First off --- WOW. What can I say, the USA team blew me away with their heart. They were NOT the best team in the tournament in any area --- especially passing, backrow defense and serving ... but they had the passion and heart to find a way into the Championship game despite the adversity following their poor performances and 0-3 loss to Cuba in the prelims. Hats off to them and Ping, who really pulled the National Team together after the morale was hit after 2004. She has been a blessing for the USA.
Anyway ---
I believe Ah Mow-Santos, Berg, and Bown each said in articles by Hawaii newspapers that this would be their last Olympics.
Also, I would think it's a guarantee that Scott-Arruda is done. Perhaps not professionally, but definitely on the National Team. She's been playing for so long and she has so much heart and talent ... it's just a great to know that she finishes her amazing career with a medal after 3 tries and 2 letdowns.
Now on to speculation ...
FOR THE LIBEROS, I would think this would be Sykora's last Olympics. She's past her prime.
Davis had an OK Olympics, but was clearly one of the weakest liberos, especially early on. She did steady out and showed that she has the ability to pass and defend at a consistently solid basis (towards the end), but she was technically weak in positioning herself in the back row and reading the block.
She could be back, but the position, IMO, needs to be evaluated, big time. There are currently no other liberos listed on the National Team roster. It is IMPERATIVE that US finds a world-class libero because that position is becoming more and more defined and important every year. I think Miyashiro from Washington is a definite keeper, Cusack from Florida is another option, Richards could make a move to libero, and former players like Lee and Drury deserve another look.
IN THE MIDDLE, Joines definitely had her shining moments in the Olympics but if she chooses to play, is still not a lock for 2012. I think Akinradewo will become too much of a force that one starting spot in 2012 is her's to LOSE at this point.
Joines can definitely fill in and do well, but players like Crimes, Stalls, Harmotto could be positioning themselves for spots as well with the departure of Bown and Scott-Arruda. IMO, there aren't enough legit MB prospects right now--- but I like Harmotto. And I think Crimes has the physical abilities to excel for the National team --- but she has much, much improving to do.
FOR THE OUTSIDE AND OPPOSITE POSITIONS, I could see Haneef-Park and Tom leaving as well. Haneef-Park to settle down with her family and Tom because she's been over it since 2000 and is ready to move on now that she got her damn medal
. Haha, no really, these two have been tremendous point getters for the United States for the past 8 years, (Tom even a bit more). I think they will hang the National Team shoes before 2012.
However, I think Willoughby and Glass are pretty much locks for 2012 if they want to play. They were both rookies and the two have so much upside. IF they can improve their ball control and IF they can use their athletic ability to bomb behind the service line, these two can develop into a stellar 1-2 punch for the US.
As a fan of Nnamani, I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her to start as well, but sometimes I feel as if her backcourt game has peaked. She would be one of the deadliest outsides for the US as a blocker and hitter, but she's barred down by her liabilities in serve receive. She may be one of the top point getters, but there are definitely players coming up that can bang and can pass.
And unlike the middle and libero positions, the outside spots are LOADED with talent playing professionally or in college at this moment. Barboza, Faucette, Fawcett, Hooker, Houghtailling, Larson, Klineman, Morrison. Honestly --- just look at the All-America first and second teams from last season and you KNOW there's a pipeline.
For opposite, my personal wish is Metcalf to return. That would be an amazing story ... but that's if she decides to. She's had some tough luck on the National team. It seems she does everything right and things just go wrong come Olympic time.
Busse and Hughes are on the team right now. I think Hughes has potential, but I think the outsides currently in college have the talent and ability to become way more effective if converted to opposite than Hughes.
AT SETTER, ouch, Ah Mow-Santos AND Berg. Those are two players who may not be the best, but have the leadership and competitiveness to will a team to victories. These are two huge losses considering they've set the US the past 8+ years.
McGinnis is a favorite --- taller, more athletic, and quicker, but still with nice hands. Same can be said about Spicer. I'd say these two are the top two candidates.
I think Kehoe and Kamana'o have the ability if they decide to return.
I'm also intrigued by Glass from Penn State.
Projected Line Up? Just for fun because this year made me quite excited... ;D
OUTSIDES: Glass, Willoughby
OPPOSITES:
MIDDLES: Akinradewo, Harmotto, Joines or Crimes
SETTER: McGinnis, Spicer
LIBERO: Miyashiro, Cusack
Completely lost at outside/opposite because there are too many players to choose from. But for three spots, I'll say Kilineman, Hooker, and Hodge (the later two serving as point getters, like Nnamani did this past year).