Igiede Shines Bright in U.S. Roster for VNL Opening Week
Colorado Springs Welcomes New Talent
Former University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball sensation, Amber Igiede, has officially made her mark by being named to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the highly anticipated opening week of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL). This announcement came on Friday, showcasing the promising future of Igiede, who is ready to showcase her skills on the international stage.
Upcoming Excitement in Rio de Janeiro
Set to unfold June 4-8 in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the VNL promises thrilling matchups as the U.S. squad kicks off its campaign against formidable contenders. Their schedule includes:
- June 4: vs. Italy
- June 5: vs. Brazil
- June 6: vs. Czechia
- June 8: vs. Korea
Fans can catch all the action live on VBTV, ensuring that supporters won’t miss a moment of this exhilarating competition.
A Debut to Remember
This marks Igiede’s debut in the VNL, an annual tournament featuring the world’s top 18 volleyball teams. Among the 14 players chosen for this journey, she stands out as one of only four middle blockers. Her selection is a testament to her talent and hard work, especially after making it through an initial roster of 30 players—a list that included eight middle blockers.
Tournament Structure and Progression
The VNL kicks off with three weeks of preliminary matches, with teams competing in four matches each week. Following the thrilling action in Brazil, the tournament will continue in Belgrade, Serbia from June 18-22, and then transition to Arlington, Texas from July 9-13. The top eight teams will have the honor of advancing to the final round set for July 23-27 in Łódź, Poland.
Amber Igiede’s Impressive Background
Amber Igiede is no stranger to accolades. A two-time AVCA All-America third-team selection in 2022 and 2023, she has been named to the All-Big West first team each year during her tenure with the Rainbow Wahine. Her exceptional talent was evident when she played for the USA Volleyball Women’s Collegiate Team in 2022, leading to a silver medal at the NORCECA Pan American Cup in Mexico in 2024.
Beyond her collegiate success, Igiede showcased her skills in the professional arena, playing for LOVB Houston in League One Volleyball this past season. Her performance earned her a prestigious spot on the 2025 LOVB Icons first team, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the sport.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright
As Amber Igiede steps onto the international stage, fans can look forward to an exciting and promising performance in the VNL. Her journey from the Rainbow Wahine to the world stage is a powerful reminder of the talent coming out of collegiate volleyball, and we eagerly anticipate what she will achieve in this incredible opportunity.
For detailed updates and more information about the VNL and the U.S. Women’s National Team, visit the official USA Volleyball Press Release.
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Stay tuned for updates and cheer on our talented athletes!
