Kaitlyn Nortz to compete overseas in volleyball tournament

GREENSBORO, NC – Kaitlyn Nortz, a freshman on the UNC Greensboro women’s volleyball team has been selected to compete in the DKV International Volleyball Tournament in Groningen, Netherlands from June 5-14, 2006.

The coaches for the event will be Nancy Mueller of the University of Illinois at Chicago and Sherry Dunbar of the College of Charleston. Each coach will have a team comprised of nine athletes. Three other Southern Conference players will join Nortz, Marie Dobrenz and Alexis Lowes of Charleston and Jenna Dykstra of Davidson.

"I think it is fantastic that Kaitlyn is being recognized and rewarded for her abilities and hard work,” said UNCG head coach Shawn Garus. “This will be a wonderful experience for her to travel, train and compete with other highly-skilled athletes, while gaining international experience. I am really excited for her."

With the exception of the United States Olympic program, there are few opportunities for athletes to experience the competition, history and culture of other countries on an international level.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to travel to Holland and get some international playing experience,” explained Nortz. “I'm really looking forward to meeting new people and learning about the Dutch culture."

Nortz enjoyed a fine freshman campaign in which she started all but one of the Spartans 31 matches, while seeing time in all 115 games in 2005. She finished second on the team with 268 kills and 2.33 kills per game. In addition, she led the club with 121 blocks, which tied her for the fourth highest total in school history.

- UNCG -