Before they ever played together in an SMU uniform, Favor Anyanwu and Suli Davis already shared a history on the volleyball court.

That experience grew this February during the USA Volleyball Women's National Team Collegiate Training, alongside some of the best volleyball players in the country. 

Now they're set to represent their country together once again.

On Monday, the pair of Mustangs were named to the 2026 U21 National Team roster ahead of two competitions this summer.

"It's such a blessing because the older you get, the smaller the roster gets," Davis said. "So, the opportunity to still be in the cut is such a great blessing because I love playing volleyball, I love the girls, love the coaches and I'm just super blessed to still be in the cut of USA volleyball."

Davis, who will be a sophomore this season, joined the Mustangs — and returned home — this offseason. She had played with Anyanwu on the 2023 U19 National Team, but Anyanwu moved up to the U21 team the following year.

They have reunited at SMU and now share a spot on the USA roster once again.

"It's always been fun with Suli," Anyanwu said. "I always know that whenever we're on the team together, we're always going to continue to push each other to be the best and bring out the best in each other. I feel like that's really great to have in someone that is your teammate and your friend."

Their similar experiences go beyond success on the collegiate and national stages. Both are from the Dallas area, went away from home for their first year of college and have returned to play at SMU.

"I love Favor. It's such a blessing playing with her again," Davis said. "Last year we were in different age groups, so we didn't play together, but coming to this collegiate training was so fun. We're roommates. We already live together, so it's like two pieces of fun. She's a dog. She's so fun to be around. I just love playing with Favor. She makes me better."

Anyanwu has won three gold medals for her country, including at the 2023 FIVB U19 World Championship and the 2024 Women's U21 NORCECA Continental Championship. At the most recent one, the 2025 Women's U21 Pan American Cup, she was named the Second Best Middle Blocker. 

Davis was named the Best Outside Hitter as the USA won silver at the 2025 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship.

Competing at the highest level and having success builds confidence and consistency.

"When you're in these situations pretty often, your body just starts to acclimate," Anyanwu said. "You kind of get used to it. You are able to identify those feelings and are able to do what needs to be done to override those feelings and just continue to be yourself. There's always going to be high-pressure moments, but I feel like if you are able to change your perspective and how you view those emotions, it's going to be a lot better and a lot more fun."

Along with the chance to compete with and against some of the best players in the country, the camp also included discussions with representatives from Athletes Unlimited, Major League Volleyball and League One Volleyball.

There is already some familiarity for Anyanwu with the professional leagues. Coaches from her first national team experience are now representing LOVB, while teammates Averi Carlson and Malaya Jones were Top 10 picks in last year's MLV Draft.

And for all players it is a chance to see the future of the sport they have poured so much into.

"Now we get to keep the level of talent here in the States," Davis said. "And then when the time comes to go to the Olympics and things like that, we can just stay here. It's just such a great opportunity. You don't have to go overseas just to play volleyball."

Not only did Davis get a firsthand look at the future, now she gets to be part of it once again.

"Everything was just clicking," Davis said. "The level of talent from these girls and just being able to play with them, we all know what to expect from each other. We all know how each other plays … it's like we're assembling the volleyball Avengers."

But for now the focus is on the Mustangs and this season. SMU is coming off the program's first trip to the Sweet 16 and is trying to build on that momentum. 

Anyanwu is also building her own momentum in the form of stability. After plenty of transition the last few years, her return to SMU provided the chance to build upon last year's success that included 178 blocks — good for fifth in the country and second all-time by a Mustang — and being named Honorable Mention All-America.

Now, she wants more.

"You are able to grow from last fall into this spring," Anyanwu said. "You have coaches that saw your growth and are able to compare it and set milestones that you are able to keep up with. They're able to keep on growing and get you to where you want to be."

And as their careers continue to rise, they won't be doing it alone.