Creighton's Ames Selected for 2026 USA Women's U21 National Team

Ayden Ames is one of 20 athletes chosen to train for the 2026 NORCECA Women's U21 Pan American Cup.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a volleyball match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in a bold color scheme representing the competitive spirit of the sport.Ayden Ames' selection to the U.S. Women's U21 National Team signals her rising talent and potential on the international volleyball stage.Columbus Today

USA Volleyball announced that Creighton Volleyball newcomer Ayden Ames has been selected for the 2026 Women's U21 National Team. Ames is one of 20 athletes chosen to train for the 2026 NORCECA Women's U21 Pan American Cup, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio from July 5-13.

Why it matters

Ames' selection to the U21 National Team represents a significant achievement for the rising star, providing her with a high-level development opportunity to compete against the best young talent in North America and Central America. This exposure could help boost her profile and open doors to future professional opportunities.

The details

The selection follows a rigorous evaluation process that began in February 2026, with 62 athletes from 29 Division I universities participating in a training camp at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Beyond on-court training, the camp also featured presentations from professional volleyball leagues to provide insight into post-collegiate pathways.

  • USA Volleyball announced the roster on April 13, 2026.
  • The U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup is scheduled for July 5-13, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
  • Training for the team will take place from June 26 to July 5 in Columbus, prior to the competition.

The players

Ayden Ames

A 6-4 middle blocker from Prosper, Texas who is a newcomer to the Creighton Volleyball program.

Tama Miyashiro

The head coach of the U.S. Women's U21 National Team, who is from LOVB Salt Lake.

Lily Hayes

A rising sophomore from the University of Florida who previously earned silver with the 2025 U19 USA Team at the FIVB Girls U19 World Championships.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The final 14-player roster for the 2026 NORCECA Women's U21 Pan American Cup will be announced on June 25, 2026, just prior to the start of the training camp in Columbus.

The takeaway

Ayden Ames' selection to the U.S. Women's U21 National Team represents an exciting opportunity for the young Creighton player to showcase her skills on the international stage and gain valuable experience that could propel her professional volleyball career.