Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com
Benson's Pro Career Off to Gold Medal Start
06/30/17 | Women's Volleyball
Amanda Benson's career as a professional volleyball player has gotten off to a tremendous start.
Just six months removed from a great senior season in which she led the Ducks to a sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, Benson has already earned a gold medal as a part of Team USA.
With former Duck great Sonja Newcombe by her side last weekend in Peru, Benson helped the United States win the Pan American Cup in the sixteenth edition of the event. Team USA finished the tournament at a perfect 7-0, defeating the Dominican Republic in the final match, to claim its record fifth Pan American Cup title.
"It was much harder than I thought," Benson said, "so I stayed home and trained and then got the call from head coach Karch Kiraly to come into the USA gym around early April. I was very blessed and thankful to have gotten that call and the opportunity to play for my country."
Not only did she get to wear the red, white and blue, but Benson played a big role in Team USA's victory last weekend. Benson was the starting libero in the championship match, and was credited with 16 excellent receptions on 24 errorless chances to go with 15 digs.
Benson, who is second all-time at Oregon in digs, enjoyed the benefit when she arrived to the USA gym of having Newcombe around. Newcombe has been very present with UO volleyball since she graduated after the 2009 season, training with the team during the summer on many occasions.
"It was really helpful to have a familiar face, and she is someone I have built a relationship with over the past couple years," said Benson. She is also someone I have been able to go to for other professional advice about agents and contracts and whatnot."
"Amanda is doing a great job integrating in the USA gym and taking opportunities that are given to her and making the most of them," said Newcombe. "She had a stellar career at Oregon and I hope that continues for her as a pro and with Team USA. Wearing the flag and representing your country is a wonderful opportunity and an honor; it's uniquely rewarding."
With the Pan American Cup title in the bag, Benson now turns her attention to another opportunity to represent the United States after being selected to play in the World Grand Prix tournament, which she will leave for next Monday.
"I am thrilled to be able to represent both the country and the University of Oregon once again at a high level tournament like this," said Benson.
The Litchfield Park, Ariz., native is also looking to sign a professional contract within the next few weeks, the next step in the evolution of what figures to be a long and fruitful pro career.
And while Benson is focused on signing a contract overseas and continuing to represent her country whenever the opportunity arises, she remains in touch with the Oregon volleyball program and will return to Eugene in August for the annual Alumni Match.
Benson also offered her thoughts on new head coach Matt Ulmer, who played a big role in her defensive development during their time together in Eugene.
"My relationship with coach Ulmer is a very strong and unique one," said Benson. "When he came to Oregon he said he was determined to take my talent and ability from an 'A' to an 'A+,' and he did just that.
"Matt is a leader and has the best interests of the girls at the top of his priority list, just as he always has. He leads in a fiery and passionate way but also has the ability to be understanding of the needs of players at the same time. He is fun to play for and he deserves this."
With a gold medal already in hand, Benson will continue her development as a professional player as she adapts to the "movement of the ball and the speed of the serves" at the highest levels. Duck fans will want to be sure to track Benson's professional progression, and will have a chance to see her live once again on August 19.
"I can't wait to get back and be a part of the Alumni Match," said Benson. "See you soon Matthew Knight Arena!"
Just six months removed from a great senior season in which she led the Ducks to a sixth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, Benson has already earned a gold medal as a part of Team USA.
With former Duck great Sonja Newcombe by her side last weekend in Peru, Benson helped the United States win the Pan American Cup in the sixteenth edition of the event. Team USA finished the tournament at a perfect 7-0, defeating the Dominican Republic in the final match, to claim its record fifth Pan American Cup title.
For Benson, who graduated from UO in December, it was a great honor being able to represent the U.S. after initially having trouble signing with a professional club overseas as a libero, Competition overseas was already in full swing when she earned her degree.#USAVwnt receiving the #PanAmCup first-place trophy after its 3-1 win over #Dominican on Sunday in Peru. pic.twitter.com/SQPVLhXDAC
— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) June 26, 2017
"It was much harder than I thought," Benson said, "so I stayed home and trained and then got the call from head coach Karch Kiraly to come into the USA gym around early April. I was very blessed and thankful to have gotten that call and the opportunity to play for my country."
Not only did she get to wear the red, white and blue, but Benson played a big role in Team USA's victory last weekend. Benson was the starting libero in the championship match, and was credited with 16 excellent receptions on 24 errorless chances to go with 15 digs.
Benson, who is second all-time at Oregon in digs, enjoyed the benefit when she arrived to the USA gym of having Newcombe around. Newcombe has been very present with UO volleyball since she graduated after the 2009 season, training with the team during the summer on many occasions.
"It was really helpful to have a familiar face, and she is someone I have built a relationship with over the past couple years," said Benson. She is also someone I have been able to go to for other professional advice about agents and contracts and whatnot."
"Amanda is doing a great job integrating in the USA gym and taking opportunities that are given to her and making the most of them," said Newcombe. "She had a stellar career at Oregon and I hope that continues for her as a pro and with Team USA. Wearing the flag and representing your country is a wonderful opportunity and an honor; it's uniquely rewarding."
With the Pan American Cup title in the bag, Benson now turns her attention to another opportunity to represent the United States after being selected to play in the World Grand Prix tournament, which she will leave for next Monday.
"I am thrilled to be able to represent both the country and the University of Oregon once again at a high level tournament like this," said Benson.
The Litchfield Park, Ariz., native is also looking to sign a professional contract within the next few weeks, the next step in the evolution of what figures to be a long and fruitful pro career.
And while Benson is focused on signing a contract overseas and continuing to represent her country whenever the opportunity arises, she remains in touch with the Oregon volleyball program and will return to Eugene in August for the annual Alumni Match.
Benson also offered her thoughts on new head coach Matt Ulmer, who played a big role in her defensive development during their time together in Eugene.
"My relationship with coach Ulmer is a very strong and unique one," said Benson. "When he came to Oregon he said he was determined to take my talent and ability from an 'A' to an 'A+,' and he did just that.
"Matt is a leader and has the best interests of the girls at the top of his priority list, just as he always has. He leads in a fiery and passionate way but also has the ability to be understanding of the needs of players at the same time. He is fun to play for and he deserves this."
With a gold medal already in hand, Benson will continue her development as a professional player as she adapts to the "movement of the ball and the speed of the serves" at the highest levels. Duck fans will want to be sure to track Benson's professional progression, and will have a chance to see her live once again on August 19.
"I can't wait to get back and be a part of the Alumni Match," said Benson. "See you soon Matthew Knight Arena!"
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