PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Volleyball commit Elin Larsson is adding more to an already impressive pre-college resume, playing for the Swedish National Team this summer in the European Silver League.

"We are very proud of Elin's achievement, making the 14-member squad of her Swedish National team," Portland head coach Megan Burton said. "What an amazing experience and opportunity for Elin this summer. She has worked very hard moving up the pipeline in her national team gym, learning and competing against the best in her country. This summer she is competing against other national teams in Europe and gaining elite level experience. We know that she is getting the highest level of training and will bring that into our gym and make us better. We are excited to root her on this summer and to have her join us after her national team adventures. This is a huge step forward for Portland Volleyball to be able to bring in this level of international competition experience."
 
"The last two months has been both challenging and developing, playing with some of the best players in the world," Larsson added. "Thanks to Sweden's new coach, Lauri Hakala and his good friend from the U.S., Jim McLaughlin, I have become a better volleyball player and I am also more prepared for the U.S volleyball style. I am excited to bring my new knowledge and experience to UP and to get even better with my new teammates during the autumn."
 
Larsson committed to the Pilots earlier this year, joining a class that included five newcomers. Larsson, a 6-2 outsider hitter from Falköping, Sweden, has been a part of the youth national system in Sweden, competing at the U17 Indoor European Championships in 2018 and at the U19 qualifications in 2020. Larsson was a silver medalist at the 2021 U19 North European Volleyball Zonal Association Championships, being named an all-star. At the beach level, Larsson claimed back-to-back silver medals at the Swedish Championships at the U18 and U19 levels. She earned bronze in the U17 contest back in 2019.
 
Larsson has spent the last two months playing with the Swedish squad. Sweden has put together a solid showing in the Silver League so far, finishing in the top two of Pool A. Larsson has appeared in one match for the Swedish team.
 
Portland Pilots Volleyball recently announced the full schedule for the 2022 indoor season. You can check that out at PortlandPilots.com. Entry for all volleyball matches this season will be free.