WMU News

Whitfield joins pro volleyball league

Jan. 14, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University senior Mandy Whitfield (Comstock, Mich.) has been selected to the United States Professional Volleyball "Dream Team" roster.

The USPV team includes 14 former All-Americans and 24 all-conference volleyball players. Each USPV player receives full benefits and workers compensation in addition to a salary.

The USPV team is coached by Arie Selinger. The team trains 30 hours per week in preparation for the Millennium Cup, an international round robin tournament taking place in three Midwestern cities. The championship will be held May 13 at All State Arena in Chicago. The USPV inaugural season is scheduled to begin in January 2001 with six to 10 teams in select cities throughout the Midwest. The season will run from January-April.

"These athletes represent the top college players in the U.S. and are critical as we prepare for the Millennium Cup in May 2000 and the launch of the league in January 2001," Selinger said. "All these young women are committed to making a future for volleyball in this country."

A 1999 First Team All-Mid-American Conference and MAC All-Tournament pick, Whitfield concluded her collegiate career No. 5 on WMU's career kills list (1,241) despite playing just three seasons at Western Michigan after transferring from Kansas State in 1997. She ranks sixth in program history in career digs with 822. Whitfield established a school record with 27 digs against Kent in the 1999 MAC Tournament.

Media contact: Geoff Brown; 616 387-4138; geoffrey.brown@wmich.edu


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