May 1, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. - Catching up with volleyball standout Erica Wilson as she preps for graduation on May 9 and a trip to an invitational only tryout for the USA Women's Volleyball National Team.
Fans adored her as a leader on the court that led the 2012 squad to an NCAA Tournament appearance during her senior campaign. Behind the scenes, the aspiring model, leader, professional player has been working on her resume to get to the next step after graduation.
Catching up with Erica Wilson offered a glimpse of an exciting week she'll be having: graduating with her bachelors degree on May 9 and driving to Anaheim, Calif., less than an hour away from her hometown, to begin tryouts with USA Volleyball from May 12-24.
"Our program has always taken great pride in our academic pursuits. This year is no different. The work our athletes do in the classroom sets them apart. So its always special to see that effort culminate with graduation," ASU head volleyball coach Jason Watson said.
As a communications major, Erica has been volunteering in the media relations office, helping with social media on game day at softball. She's padded her experience off the court while waiting to see what opens up once she finishes at Arizona State.
"I believe Erica's journey here at ASU is one that I'll always remember," Watson continued. "It wasn't always easy. In fact, it was a hard four years. She persevered. She continued to push herself, our program and myself. Our success in 2012 doesn't happen without Erica. And now, after graduation, she gets an opportunity to further her volleyball career in Anaheim, with the USA National Team. She's earned this opportunity and we wish her the best with this new chapter in her life."
Catching Up With Erica: Today I received an email from Karch Kiraly the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team Head Coach. I was invited to train in Anaheim, Calif., at the American Sports Centers, where I have played many times during club volleyball to get where I am now.
I was very excited to receive an invite among many other amazing and extremely talented volleyball players. It was also a relief knowing I had some direction to where I was going after graduation - which has been very stressful.
I had been thinking of what I wanted to do after college and been dreaming and setting goals as a kid and I'm still clueless till this day. However, I am very passionate about volleyball and with prayer I received an email that would keep my passion alive. I couldn't thank God enough when I realized the opportunity that I will have starting May 13th. I will be graduating college with my bachelors in communication on May 9th and then I will depart Arizona and head back to California with my family.
The training center's location couldn't have been more perfect only being an hour away from home. I will be training with many other college graduates and professional players for two weeks and will then find out if I will continue on with the team.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I will be training as a middle once again! If I make the team, I will continue to train with them and then play in October at the World Championship in Mexico.
Although I will be leaving Arizona, I will forever be a Sun Devil and leaving to play for my county as my father did with pride while in the Marine Corps.
There is no bigger way to go out than an opportunity like this and an experience of a lifetime.
Erica Wilson #10
"Our success in 2012 doesn't happen without Erica."- @sundevilvbcoach twitter.com/SunDevilVB/sta...
-- Sun Devil Volleyball (@SunDevilVB) May 1, 2013