USC’s Ferguson named new head coach of U.S. Men’s Junior National Team

Add one more coaching honor to the resume of USC coach Bill Ferguson.

USA Volleyball announced recently that Ferguson was hired to be the head coach of the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team for the upcoming NORCECA Championships later this year.

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Ferguson in his nine seasons with the Trojans guided the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two conference championships. In addition, USC has reached the postseason in all but two seasons since Ferguson took over the program.

Along with is college coaching experience, Ferguson was the head coach of the USA Volleyball Men’s Junior National A2 teams in 2012 and served as assistant coach with the U.S. Boys’ Youth National Team from 2000-01.

Ferguson while coaching the U.S. Men’s Junior Team will also maintain his coaching position at USC. This dual coaching responsibility has traditionally been used by recent coaches of the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team with the international tournaments taking place during the college men’s volleyball off-seson.

The 2014 NORCECA Championships will be held July 27 to Aug. 4 in El Salvador. The top three teams from this continental tournament will also qualify from the 2015 FIVB U-21 World Championship.

The United States under Ohio State coach Pete Hanson won the gold medal at last NORCECA Championships in 2012 and finished in 11th place at the World Championship in September.

The U.S. Men’s Junior National Team roster is typically comprised of college freshman and sophomores along with high school recruits. In addition, the initial roster for the NORCECA Championships is not expected to be officially released until the summer.