University of Tennessee Athletics
Fowler Brings Gold Medal Experience Back to Lady Vols
August 06, 2010 | Volleyball
Aug. 6, 2010
By Cameron Harris, Assistant Media Relations Director
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - While most college students were spending their summer breaks at home soaking in the sun, relaxing and enjoying their time off from school, Nikki Fowler was hard at work, helping the U.S. Women's National A2 Blue Team capture a gold medal.
Fowler, a native of Dallas, Texas, traveled with the USA A2 Blue squad to Phoenix, Ariz., from May 29-June 1, where it swept through its competition to claim the Open Division title at the USA Volleyball Open National Championships.
The USA Volleyball High Performance pipeline A2 Teams have been competing in the Open Division since 2003. Its only other championships in the event were in 2004 and 2008. The USA A2 Program is the only team with more than one Women's Open Division title in the last eight years.
Fowler will bring her gold-medal experience back to the Lady Vols as she looks to guide them to yet another strong season during her final year wearing the Orange and White. A two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American and First Team All-SEC member, Fowler begins the 2010 campaign ranked 12th on Tennessee's career kills chart with 1,256 and needs 526 to break the school record.
"Nikki is really an incredible player," UT Head Coach Rob Patrick said. "She does everything for us, passing, attacking and defending, and has for her entire career here. She has had a huge impact on our program since stepping on campus three years ago and is a difference-maker on the court in every match we play. Her experience with the U.S. Women's National A2 Team this summer has only increased her confidence and abilities and we really expect some great things out of her this season."
Tennessee will kick off its 2010 schedule August 27-28, when it hosts the eighth annual Comcast Lady Vol Classic. The Lady Vols will welcome Xavier, Chattanooga and Virginia Tech to the friendly confines of Thompson-Boling Arena for the two-day competition.
