Merritt Beason’s U23 National Team Selection: A New Chapter for a Husker Legend
Merritt Beason, the former Nebraska volleyball captain, continues to make waves in the sport she nearly abandoned. On May 20, 2025, Hail Varsity announced via X that Beason was one of 18 players selected to train with the USA Volleyball Women’s U23 National Team for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, set for July 25 to August 2 in Leon, Mexico. This opportunity marks another milestone in Beason’s remarkable journey, from a disillusioned college athlete to a professional star and now a contender for a national team roster spot.
Beason’s selection is no surprise given her stellar collegiate career. After two seasons at Florida, where she earned All-SEC honors and led the Gators to a 2022 SEC Championship, Beason transferred to Nebraska in 2023. Her impact was immediate: she was named team captain within six months and led the Huskers to a 66-3 record over two seasons, averaging 3.38 kills per set. In 2023, she earned AVCA All-America First Team honors and was named NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Valuable Player. In 2024, she secured All-Big Ten First Team honors for the second consecutive year and her third AVCA All-Region nod, averaging 2.78 kills per set while guiding Nebraska to the NCAA Semifinals. Her work ethic, lauded by her father, Scott, who noted, “Even when she was little, she’s always been a worker,” has been a cornerstone of her success.
The U23 training camp, held from July 18-25 in Anaheim, California, will see Beason compete among 18 athletes for one of 12 spots on the final roster. Her prior international experience bolsters her case: she won a gold medal and MVP honors at the 2022 Pan American Cup with the U21 team and a silver medal at the 2024 Pan Am Cup Final Six. Beason’s versatility as a six-rotation player, demonstrated by her 455 kills and 106 blocks in 2023, makes her a strong candidate. Adding to her advantage, her Atlanta Vibe coach, Kayla Banwarth—a former Husker and PVF Coach of the Year—will serve as an assistant coach for the U23 team, providing a familiar presence.
Beason’s path hasn’t been without challenges. At Florida, she admitted to hating volleyball, feeling disconnected from the sport. Nebraska’s embrace, from fans to Coach John Cook, rekindled her passion. Now, as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation Draft by the Atlanta Vibe, Beason is thriving professionally, ranking second on the team with 171 kills. Her recent appointment as head coach at Gardendale High School, her alma mater, shows her commitment to giving back.
This U23 opportunity is a chance for Beason to follow in the footsteps of teammate Lexi Rodriguez, who won silver at the 2023 NORCECA Final Six. Whether she’s carving her own path or filling big shoes, Beason’s selection signals her relentless drive to elevate American volleyball.
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