IU volleyball player Ashley Benson check-marks U.S. National Team

Most athletes could only dream of playing with some of the best players in the country.

IU senior middle blocker Ashley Benson was selected in March to play for the 2010 U.S. Women’s National A2 Team. The selection marked the second consecutive year
Benson has qualified for the squad of 24 players from 18 different collegiate programs. 

“I am a hard worker that is very coachable,” Benson said. “I drive to become better each season.”

That work ethic has resulted in earning Third Team All-America honors in addition to being selected to the A2 squad.

However, Benson did not participate in A2 this year because the IU volleyball team spent 12 days in Europe playing six matches against top squads from Italy, Maribor and the Czech Republic.

Benson expressed an interest in playing in Europe at the professional level like many top American volleyball players.

“In a couple of years, I’d like to play professionally in Europe, like playing in Italy,” Benson said.

Had Benson not gone to Europe, she would have competed in the Open Division of the 2010 USA Open National Championships in Phoenix, which began May 29 and ended June 1.

Dunbar said although Benson is playing like one of the top players in the country, she might not reach her full potential until after college.

Benson said she has grown throughout her four years with the Hoosiers and has become a more versatile player on the court.

“I’ve realized as a middle I can do a lot more things than what I did freshman year,” Benson said. “I can make the team better, being more defensive.”

Benson said she continues her goals to keep getting better and make the team better.

“Her motivations are to become a First Team All-American and take the team to the NCAA Tournament before she leaves school,” Dunbar said.