Feb. 21, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest's Natalie Mullikin is set to try out for the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team Feb. 22-24 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Mullikin, who will be a fifth-year senior for the Deacs in 2008, is one of 114 athletes prepared to be drilled and tested at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. USA Volleyball is in the process of identifying prospective athletes for the U.S. National and Olympic Teams, as well as the A2 program.

Mullikin is one of 25 middle blockers and one of 11 Atlantic Coast Conference athletes at the tryout.

The middle blocker from Lebanon, Ind., is a two-time All-ACC award winner. She was named first team All-ACC in 2007 and was a second team honoree in 2006.

Mullikin had a record-breaking season for the Demon Deacons in 2007. Finishing with 35 block solos on the year, she broke the Wake Forest career record--a mark that had stood for 21 years.

Mullikin finished in the top five on Wake Forest's single-season lists for block assists (t-2nd), block solos (t-2nd), total blocks (3rd), blocks per game (3rd) and kills per game (5th).

Mullikin started every match and played in every game for the Deacs last season. She finished the year as Wake Forest's leader in kills, blocks, points and hitting percentage. Mullikin also ranked in the top 10 of the ACC in blocks (5th), kills (6th), points (6th) and hitting percentage (7th).

Mullikin was named Preseason All-ACC in voting by the coaches prior to the season.