The host Florida Gators will welcome Penn State, Colorado State, and UCLA, all of which were 1999 NCAA Regional qualifiers and finished in the Top 15 of the final USA Today/AVCA Coaches' Poll. This is Penn State's fourth time in the tournament, and Florida is making its third appearance. Penn State won the title in 1997. UCLA and Colorado State will play in it for the first time.

NACWAA and State Farm Insurance Companies teamed up in 1995 to offer the first Volleyball Classic, which was held at Nebraska that year and again in 1999. Since then, three of 10 finalists have been national champions, two were national runners-up, three were Final Four participants, one was a regional finalist and one advanced to the regional semifinals.

"Outside the playoffs, the NACWAA volleyball tournament is the most prestigious event in women's volleyball," Florida Coach Mary Wise said. "Volleyball fans and those who will become fans after watching the NACWAA, will see the best of what our sport has to offer."

"We are very excited to have the University of Florida host the Volleyball Classic," Executive Director of NACWAA Jennifer Alley said. "This will be the first time the Classic has been held in the East. The opportunity to rotate the Classic around the country enables fans in many locations to see national championship-level competition."

The Classic has also been held at Illinois State (1996), where Florida first competed in it, Stanford (1997) and New Mexico (1998). Wise credits the Gainesville community, surrounding areas and Gator fans everywhere for Florida's opportunity to hold this event. "Hosting the NACWAA is a reward for the tremendous support we've had in the O'Connell Center. It allows us to showcase our home court atmosphere on national television."

Richard Bugajski, advertising director for State Farm Insurance Companies commented on sponsoring the tournament. "State Farm is proud to sponsor the Classic with these top volleyball teams competing. We will be able to bring strong volleyball to the local community and reach other fans on ESPN and ESPN2."

Pairings and television broadcast schedules are to be announced this spring.

NACWAA Participants' success at a glance:

*indicates host team