The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) is pleased to announce the selected host and teams for the eighth annual State Farm Women's Volleyball Classic. The 2002 State Farm Women's Volleyball Classic will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn. Joining Minnesota in the Volleyball Classic will be the University of Northern Iowa, Pepperdine University and Stanford University.

"We are thrilled to have been selected to host this prestigious event and commit to its continuing excellence. I am more proud to be associated with the NACWAA organization and very much appreciate the continued support of State Farm Insurance Companies in sponsoring this elite Volleyball Classic." said Chris Voelz, Women's Athletics Director at the University of Minnesota.

Stanford, the 2001 defending National Champions, notched it NCAA record fifth national championship. Stanford has two AVCA All-Americans returning including Logan Tom (AVCA National Player of the Year). Pepperdine, who was ranked #8 at the end of 2001, has five of their starters returning, including Katie Wilkins, a second-team AVCA All- American.

Northern Iowa, ranked 16th at the end of 2001, has five of their starters returning and lost only one senior. Minnesota, host of the classic, made its third-consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament last year and has three of six starters returning for the 2002 season.

Minnesota, Northern Iowa and Pepperdine are making first appearances in the State Farm Volleyball Classic, while Stanford is making its third trip to the event.

Pairings for the 2002 State Farm Classic will be Stanford vs. Northern Iowa and Pepperdine vs. Minnesota.