NEWS REPORT: From Tampa’s Prime Libero to the Global Stage: Incoming Florida Gator Star Lily Hayes Heads to FIVB U19 World Championships in Epic Opportunity That Signals Florida Volleyball’s Rise on the International Stage

NEWS REPORT: From Tampa’s Prime Libero to the Global Stage: Incoming Florida Gator Star Lily Hayes Heads to FIVB U19 World Championships in Epic Opportunity That Signals Florida Volleyball’s Rise on the International Stage

 

GAINESVILLE, FL — July 3, 2025 — The University of Florida volleyball program is making waves beyond NCAA competition: Lily Hayes, an incoming freshman libero and defensive specialist for the Gators, has been selected for the 2025 FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championships, earning a coveted spot on Team USA’s 12-player roster. The announcement marks a milestone both for the young athlete and for Florida’s volleyball culture, as fans celebrate another sign of the program’s expanding reach and excellence.

 

 

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Hayes Earns National Honors, Following Rigorous Selection to Team USA

 

Lily Hayes was one of only three liberos included in the initial 19-player selection camp held in Colorado Springs from June 1–7, where Team USA coaches evaluated the country’s top junior talent. Hayes impressed with her quick reflexes, leadership, and defensive insight—qualities that earned her a final roster spot. She then continued intensive training in the Netherlands from June 26–30, cementing her place in the squad heading into competition in Croatia and Serbia .

 

 

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The Road Ahead: Osijek and Vrnjacka Banja Await

 

The 2025 FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championships run from July 2–13, with initial matches taking place in Osijek, Croatia, and concluding in Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia .

 

Pool C group includes powerhouse teams: Team USA, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Poland, Peru, and Spain.

 

The U.S. aims to defend its 2023 championship by emerging among the top four in the pool to advance to the knockout “eighth-final” stage on July 8 .

 

From there, teams will vie through quarterfinals on July 11, semifinals on July 12, and medal matches on July 13 .

 

 

Matches will stream live on VBTV, with detailed coverage available via USA Volleyball’s official website .

 

 

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What This Means for Hayes and the Gators

 

For Lily Hayes, earning a place on Team USA’s U19 squad is a tremendous achievement. Standing at 5-foot-9, she has rapidly developed a reputation for elite ball control, defensive instincts, and leadership—attributes essential for a libero at the international level .

 

Her performance against teams like Spain and Poland will be closely watched, and strong play could position her as a standout defensively, both for the U.S. and for Florida.

 

 

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A Homegrown Star with Roots in Tampa’s Berkeley Prep

 

Lily is a proud product of Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, where she cultivated her craft and earned top national rankings—most notably as the No. 1 libero in the Class of 2025 according to Prep Dig and other scouting services . She also excelled with club team OTVA Tampa, helping her earn a place on the 2025 USA Volleyball Girls U19 National Training Program roster .

 

Her volleyball pedigree reaches further: her mother, Nel Hayes, was a standout on the U.S. U20 Women’s Soccer Team and competed professionally—imparting athleticism and competitive drive that Lily now channels on the volleyball court .

 

 

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Florida Volleyball: A Program on the Rise

 

Lily Hayes’s selection for the U19 World Championships underscores the Florida Gators’ growing prestige on the international stage. With her scheduled enrollment this fall, the program’s horizon continues to expand. Her experience abroad will not only enhance her defensive capabilities but also bring a global perspective and maturity to Florida’s roster.

 

 

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Gator Nation Cheering Her On

 

The Jacksonville-native’s journey is already gathering support from fans and teammates. Social media buzz around #GatorVolleyball and #HayesOnTheRise reflects the enthusiasm and pride pouring in from Gainesville.

 

As USA Volleyball releases match stats and updates throughout the tournament, expects insights on how Hayes is performing against the world’s best—all while preparing academically and athletically for her first season with the Florida Gators.

 

 

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Looking Ahead

 

Upon returning from Europe, Lily will join Florida’s fall lineup—not only aiming for collegiate success, but equipped with the confidence and international experience few freshman liberos possess.

 

If her U19 World Championship performance goes well, Gator fans could be witnessing the emergence of one of the finest defensive players in NCAA today. And for a program growing under new