COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. February 04, 2005 – Hugh McCutcheon has been selected to become the new head coach of the USA men’s national volleyball team, USA Volleyball announced Feb. 3.

McCutcheon takes over the position from long-time head coach Doug Beal, who resigned to become the new Chief Executive Officer of USA Volleyball.

“It is a great undertaking, obviously, but I am honored and privileged to be the coach of this team,” said McCutcheon, 35. “I am genuinely excited to work with the guys and to continue my relationship with USA Volleyball.

McCutcheon, a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, played on the New Zealand junior and senior national teams from 1988-90 before coming to the United States. He was also a member of New Zealand’s national team in 1996 and represented his country on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour in 1997.

Along with some yet-to-be announced domestic events, Team USA’s 2005 schedule features the NORCECA World Championship Qualifying Tournament from Aug. 24-28 in Puerto Rico and the NORCECA Championships from Sept. 10-16 in Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada.

The USA men will be the defending champions at the NORCECA Championships, which also serves as the qualifier for the Grand Champions Cup tournament in Japan from Nov. 22-27. The 2006 FIVB World Championships will take place in Japan from Nov. 16-Dec. 3.