Lewis University men’s volleyball head coach Dan Friend will serve as the head coach for 2012 U.S. Boys’ Youth National Volleyball Team this summer as the squad competes in the NORCECA Boys’ Under-19 Continental Championship on June 31-July 7 in Tijuana, Mexico.

The top two teams at the NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation) Championship will qualify for the 2013 FIVB Boys’ Youth World Championship.

“I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with the next great young USA Volleyball Olympic hopefuls.” Friend said. “It’s a privilege to work with USA Volleyball in any capacity, especially when you get to compete at NORCECA and have the chance to qualify for the World Championships.”

The team will spend the week prior to the event (June 23-30) preparing at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif.

“Getting the experience to represent your country, especially in an Olympic year, is awesome,” Friend said. “It is always a proud moment to put on the USA colors but maybe even a little extra special this year.”

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.