Mizzou Libero joins USA Volleyball's U23 National Team: The Buzz

Originally posted on Missouri Tigers on SI
By Brady Shanahan | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 1:00 AM ET

Team USA extended an invitation to Mizzou standout Libero, Maya Sands, to join the U23 team in preparation for the 2025 NORCECA Pan-American Cup in Leon, Mexico.

The two-time SEC Libero of the Year, Sands, captained the Tigers to a 22-9 record in 2024, their best record since 2019, when they went 22-8. Sands' efforts helped Mizzou to a Sweet Sixteen run in the NCAA Volleyball National Tournament. The highlight of the Tigers' tournament was a second-round 3-1 series victory over No. 2 seed SMU in which Sands recorded a game-high 14 digs.

During her collegiate career, Sands has amassed a remarkable 1,489 career digs, including leading the Tigers with 542 and 535 digs in 2023 and 2024, respectively. She approaches her senior year with the Tigers, boasting Preseason All-SEC honors, with plenty left to accomplish, but first, Sands has the opportunity to represent her country.

Mizzou ➡️ USA National Team

Good luck to Two-Time SEC Libero of the Year, Maya Sands as she joins the U23 National Team

: https://t.co/XDZYj3C8Dk #MIZ | #LoveFamilyGrit pic.twitter.com/GN2bQO8c2k
— Mizzou Volleyball (@MizzouVB) July 18, 2025

Sands' stellar play has drawn the attention of U23 coach and DePaul head coach Marie Zidek, who will instruct 17 other athletes alongside Sands as Team USA gears up for competition in Mexico from July 25 to August 2.

The star libero will return to suit up for the Tigers as the 2025 Mizzou Women's Volleyball season kicks off against Stanford on Sep. 9 in Columbia.

Did you notice?

Former Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III signed his rookie deal with the Chicago Bears, cashing a fully-guaranteed deal. All rookies for the Bears report for training camp Saturday.

Chicago Bears reached agreement today with second-round pick WR Luther Burden III on a fully-guaranteed, $10.965 million contract, marking the first time in NFL history that the 39th pick has secured a fully-guaranteed deal, per the @WINSportsGroup. pic.twitter.com/NuMzmRo0IL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 18, 2025

Former Mizzou wrestler, Hall of Famer and MMA legend Ben Askren provided his most recent health update as he is a week removed from a double lung transplant procedure after a scary battle with pneumonia and infection. Friday marked Askren's 41st birthday, and he shared that he hopes to be released from the hospital soon.

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Mizzou basketball head coach Dennis Gates welcomed YouTuber star All Hail Cullen to join the Tigers' coaching staff and spend a day in his shoes. A behind-the-scenes look into the offseason grind at Mizzou will be featured on Cullen's YouTube channel at 12 p.m. on Sunday.

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Countdown to Mizzou Football's 2025 Football Season Opener:

Mizzou Quote of the Day

"He would get his DVD cutups and joke that he was going to use them as coasters when he got home. That was Justin. Everyone knew he didn't have to know everything, because he was going to go out there and play hard and make plays anyway.”John Thornton on Justin Smith