Florida Gators Star Lily Hayes Helps Lead United States to Silver Medal Finish at FIVB Girls U19 World Championship

Lily Hayes, one of the brightest rising stars in American volleyball and a proud representative of the Florida Gators, added another significant milestone to her already remarkable career by helping lead the U.S. Girls U19 National Team to a silver medal at the FIVB U19 World Championships. It was a hard-fought tournament that tested the resolve, teamwork, and determination of the young squad, and Hayes emerged as a standout presence both on and off the court. With a poise well beyond her years and skills refined by her experiences in Gainesville, Hayes played a vital role in the team’s run to the final, capturing the admiration of fans, coaches, and scouts worldwide.

The tournament, held in Osijek, Croatia, and Szeged, Hungary, brought together the best young volleyball talents from around the globe, with teams from Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Italy, Serbia, and more competing for the title. For the United States, the silver medal marked a commendable finish in a fiercely competitive field, falling only to a well-prepared and technically sound Turkish team in the championship match.

Hayes’ journey through the tournament was one marked by intensity and consistent growth. Whether delivering pinpoint passes, executing timely kills, or rallying her teammates during crucial sets, she personified the grit and spirit that have come to define both the U.S. junior national program and the Florida Gators volleyball program. At just 17, she has already played on some of the sport’s biggest youth stages, and her impact continues to grow with every touch of the ball.

For Hayes, this wasn’t just about chasing medals—it was about representing something greater than herself. Speaking after the final, she expressed both pride and gratitude: “Wearing the USA jersey is something I dreamed about since I first started playing. To be able to play alongside these amazing girls and reach the final is something I’ll never forget. We gave it everything we had.”

Her sentiments reflect a growing maturity and understanding of the magnitude of the moment. Competing internationally is never easy, especially when adjusting to new time zones, different playing styles, and high-pressure environments. But Hayes thrived amid the challenges. Coaches and analysts praised her for her adaptability, particularly her ability to transition smoothly between positions when needed and to elevate her play in critical matches.

The road to silver wasn’t without its dramatic turns. After cruising through pool play and eliminating teams with impressive efficiency, the U.S. encountered adversity in the semifinal clash against Brazil—a traditional powerhouse in women’s volleyball. In a five-set thriller, Hayes came up big in moments when the Americans needed her most, whether it was keeping a rally alive with acrobatic digs or turning the tide with a key service run. Her calm under pressure became one of the defining features of Team USA’s play throughout the tournament.

Though the gold medal match ended in disappointment, with the U.S. falling in four tightly contested sets to Turkey, Hayes’ performance remained a bright spot. She finished the match among the team leaders in kills and service points and showed the kind of mental toughness that bodes well for future international tournaments. It was a showcase not only of her skills but also of her leadership qualities—qualities she has been honing at Florida.

The Gators program, led by long-tenured head coach Mary Wise, has long been known for producing elite-level talent, and Hayes is fast becoming one of its most exciting products. Since committing to Florida, Hayes has impressed coaches with her natural athleticism, sharp volleyball IQ, and relentless work ethic. This past season, she began carving out her place in the team’s rotation, drawing attention for her quick decision-making and confident play.

Coach Wise, who has mentored countless collegiate and professional stars over the years, had high praise for Hayes following her return from the world stage. “Lily’s experience with the U.S. U19 team is just the beginning for her. What she’s shown—her ability to rise to the occasion, to be dependable under pressure, to represent both her country and this university with class—that’s the kind of player you build around. We’re so proud of what she’s accomplished.”

The feeling is mutual. Hayes has often spoken about how the Gators’ culture has helped shape her into the athlete she is today. From early-morning weight sessions to intense team practices and mentorship from upperclassmen, her time in Gainesville has prepared her for the demands of international play. And now, with a silver medal around her neck, she brings those experiences back to her collegiate program—wiser, sharper, and hungrier than ever.

Hayes’ success is also a reflection of the growing strength and depth of youth volleyball in the United States. The U19 team’s run to the final underscores the country’s increasing dominance at the junior levels and speaks to the level of talent being developed across high school, club, and collegiate programs. Players like Hayes represent a new generation of American volleyball—athletes who are not only skilled but also disciplined, global-minded, and team-first in their approach.

For the Florida Gators, Hayes’ performance is an exciting harbinger of what’s to come. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, expectations are high. With Hayes returning with valuable international experience, the Gators gain not just a player but a proven competitor who has tested herself against the best and emerged stronger for it. Her presence will be pivotal as Florida aims to contend in the SEC and make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

And yet, even with all the accolades and attention, Hayes remains grounded. She credits her family, coaches, and teammates for helping her reach this point. “None of this is possible without the people who’ve supported me—my parents, Coach Wise, my teammates at Florida and on Team USA. This silver medal isn’t just mine; it’s ours.”

It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about her character. In an age where individualism often takes center stage, Hayes is a reminder that true greatness often lies in humility, teamwork, and a willingness to do the little things right. Whether it’s passing in the back row, communicating on defense, or stepping up in clutch moments, she consistently puts the team first.

With her future looking brighter than ever, Hayes is poised to become not just a key player for the Gators, but potentially a cornerstone of the U.S. senior national team in the years to come. The 2025 U19 World Championships may have ended with silver, but for Hayes, the tournament marks the beginning of a golden future.

As the volleyball world reflects on the standout performances from the competition, one thing is certain: Lily Hayes has officially arrived on the global stage. From Gainesville to Croatia, from orange and blue to red, white, and blue, she continues to elevate her game, her team, and the sport itself. The Gators—and the country—couldn’t be prouder.