Fresno State Athletics
Lugo wraps up eventful summer with USA Volleyball
8/4/2016 2:45:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
"It was an honor to be selected to coach that group of athletes in Florida, a dream come true for any coach to work in the National Programs," said Lugo. "The culture established by our senior national team trickles down to the youngest age groups, and it is amazing watching the athletes learn the same skills as the women who will be competing for Team USA at the Olympics in Rio."
The U.S. Girls' Youth National Team is the highest level of programming for the Youth age group and 24 athletes were selected for the U.S. Youth National Training Block. With 12 athletes selected to compete at the NORCECA Girls' U18 Continental Championship in Puerto Rico in September, Lugo kept together the remaining 12 athletes not selected to the team in order to compete at the HP Championships in the U20 Norceca Division, featuring the USA Youth National Team, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, along with the USA Junior National Team, who claimed the Silver Medal at the Norceca U20 Continental Championship last week.In addition, Lugo also worked with the USA National A2 Invitational Team Program which is designed to give more of the country's top athletes the opportunity to work with top High Performance coaches at a competitive event. The seven-day program featured training in Colorado Springs, on the campus of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, as well as a two day tournament, allowing the athletes to learn more about international rules. The athletes also spent time on team scouting and preparation, as well as performance and mental skills training.Â
With players and coaches coming from all around the country, Lugo enjoys seeing everyone represent the United States, "One of the best things about the program is that all of the coaches who work for USA come from different colleges and clubs from across the country, they all wear red, white and blue, and for that period of time, we are all one team. That's a pretty awesome feeling."
With the opportunity to coach some of the country's top elite youth talent, Lugo was able to take many things out of the experience that he hopes he can bring to his first season on the sideline at Fresno State.
"There's a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the USA gym, and it's infectious. I'm looking forward to bringing that passion to the gym at Fresno State, where we are looking to do great things. There's a lot of pride here in the Valley, and I'm thankful that I was asked to be a part of this team and program, and can't wait for the season to start!"
The Bulldogs are set to report for preseason practice on Monday with the first official practice getting underway on Tuesday morning. The 'Dogs will host their annual alumnae match on Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Save Mart Center before opening the season at the Boston College Invitational against LIU Brooklyn on Aug. 26.
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