Future Cardinals and Current Stars: Louisville Women’s Volleyball Makes Waves with USA Volleyball

The University of Louisville women’s volleyball program is riding a wave of national success this summer. Not only will Cara Cresse and Chloe Chicoine represent Team USA at the 2025 NORCECA Women’s U23 Pan-American Cup, but several incoming Cardinal commitments have earned spots in USA Volleyball’s elite National Team Development Program (NTDP), signaling a bright outlook for the program’s future.

Louisville Alumni on Team USA

Cara Cresse, a fifth-year senior middle blocker, and junior outside hitter Chloe Chicoine have both earned places on the final 12 athlete roster for the U.S. Women’s U23 National Team competing in León, Mexico from July 27 to August 1.

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Cresse brings elite blocking presence at 6 foot 6, ranked among the ACC’s top in blocks per set, and rounds out her collegiate career as a proven leader at the net. Chicoine, known for her explosive attacking, sharp vision, and consistent all-court play, has steadily risen into one of the nation’s most promising outside hitters.

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Game update: In their U23 Pan-Am Cup opener on July 27, the U.S. team swept the Dominican Republic 3–0 (27–25, 25–19, 25–21). Chloe recorded nine kills, 11 digs, and 10 receptions, making her one of the top contributors in the match.

A day later, against Suriname, Cresse scored 11 points (nine kills, two blocks) and again helped push the team to a dominant 3–0 sweep (25–10, 25–13, 25–7).

Rising Stars: Incoming Commits in NTDP

Meanwhile, Louisville’s incoming recruiting classes continue to impress:

• Elli Strecker (2026 middle blocker, Zionsville High School, Indiana)
• Jordyn Gray (2026 outside hitter, Carolina Juniors VC)
• Keilani Ledaja Brewer (2027 outside hitter, Triangle VC)
• Lizzy Bower (2027 libero, Idaho Crush VC)
• Carsyn Comer (2027 middle blocker, Munciana VC)

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All five were recently selected for participation in USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program, which begins this week and serves as a key stepping stone for athletes with national team aspirations.

Louisville’s Legacy: From Prospect to National Stage

From NTDP selections to representing the U.S. on the international court, Louisville is reinforcing a culture of excellence at every level. Cresse and Chicoine continue a tradition of Cardinals earning national team honors, echoing past successes and setting the bar for future classes.

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With alumni leading in León and the program’s future stars already training with NTDP, Louisville Volleyball is clearly becoming a national powerhouse both in NCAA competition and on the global stage.