Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
The USC women's volleyball team is fresh off back-to-back NCAA semifinal appearances and the Women of Troy are looking to earn the program's first national title since 2003. Without the 2011 PAC-12 Player of the Year Alex Jupiter, USC will rest its championship dreams upon the shoulders of a true freshman outside hitter, Samantha Bricio.
Bricio hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, and although she is just 17, she has already accumulated an impressive resume. At 16, Bricio played on Mexico's Senior National Team, the youngest player to do so. She also led Mexico's Youth National Team to a silver medal at the 2010 NORCECA Youth Championships as well as earning MVP honors. Bricio has also earned Best Scorer awards at both the Youth Pan-American Cup and the Junior Pan-American Cup.
Though just 14 games into the 2012 season, the 6'1" outside hitter has already made quite an impact within the USC volleyball program.
"I think it is a lot different playing here [at USC] because I am playing with people that are my same age," Bricio said. "I feel more comfortable although I am still adjusting to playing with a new team."
Bricio has already earned back-to-back PAC-12 Freshman of the Week honors. Her second nomination came following her play at the Luxe City Trojan Invitational in which she was also named to the all-tournament team.
The USC women's volleyball team is fresh off back-to-back NCAA semifinal appearances and the Women of Troy are looking to earn the program's first national title since 2003. Without the 2011 PAC-12 Player of the Year Alex Jupiter, USC will rest its championship dreams upon the shoulders of a true freshman outside hitter, Samantha Bricio.
Bricio hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, and although she is just 17, she has already accumulated an impressive resume. At 16, Bricio played on Mexico's Senior National Team, the youngest player to do so. She also led Mexico's Youth National Team to a silver medal at the 2010 NORCECA Youth Championships as well as earning MVP honors. Bricio has also earned Best Scorer awards at both the Youth Pan-American Cup and the Junior Pan-American Cup.Though just 14 games into the 2012 season, the 6'1" outside hitter has already made quite an impact within the USC volleyball program.
"I think it is a lot different playing here [at USC] because I am playing with people that are my same age," Bricio said. "I feel more comfortable although I am still adjusting to playing with a new team."
Bricio has already earned back-to-back PAC-12 Freshman of the Week honors. Her second nomination came following her play at the Luxe City Trojan Invitational in which she was also named to the all-tournament team.
Despite already making a huge impact so early in the season, Bricio remains humble and fixed upon the remainder of the 2012 season. "I am honored by that [PAC 12 Freshman of the Week] but I am focusing on practicing hard and getting better each week," Bricio said.
Last week, Bricio led the No. 2 ranked Trojans in their 3-1 victory over top-ranked UCLA. Bricio tallied 19 kills against the Bruins in addition to three service aces. Bricio's performance even wowed head coach Mick Haley. "Samantha Bricio is the real deal," Haley said.
"I was pretty nervous going into that game but I was excited too," Bricio said. "It feels great to have won but I am still understanding the rivalry between USC and UCLA."
Samantha Bricio may be just what the Women of Troy need in order to win the program's fourth NCAA championship.
Bricio and the Women of Troy will venture to Washington and Washington State this weekend. USC is currently 13-1, 1-1 in conference play.
Last week, Bricio led the No. 2 ranked Trojans in their 3-1 victory over top-ranked UCLA. Bricio tallied 19 kills against the Bruins in addition to three service aces. Bricio's performance even wowed head coach Mick Haley. "Samantha Bricio is the real deal," Haley said.
"I was pretty nervous going into that game but I was excited too," Bricio said. "It feels great to have won but I am still understanding the rivalry between USC and UCLA."
Samantha Bricio may be just what the Women of Troy need in order to win the program's fourth NCAA championship.
Bricio and the Women of Troy will venture to Washington and Washington State this weekend. USC is currently 13-1, 1-1 in conference play.
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