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Ex-Illini picked as volleyball captain for Team USA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The U.S. Women's National Team will continue its preparation to defend its FIVB World Championship with a four-match friendly exhibition tour against Brazil. Former Illinois All-American Michelle Bartsch-Hackley will serve as team captain.

Bartsch-Hackley was named MVP of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League after Team USA won gold and a $1 million prize. She'll be joined on the team by eight other former Big Ten standouts on the 14-player roster.

Team USA will open the four-match tour against Brazil on Aug. 12 in Brasilia before playing in Uberaba (Aug. 14 and Aug. 16) and Rio de Janeiro (Aug.