University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Stella Swenson Named to USA U21 Team
7/22/2025 10:25:00 AM | Volleyball
The team will begin action tonight in Costa Rica
MINNEAPOLIS — USA Volleyball has announced the 12 athletes chosen to represent the United States at the 2025 NORCECA Women's U21 Pan American Cup, July 22–27, in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Included in that group is Gophers redshirt freshman setter Stella Swenson. Swenson redshirted in her first year on campus in 2024 to develop behind redshirt senior Melani Shaffmaster. She is set to take on the starting role for Minnesota in 2025.
The 12 athletes were chosen from the 18 members of the Women's U21 National Team who participated in a training block from July 13-19 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
BYU women's head coach Heather Olmstead is leading the team in Costa Rica, assisted by TCU's Keith Smith and Olympian Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State).
The team features nine athletes with previous age-group national team experience for the U.S. The three newcomers are setter Stella Swenson, opposite Jadyn Livings and setter Taylor Parks. All three have been part of the NTDP Training Series.
2025 Women's U21 National Team for U21 Pan American Cup
Name (Pos., Height, Birth Year, Hometown, School, USAV Region)
1 Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Stanford University, Columbia Empire)
4 Blaire Bayless (OH, 6-2, 2005, Plano, Texas, University of Pittsburgh, North Texas)
5 Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-3, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
6 Ayden Ames (MB, 6-4, 2006, Prosper, Texas, University of Texas, North Texas)
7C Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)
8 Stella Swenson (S, 6-2, 2005, Wayzata, Minn., University of Minnesota, North Country)
11 Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., University of Texas, Hoosier)
12 Noemie Glover (OPP, 6-2, 2005, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Arizona State University, Southern California)
13 Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)
14 Jadyn Livings (OPP/OH, 6-1, 2006, Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University, North Texas)
16 Taylor Parks (S, 5-11, 2006, Clearwater, Fla., University of Florida, Florida)
19 Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., University of Texas, Great Lakes)
Coaches
Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)
Assistant Coach: Keith Smith (TCU)
Assistant Coach: Megan Hodge Easy (Penn State)
Performance Analyst: Jimmy Kim (NTDP)
Athletic Trainer: Britta Pestak (Hawken School/University Hospital)
Team Lead: Kyle Thompson (Maryland)
Schedule
All times Central (Match Streams Linked)
July 22: USA vs. Canada, 6 p.m.
July 23: USA vs. Puerto Rico, 4 p.m.
July 24: USA vs. Chile, 6 p.m.
July 25: Quarterfinals
July 26: Semifinals
July 27: Medal Matches