Oregon State volleyball player Rachel Rourke will take part in the First Annual Abu Dhabi International Women’s Volleyball Championship, hosted by the Higher Organizing Committee (HOC), as a member of the Australian National Team, beginning May 21.
The 6-foot-5-inch Aussie sophomore outside hitter will have a chance to compete with some of the best 6rom around the world.
Rourke was unavailable for comment but teammates and staff boasted the great opportunity to play and compete.
“This is a great opportunity, not only for her but also for the team,” teammate Ashley Evans said. “It shows that we have players that can compete on an international level.”
Rourke is seizing this opportunity and has already left the country.
“She is definitely benefiting from the opportunity,” Laura Benzing, assistant Oregon State volleyball coach, said. “And it’s the best timing we could ask for.”
The coaching staff isn’t worried about Rourke returning to practice tired or over worked because she will return after individual workouts are complete. The Beaver volleyball team won’t begin “normal” practices until late summer. That gives Rourke plenty of time to recuperate.
“We don’t start practice until August; she will be fine,” Benzing said.
The tournament features 10 of the world’s top seeded teams divided into two groups according to their rankings, with Australia joining Italy, Holland, Egypt and Algeria. The teams in the other group are Cuba, Russia, France, Germany and Azerbaijan.
Opening ceremonies will include an exhibition match between the United Arab Emirates and a World All-Stars Team, which is composed of one member of each of the 10 participating teams.
The teams will start arriving in Abu Dhabi on May 19 and will stay at the Armed Forces Officers Club. They will train at the indoor stadium of Al Jazira Club, which is also the venue for the tournament.
During the tournament, Rourke will be reunited with former Director of Volleyball Operations, Karla McDermott. McDermott is helping coordinate the tournament and worked with Oregon State volleyball as recently as 2006.
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