News

March 14, 2005 – Two-time USA Olympic libero Stacy Sykora believes the appointment of Lang Ping as the new head coach of the USA women’s Volleyball team in February is “just what the team needs.”

Sykora, who first played for the USA national team in 1999 and has over 200 international caps to her name, says the introduction of Ping in place of Toshi Yoshida, who was in charge of the USA women’s team from 2000 to 2004 is the perfect appointment.
Pic: Stacy Sykora at full stretch during the 2004 World Grand Prix
"I love her; I think she's amazing," said Sykora, selected as the Best Digger at the 2004 Olympic Games. "She brought us a style; she brought training…she's killing us, to be honest with you, but it's what we need. It's technique. She works just like Toshi; she's all about technique and it's wonderful; it's what we need...I think her hiring will be amazing for (the team)."

With a 2006 World Championship campaign and 2005 World Grand Prix tournament ahead this season, USA are looking to further build upon recent results, which saw them finish fifth at the Olympic Games in Athens and third at the 2004 World Grand Prix.