What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than by representing America in an international competition?

Such is the thinking of University of Hawaii second-team All-American Nikki Taylor, who was named to the U.S. squad that will compete in the Pan American Cup beginning Saturday in the Dominican Republic.

“It’s very exciting, it’s something I saw my brother (former Pepperdine All-American Josh) do, something I’ve dreamed about,” Taylor said in a phone call from Anaheim, Calif., site of the Olympic Training Center. “It’s so nice to have this dream come true.

“We did talk about not being (in America) for the Fourth, but it’s exciting that I get to wear our country’s colors and represent on that day.”

Taylor, an incoming senior for the Rainbow Wahine, is one of 12 players selected by head coach Dan Fisher, a former UH assistant and current head coach at Pittsburgh. She and Florida’s Alex Holston are the two opposites named following last week’s training camp that included 19 players.

This will be the Kaiser High graduate’s first international competition for USA Volleyball. The U.S. is the defending champion of the event, and has won three of the past four Cups.

“I think we have a pretty strong team,” Taylor said. “It’s a good mix of veterans and young ’uns who have played at a high level.

“God has blessed me with an amazing opportunity to represent my country, the people of Hawaii, the Rainbow Wahine, and my family. I am feeling nothing but blessed and excited for this journey.”

The U.S. opens pool play against Peru on Saturday, with play on consecutive days against Trinidad &Tobago, Cuba, Costa Rica and Argentina. The quarterfinals are July 8 and run through the July 10 medal round.