COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Carly Beddingfield, a junior-to-be on the University of New Mexico volleyball team, has been selected to compete with the 2017 Mountain West All-Star Women’s Volleyball Team.
The team will compete in the 2017 European Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia, from July 10-15, facing off against junior national and club teams from throughout Europe. It’s the fourth straight year the Lobos have been represented on the team.
“The Mountain West All-Star trip to Europe is a great yearly event for our conference and a great opportunity for the players selected,” New Mexico head coach Jeff Nelson said. “I am thrilled that Carly will have this experience and know it will be a highlight for her.”
Last season, juniors-to-be Victoria Spragg and Carson Heilborn competed with the team, while recent UNM graduates Julia Warren and Devanne Sours participated in 2015 with Nelson coaching the team. In 2014, Warren, Cassie House and assistant coach JJ Glavan made the trip.
Beddingfield, originally from Albuquerque, just wrapped up her first semester at New Mexico after three semesters at Long Beach State. The 6-foot-2 outside hitter had a productive beach volleyball season for the Lobos this spring, posting a 6-2 record from the No. 4 position en route to a 7-9 record overall.
At Long Beach State, Beddingfield started 22 matches during her freshman year, with nine double-digit kill performances. During her sophomore campaign, she played in 10 matches.
The 12 Mountain West student-athletes that make up the team will travel to Maribor, Slovenia, for several days of training sessions and friendly matches against national teams from the region.
This year’s squad includes two setters, one libero, three middle blockers and six outside/opposite hitters from nine of the 11 MW member institutions. Five of those players were 2016 All-Mountain West selections.
San Diego State’s volleyball coach Deitre Collins-Parker will coach the team along with Utah State assistant Sammi Stuart and Nevada assistant Megan Burton.
“The teams have done very well in the past and our athletes have had amazing experiences,” Nelson said. “I would like to congratulate all the players selected and wish them much success.”
Bring It Promotions, under the ownership of Tim Kelly, is managing the Mountain West all-star trip and has been running the Global Challenge tournament for 13 years. BIP has been coordinating overseas University tours since 1997.
The last three Mountain West squads have each placed third in the Brijuni Division at the Global Challenge.
Fans can follow @UNMVolley on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!