Stanford setter Shaw added to U.S. roster for World Championship

One of the nation’s top freshmen setters will join the United States roster for an international tournament.

USA Volleyball announced Thursday afternoon that Stanford setter James Shaw will be added to the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team roster for the upcoming FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship.

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In his first college season, Shaw led all freshmen and was among the nation’s leaders in 2013 averaging 10.48 assists per game. He also earned MPSF All-Freshman honors and helped Stanford reach the MPSF Tournament.

“We’re looking forward to having James’ leadership and international experience on the team,” U.S. coach and Ohio State coach Pete Hanson said in a statement released Thursday. “He’s a talented athlete and brings a lot to the table.”

Shaw will be the one of two setters on the team’s roster for the upcoming tournament, joining Pepperdine All-American setter Matt West.

Following the team’s training session earlier this summer, Shaw was initial named an alternate to the 12-man U.S. roster for the World Championship. However, Shaw was added to the final roster after U.S. National Team coach John Speraw requested to have USC All-American setter Micah Christenson moved up to train with the national team instead of compete in the tournament.

The United States qualified the World Championship after winning the NORCECA Championships last year. In addition, the United States at the last World Championship in 2011 finished in fourth place — its best finishing in the tournament’s 40-year history.

The World Championships will be a 10-day event beginning Aug. 22 in Turkey.