Yarimar Rosa spikes her way through 2009 Pan American Cup

The Golden Panther played with her native Puerto Rico’s senior team. FIU’s U.S. Century Bank Arena was among the host venues for the tournament June 26-July 4.

By Martin Haro

One of FIU’s MVPs, Yarimar Rosa, 21, competed with the Puerto Rican team at the 2009 Pan American Cup June 26-July 4. Rosa was the first FIU volleyball player ever to be selected to play for her country’s senior national team.

A three-time All-American, Rosa spiked the ball 49 times during the Pan Am Cup, ranking 22^nd among all competitors and third in her team.

“I was not surprised at all by how well she played because I know how good she is on the court,” said FIU head volleyball coach Danijela Tomic about 21-year-old Rosa’s performance at the tournament.

“However, I was impressed with her leadership even though she was the youngest player on the team. I believe she showed with her performances at the Pan-Am Cup that she is the future of Puerto Rico’s volleyball.”

Rosa, whom “The Miami Herald” said displayed “grit” during the competition, said “being in the national team helps me get better and gives me experience”:

In the end, though, Brazil emerged victorious over the Dominican Republic at the Pan Am Cup finals, while Puerto Rico finished the tournament in third place.