University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Three Panthers Selected for the U.S. Women's National Team Collegiate Training
2/18/2026 3:30:00 PM | Volleyball
PITTSBURGH – Blaire Bayless, Abbey Emch and January enrollee Ayanna Watson have been selected for the U.S. Women's National Team Collegiate Training at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs from Feb. 19-22. The Women's National Team Collegiate Training (WNTCT) serves as a high-level development opportunity, allowing athletes to train and compete in a national team environment while being assessed by Women's National Team staff.
Bayless had a breakout year in her junior campaign, being named a Second Team All-ACC performer and AVCA East Coast Region Team member. She recorded a career-high 318 kills, 115 digs, 58 blocks and 16 assists as an outside hitter, helping Pitt reach its fifth consecutive National Semifinal. Bayless hit an efficient .296 for the season and recorded a personal-best 16 kills in the victory over Georgia Tech. Bayless is no stranger to the USA Volleyball pipeline, having been selected to the U21 National Team after the Open Program last year that won gold at the Pan Am Cup.
Emch finished a strong rookie season in 2025, racking up 76 blocks and 74 kills while hitting .488. She was tabbed the ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 blocks in the regular season finale against Georgia Tech. Emch took home a silver medal with the U19 National Team at World Championships last year.
Watson brings an extensive resume with her to Pittsburgh. She is a two-time Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year and the reigning Under Armour Next MVP. The 2024 Prep Volleyball Player of the Year was also a member of last year's U19 National Team.
