GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, November 10, 2016 - Former USA player Stacy Sykora is currently conducting several workshops for the women's national teams of Guatemala from November 7 to November 11.

Sykora, who recently was appointed as assistant coach of the U-18 USA Girls' Team that recently competed at the age-group NORCECA Continental Championship in Puerto Rico, was approached by a group of parents of the Guatemala's team interested in her coaching experience to conduct a clinics for the team.

With private funding, as well as the approval of Guatemala's National Volleyball Federation, Stacy arrived in the Central American country for several workshops for coaches and players who are preparing for international events.

Sykora was a member of the USA women's national team in three Olympic Games, winning a silver Olympic medal in Beijing 2008. She also won the gold medal in the 2001 and 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix and played in numerous international competitions. She was awarded as the best libero and defense of the world and after retiring she decided to share her vast experience with the new generations of volleyball players.

"I wish to contribute to the growth of volleyball around the world. I consider having much to teach and also to learn. After suffering a devastating accident I was forced to retire, but now my live has more meaning and I am privileged and grateful to be alive, that is why I want to pass on my volleyball knowledge to new generations; every time USA Volleyball asks for my support, I am pleased to do so. When the opportunity came to be here in Guatemala, I didn't hesitate to meet so wonderful players and people involved in volleyball".

On the occasion of her visit to Guatemala, she is joined by Denise Sheldon, Manager of the high Performance Indoor National Programs of USA Volleyball, who on behalf of her federation, gave a donation of 24 Molten balls and cd's with valuable information of their development department to Guatemala's Volleyball National Federation.

"Our objective in USA Volleyball is to the growth of volleyball around the world. We want to help start development programs and improve those existing ones, using our resources especially to countries within the NORCECA zone. This is a first exchange, thanks to the efforts of parents of the U-18 Guatemala national team and we hope to have many more. I am in charge of the annual High Performance Junior Competition in Fort Lauderdale; hopefully Guatemala will be able to be part of in a close future".

The four-day workshop directed by Stacy and Denis includes sessions with teams from private schools and clinics with the junior and senior national teams, they practiced basic fundamentals and team strategies as well as for individual players.

Vicky Boesche de Girón, President of Guatemala's National Federation, expressed "the joint efforts of parents and private sponsors made Stacy's and Denise's visit possible, which benefits volleyball. These clinics will be helpful and we are highly thankful for the donation. This is a first step, we hope for its continuity as part pf the preparation program of our national teams".