Charlie Fuerbringer returned home to Manhattan Beach from Croatia last week with something more than a souvenir. She brought back a gold medal.
Fuerbringer is a star setter on the Mira Costa Mustangs girls’ volleyball team. But her most recent accomplishment was on the world stage. She was one of 12 girls named to the USA Volleyball U19 National team this summer. The team recently competed in the 2023 International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Volleyball Girls’ U19 Championship in Osijek, Croatia.
Fuerbringer, 17, was one of 20 volleyball players from across the country who trained in Colorado Springs in hopes of making the travel roster.
“The training was stressful and chaotic. Making the team was a relief, I’m super proud and honored,” Fuerbringer said.
The team played eight matches in advancing to the finals, where they defeated Turkey, 3-2. Fuerbringer said Turkey was a strong blocking, serving, and defensive team.
“It took a lot of focus, before the play, and during the play,” she said of the championship.
“The first thing I did was call my parents to tell them about the win,” Fuerbringer said.
“It’s an experience that is so rare, being able to play with girls from other countries. It was a surreal experience being somewhere not close to home and playing the sport you love.”
Volleyball runs deep in her family. Her father, Matt Fuerbringer, is a former collegiate All-American and pro volleyball player. Her mother, Joy McKienzie Fuerbringer, is a former national champion college volleyball player. Her uncle David McKienzie played on the 2012 USA men’s Olympic team.
“I have a big volleyball family,” Fuerbringer said. “My parents and grandma played volleyball. Ever since I was able to walk, I was in the gym playing volleyball.”
Fuerbringer said she learned a lot about the game while playing for Team USA.
“I gained a lot of knowledge about playing internationally,” she said. “It’s a different level of volleyball. I bring home more knowledge about the game.”
Fuerbringer is starting her last year at Mira Costa. She plans to attend the University of Wisconsin on a full-ride scholarship.
She is grateful for Mira Costa Coach Cam Green and Assistant Coach Nancy Mason
“I think both Coach Cam and Assistant Coach Nancy are so encouraging and supportive,” Fuerbringer said. “They both know how to adapt to each athlete, and know what’s best for them. The Mira Costa Volleyball program brought out the more confident side of me. Playing with confidence is key to the game.”
Coach Green shared that he can’t put into words how proud he is of Charlie.
“I was almost in tears,” Coach Green said, upon learning of the USA team victory. he said. “You can’t describe how watching your player win a gold medal feels.”
When Fuerbring arrived home from the World Championships, she was quick to turn on the television to cheer on the Costa Girls Volleyball team, playing in Honolulu, at the 40th Annual Ann Kang Invitational. The prestigious 3-day tournament invites the 16 top programs from across the country. Costa won for the second consecutive year and the sixth time overall.
Photo by Iolani School
“Watching them win the finals made my day even better,” Fuerbringer said.
Green, who has served as Costa’s girls’ volleyball coach for six years, said that winning the tournament without Fuerbringer was a huge confidence booster for the team.
“I expected us to do well because we have a lot of talent,” he said. “I thought we could get pretty close. It was so big for the younger players and seniors to lead the team to victory without our best player.”
“We are just scratching the surface to see what we can do defensively and offensively,” he said. “I have been able to bring the college style of offense and defense, and implement it into their game.”
Next Tuesday, August 29, at home, Costa will play Mater Dei, one of the highest-ranked high school teams in the nation.
For the full season schedule, visit mustangvball.org. ER
