Morgan Hentz Steadies Team USA Defense Through World Championship Pool Play
Team USA opened the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Thailand with a clean 3-0 record and libero Morgan Hentz at the heart of the team’s defensive efforts. Fresh off a summer competing for Team USA in the Volleyball Nations League competition, the Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball standout has carried that rhythm onto the World Championship, helping the U.S. secure a spot in the Round of 16 in Bangkok.
Hentz will return stateside this fall for the AU Pro Volleyball Championship, following a summer jam-packed with matches that have only deepened her level of international experience.
Match One: USA defeats Slovenia, 3–1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-14)
Hentz shared libero duties with Lexi Rodriguez to start the tournament, but still managed to lead the team with eight digs. She added four receptions and provided a spark late in the third set with a dig that turned into a momentum-shifting kill. That defensive edge helped Team USA regroup after dropping the second set and close out the win in four.
Match Two: USA defeats Argentina, 3–1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17)
Hentz took over the defensive responsibilities versus Argentina and responded with one of her strongest outings of the summer. She tied for the team lead with 14 digs and paced the squad with eight successful receptions. In a match where the U.S. block dominated, Hentz’s coverage behind the net provided more opportunities for her hitters and allowed the front line to stay aggressive.
Match Three: USA defeats Czechia, 3–0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-15)
In the pool play finale, Hentz once again led the defense with 10 digs and six receptions. Her role was especially critical to the team’s success in the opening set, when Czechia jumped to an early lead. Her ability to keep attacks off the floor slowed Czechia’s momentum and bought the U.S. time to adjust before taking control of the match. From there, the Americans never looked back, sweeping their way into the knockout stage.
Looking Ahead
For Hentz, this summer has been a continuation of a busy stretch representing the United States on the international stage. After helping Team USA through the grind of the Volleyball Nations League, she’s now playing a key role in the World Championship push. And when the dust settles in Thailand, she’ll be back on the court this fall for the AU Pro Volleyball Championship, bringing that same steady defensive presence to a different spotlight.
The Round of 16 for the World Championship begins Aug. 29 in Bangkok, with Team USA’s opponent still to be determined.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
