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U High grad Nnamani helps U.S. volleyball qualify for 2008 Olympics
By Randy Sharer
rsharer@pantagraph.com
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University High School graduate Ogonna Nnamani of Normal helped the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games with a third-place finish at the recent FIVB World Cup in Japan.

Nnamani started 15 of 18 sets and averaged 2.44 points per set. She averaged 2.11 kills per set while hitting .282. She tallied a personal-best 12 points against Poland on Nov. 4.

“We all feel so relieved,” Nnamani said. “To qualify is certainly not an easy task. We no longer have that crazy homework assignment hanging over our heads.”

The U.S., ranked eighth in the world, was the fifth highest ranked squad in the World Cup. Its tournament results lifted that ranking to No. 4.

“It was a total team effort,” Nnamani said. “Everyone was on the same page. The whole team was willing to work hard and do whatever it took to be successful at the hardest tournament of the quadrennial.”

The U.S. won its first eight matches including a five-setter over eventual runner-up Brazil in which the U.S. lost the first two sets. The U.S. clinched its Olympic berth in the penultimate day of the 15-day, 11-match tournament win a win over Japan. The U.S., which finished 9-2, missed a chance to tie for first on the final day because of a 3-0 loss to tournament champion Italy.

Nnamani finished the season having played 53 sets for the national team in three tournaments. She averaged 3.08 points, 2.55 kills and 0.34 blocks per set while hitting .274. She will now take a break from training.

“I am fortunate to have made a lot of steps in the right direction this year,” she said. “I hope to continue to improve, get stronger and continue to collect more experiences that will help me when it counts.”

Get area high school sports scores and statistics at Varsity Sports.

Take a look
China's Feng Kun (2) and Zhang Ping (18) try to block a shot from the USA's Ogonna Nnamani during their preliminary round match at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens Saturday Aug. 14, 2004. China won 25-21, 23-25, 25-22, 25-18. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
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Reader comments on this story - 5 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Friend... wrote on Nov 28, 2007 2:57 PM:

" Gun is as classy as it get's. She is a female athlete that represents so many strong qualities. She encourages our younger generations to strive for their dreams, get an education, and make God your first and family your second. She is a genuine person who truely lives everyday to the fullest. Gun deserves all the forture she has worked for. I couldn't have chosen a better representative for an athlete and a better friend. Good luck in all your endevors! "

You know wrote on Nov 28, 2007 7:54 AM:

" She was always one of the most fun people I played against. I know her personally, and she was just an awesome person- played hard, wanted everyone on both sides of the net to play hard, and just loved the game. And she is a class act!!! "

We love her! wrote on Nov 28, 2007 6:14 AM:

" Way to go Ogunna. We just love you. This shows young people what hard work can do. You represent this area well. Keep up the good work." "

Coach wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:42 AM:

" She is about as classy as they come. We are very fortunate someone like her is from the area. "

02' UHS Grad wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:19 AM:

" Way to go GUN.....you make us Pioneers PROUD!!! "
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