May 7, 2002

WACO, Texas - Baylor's Stevie Nicholas, a two-time first-team all-Big 12 Conference selection, has been selected to train with the USA A2 National Team this summer in Colorado Springs, Colo. The rising junior is one of 18 athletes chosen to work with the team.

A native of Fullerton, Calif., Nicholas becomes the first Baylor volleyball player to ever be chosen to work with the A2 National Team. She will join the team July 14 in Colorado Springs and from there compete in Salt Lake City against various teams from the United States and the international community. Nicholas tried out for the team last December at the Final Four in San Diego, Calif.

"This is a great opportunity in two regards," Baylor head coach Brian Hosfeld said. "First, it allows Stevie to continue to develop her game at a high level during the summer. It also is good for the program in that she will represent Baylor volleyball well. I'm confident that this will be the first of many Baylor volleyball players to have the opportunity to work with the national program."

Nicholas has been in the USA National Team pipeline for years, having played on the Junior National Team while in high school. She is expected to see time at outside hitter and at the libero position.

"This experience should really do some good for her game's development," Hosfeld said. "She will train with and compete against some tremendous athletes. Being a part of such an environment will only produce positive results."

Nicholas led Baylor to its second NCAA Tournament appearance in two years last fall. She was also an AVCA first-team all-Central Region selection.