Lindenwood University men's volleyball outside hitter Diego Negron has been selected to compete for Puerto Rico, his home country, in the 2021 NORCECA Men's Pan-American Volleyball Cup in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from September 1-10.

The event, which was founded in 2006, originally featured only NORCECA teams and served as a qualifier for World League and the America's Cup. Now, the event also features CSV teams and serves as an American qualifier for the Pan American Games.

"This opportunity represents many things to me," said Negron. "First, it gives me the chance to give back and represent my country, one that has gone through a lot and deserves so much. Second, it is a way to give back to my parents. They have done everything to support me and for them to watch me play at this level would mean the world to them. Last, but not least, it will give me experience that will help me with my number one priority at the moment, which is my time left at Lindenwood and the men's volleyball team."

Negron, who has collected first-team and second-team All-MIVA honors the last two seasons competing for the Lions, will make his inaugural appearance at the Pan-American Volleyball Cup. A two-time Academic All-MIVA honoree, Negron tallied a career-best 197 kills, 52 assists, 28 service aces, and 107 digs in the 2021 season.

"I think this is a great opportunity for Diego to represent his country," said head coach Joe Kosciw. "Hearing his story of what he went through to get here a few years ago, I know he takes a lot of pride in representing where he comes from. He has also worked really hard during his time here and it is awesome to see that paying off for him in representing Lindenwood University and Puerto Rico at the highest level."

At the 2021 Men's Pan-American Cup, the Final Six is the first stage of competition for the qualification to the 2023 NORCECA Continental Championship and the Pan-American Games that will be in Santiago, Chile in 2023. Training begins on Sept. 2 with competition starting Sept 3. The qualification and semifinal round begins on Sept. 8. The six teams participating are Dominican Republic (host), Puerto Rico, Cuba, USA, Canada, and Mexico.

FOLLOW ALONG
For more information on Lindenwood men's volleyball, follow us on Twitter at @lindenwoodMVB and on Instagram at @lindenwoodmvb.