Prior to Ella May heading off with the U.S. Junior National Team, she also took part in the U.S. Collegiate National Team - Anaheim program back in June. A roster of 28 current collegiate players was chosen to train at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim from June 23-29. This was the second straight year on the CNT for Sanders, and the first for Drechsel and Powell.
Here is what Samantha had to say about the experience:
"We were there a week and got to watch the Women's National Team a bunch and had two practices a day. They'd take us to dinner afterwards and then repeat the next day. At the end we had an exhibition scrimmage between a Blue and a Red team and played five sets."
"It was super cool getting to play with a bunch of girls all across the country and see how good players from every team can come together and play together and figure it out."
"It was definitely nice having Ella there setting me, I'm high-fiving Lauren when we're on the same side of the court, so that helped out my comfort level."
"It was cool to learn from Karch Kiraly, the national team coach, because he would come talk to us. The coaches running our courts were from other schools so it was interesting to hear some of the same things I'd hear at UW mixed in with some different perspectives."