USA strikes U19 gold!

KINGSTON, Ontario, June 28, 2025.-  USA swept Mexico to claim gold at the U19 Girls’ Pan American Cup at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Despite the determination of the Mexican side, the powerful young U.S. squad won the final 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-21).

Head coach of USA, Jamie Morrison, said: “It’s a young team and we set the goal of getting better every single day that we are here and I thought we did that. All 12 players contributed to us getting into this match. I’m proud that it’s their first gold medal in a USA uniform and the rest of the country should be proud of them too.”

The USA came out swinging and earned 48 points off attack, compared with 24 from Mexico. USA also had more blocking points (11-8). Mexico led in aces 9-5 and made fewer errors (11-23).

Top scorer of the match was 14-year-old outside hitter Kari Knotts with 24 points (19 kills, 2 blocks, 3 aces).

Naomi Alejandra Cruz led Mexico with 8 points.

Host Canada won the bronze match over Dominican Republic. 

Next up for this age-class, the FIVB U19 Girls’ World Championship in Serbia and Croatia in July.

2025 U19 Pan Am Cup Ranking

1.           USA

2.           Mexico

3.           Canada

4.           Dominican Republic

5.           Venezuela

6.           Puerto Rico

7.           Costa Rica