Oregon Volleyball Star Earns National Team Invite

Alanah Clemente's selection to the U.S. Women's National Team Collegiate Training roster reflects the rising talent pool in collegiate volleyball.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Rising sophomore Alanah Clemente of the University of Oregon has been selected for the U.S. Women's National Team Collegiate Training roster, a significant achievement for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. This invitation reflects a broader trend of increased investment in and visibility for collegiate volleyball talent, as the Women's National Team Collegiate Training program becomes an increasingly important stepping stone for aspiring professional volleyball players in the U.S.

Why it matters

Clemente's selection highlights the growing competitiveness of collegiate volleyball, particularly in the Big Ten Conference, which is attracting top recruits and elevating the overall level of play. The emergence of domestic professional leagues like Athletes Unlimited and Major League Volleyball is also changing the landscape, providing a more viable career path for American athletes.

The details

Clemente, an opposite hitter, had an impressive freshman season, ranking third among NCAA freshmen with 4.73 points per set and finishing third in the Big Ten in aces. Her well-rounded skillset, including 501.0 total points, 412 kills, 124 digs, 69.0 total blocks, and 51 service aces, demonstrates the importance of specialized training and skill development at the collegiate level.

  • Clemente was named to the U.S. Women's National Team Collegiate Training roster on February 18, 2026.
  • The training sessions will be held from February 19-22, 2026 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

The players

Alanah Clemente

A rising sophomore at the University of Oregon, Clemente was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2025 and has been selected for the U.S. Women's National Team Collegiate Training roster.

Trent Kersten

The head coach of the University of Oregon volleyball team, Kersten led the team to a 17-13 record in his first season, including victories over ranked teams like Minnesota, Purdue, and UCLA.

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What’s next

The training sessions held from February 19-22, 2026 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs will provide Clemente and the other selected athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on the U.S. Women's National Team.

The takeaway

Alanah Clemente's selection to the U.S. Women's National Team Collegiate Training roster is a testament to the rising talent and competitiveness of collegiate volleyball in the United States, particularly in the Big Ten Conference. This achievement highlights the growing investment in and visibility of collegiate volleyball, as well as the increasing viability of professional volleyball careers for American athletes.