AUSTIN, Texas – Former Texas Volleyball player Destinee Hooker (San Antonio, Texas) has been nominated to represent the United States in women’s volleyball at the 2012 Olympics later this month in London, pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee. Hooker would be the second player in Texas volleyball history to play on the U.S. Olympic Team (Demetria Sance, 2000).

“I’m fired up for her,” said Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott. “She’s put a lot of work into this and I’m excited to see her have this opportunity to represent her country, as well as the University of Texas. I know all of her teammates and support staff will be cheering her on. It says a lot about what kind of athlete she is in becoming one of the best volleyball players in the world.”

Hooker was a two-time first team All-American (2008-09) at Texas and led the Longhorns to the 2009 national championship match, where she earned NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player honors. She was the 2009 Big 12 Player of the Year and Volleyball Magazine Co-Player of the Year after averaging 6.09 points per set to lead the nation while recording a 5.06 kills per set average, the fourth highest in the nation.

The U.S. squad is currently ranked No. 1 in the world by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Pool play for Team USA begins on July 28 at 2 p.m. Central Time.