Penn State lands former member of U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team

A former member of the U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team has officially committed to play for Penn State beginning in 2015.

Penn State coach Mark Pavlik announced Thursday that high school senior Lee Smith has signed a national letter of intent with the Nittany Lions.

Smith — a 6-foot-6 outside attacker from Sewickly, Pa. — was on the U.S. training roster for the 2013 FIVB U19 Youth World Championship earlier this summer and competed with the United States during the 2012 NORCECA championships. Along with his international playing experience, Smith has earned high school all-conference honors three times and helped lead Ambridge Area High School to the championship match of the Pennsylvania state tournament last season.

Pavlik said in a statement he likes the addition of Smith because of the recruit’s physical attributes and his track record of winning at every level his played volleyball.

“His skills in hitting and blocking will aid him as he develops at the collegiate level,” Pavlik said. “He is a competitor who has been successful at every level in which he has been involved and I am sure that will continue as a Nittany Lion.”

Penn State is the first EIVA school to unveil its recruiting class during the early signing period that started last week.

The Nittany Lions ended last season winning their 15th consecutive EIVA championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament semifinals.