Wilmington, NC - The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) announced the selected host and teams for the ninth annual State Farm Women's Volleyball Classic. The 2003 State Farm Women's Volleyball Classic will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23, at the University of Hawai`i. Joining Hawai`i in the Volleyball Classic will be the Florida, Kansas State and the 2002 National Champions, USC.
Hawai`i, ranked 3rd at the end of 2002, is returning five starters, including three All-Americans who are all seniors. First team All-Americans Lily Kahumoku and Kim Willoughby and third team All-American Lauren Duggins will lead the Rainbow Wahine next year.
Southern California notched its NCAA record fifth national championship and made its 12th consecutive and 20th overall appearance in the 2002 postseason tournament. USC will be lead by two first team AVCA All-Americans -- senior April Ross and junior Emily Adams in the 2003 season.
Kansas State, ranked 21st at the end of 2002, has five of its starters returning and lost only two seniors. Kansas State set school records by appearing in seven consecutive NCAA tournaments and by being named for the fifth year in a row in the final ranking of AVCA/USA Today Top 25.
Florida, ranked 4th at the end of 2002, is returning an experienced team including two All-Americans, senior Aury Cruz who was named First Team All-American, and senior Benavia Jenkins who was named Third Team All-American. Florida lost only one senior, Nicole McCray, who was named Second Team All-American.
Kansas State University is making its first appearance in the State Farm Volleyball Classic, while USC, Hawaii, and Florida, have been prior participants.
"The field for the 2003 State Farm Volleyball Classic is outstanding and should provide excellent competition to begin the collegiate season. State Farm has partnered with NACWAA for nine years in presenting this prestigious event. With Hawaii's fine reputation for hosting quality events coupled with its enthusiastic volleyball fans, it is an ideal location for the 2003 State Farm Women's Volleyball Classic," said NACWAA Executive Director, Jennifer Alley.