel Rippee (S, Springfield, Mo., Xplosion, Heart of America, 2016)
Lauren Speckman (S, San Jose, Calif., Vision Volleyball, Northern California, 2016)
Milan Stokes (OH, Long Beach, Calif., Mizuno Long Beach, Southern California, 2016)
Brooke Van Sickle (OH, Battle Ground, Wash., Excel Now Volleyball, Columbia Empire, 2016)

Head Coach: Jim Stone
Assistant Coaches: Brooke Coulter, Lindsey Devine
Technical Coordinator: Jesse Tupac
Team Leader: Heath Hoke
Trainer: Kaitlyn Batten

Alternates
Carolyn Fauntleroy (MB, Winnetka, Ill., Wildcat Juniors, Great Lakes, 2017)
Madeline Haynes (OH, Rocklin, Calif., Five Starz, Northern California, 2016)
Jade Horder (S, Fairfield, Calif., Club Solano, Northern California, 2016)
Daley Krage (OH, St. Charles, Ill., Club Fusion – Marengo, Great Lakes, 2016)
Mackenzie May (MB, Dubuque, Iowa, Iowa Rockets, Iowa, 2017)
Gia Milana (OH, Washington Township, Mich., Oakland Elite, Lakeshore, 2016)
Sarah Swanson (MB, Omaha, Neb., Nebraska Elite, Great Plains, 2017)
Cali Thompson (S, Henderson, Nev., Vegas Encore, Southern California, 2016)