Friend to remain head coach of U.S. Men’s Junior National Team

Dan Friend following a bronze-medal finish at one of the premier international tournaments will continue to be head coach of the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team next year.

USA Volleyball announced Monday afternoon that it will retain the Lewis head coach for the 2015 U-21 Pan American Cup.

Friend guided the United States this summer to third place at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship, and the team narrowly missed an automatic berth to the 2015 FIVB U21 World Championship. Despite not making the World Championship, the United States will have an opportunity to try to win the country’s first gold medal at the Pan American Cup since 2009.

Along with his U.S. coaching experience, Friend led Lewis to NCAA Tournament berths twice in the last three years. The Flyers last season also became the second non-West Coast team to earn an at-large bid in NCAA Tournament history.

Princeton coach Sam Shweisky and Penn State assist coach Jay Hosack will continue to be the assist coaches for the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team. Both coaches served on Friend’s staff for NORCECA tournament.

“I’m excited to return as the head coach for the Men’s Junior National Team,” Friend said in a statement released. “It is always a great opportunity to represent USA Volleyball and get to work with some of the most talented players in the country. I will also be joined by Jay Hosack and Sam Shweisky; two great guys and great coaches.  When you get to return the full staff it is really good for the overall team chemistry and the quick development of a team.”

USA Volleyball also announced Monday that Stanford associate head coach Ken Shibuya would remain the head coach for the U.S. Boys Youth National Team.

The U.S. Boys Youth National Team earlier this year won the NORCECA U19 Continental Championships and qualified for the 2015 FIVB Boys Youth U19 World Championship.

A date and host site for that World Championship has yet to be announced.