Monday, 22 Jul 2024

John Speraw

John Speraw, the esteemed head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, has been leading the team since 2013. With his guidance, the team has achieved remarkable success, including gold medals at the 2015 FIVB World Cup and the 2014 FIVB World League.

Under Speraw’s leadership, the team has also secured bronze medals at the 2016 Olympic Games, the 2018 FIVB World Championship and VNL, and the 2019 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and World Cup. Their outstanding performance qualified them for their 10th consecutive Olympic Games in Tokyo, which were rescheduled for 2021 due to the pandemic. In Tokyo, the team finished 10th.

One of the most memorable moments of Speraw’s coaching career was during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Despite a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Italy, Speraw’s strategic guidance helped the team bounce back and win the bronze-medal match against Russia.

It’s worth noting that the U.S. Men’s Team has also clinched two NORCECA Championships (2013 and ’17) under Speraw’s tutelage.

In addition to his national team duties, Speraw has been serving as the head men’s volleyball coach at UCLA since 2012. He led UCLA to the NCAA Division I Championship final in 2018, narrowly losing to Long Beach State in a thrilling five-set match.

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Speraw’s journey with the U.S. Men’s Team started in 2007 when he joined as part of the coaching staff under head coach Hugh McCutcheon. In 2008, he served as the second assistant for the team that won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games. Over the years, Speraw’s involvement with the team has been diverse, including coaching a young team to a fifth-place finish at the 2011 Pan American Games.

Before his time at UCLA, Speraw coached the UC Irvine men’s volleyball team from 2002 to 2012. Under his guidance, the Anteaters won three NCAA National Championships, reached the NCAA Championship four times, and secured two Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) regular season titles and two MPSF Tournament championships.

Recognized for his ethical leadership, Speraw received the Pillar Award in 2008, honoring his outstanding achievement in ethical leadership at the 12th Annual Ethics in America Awards. In 2011, he was presented with the U.S. Olympic Achievement Award, acknowledging the success of coaches and student-athletes from colleges and universities in winning Olympic medals.

Apart from his coaching accolades, Speraw is also a co-author of the book “Exercise for Your Muscle Type: The Smart Way to Get Fit.”

John Speraw’s passion, expertise, and dedication have made him an exceptional figure in the world of volleyball. His impact on the U.S. Men’s National Team and UCLA’s volleyball program is evident in their impressive performances and achievements.

FAQs

Q: When did John Speraw become the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team?
A: John Speraw has been leading the U.S. Men’s National Team since 2013.

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Q: What are some of the major accomplishments of the U.S. Men’s National Team under John Speraw’s coaching?
A: Under John Speraw’s coaching, the U.S. Men’s National Team has won gold medals at the 2015 FIVB World Cup and the 2014 FIVB World League. They have also secured bronze medals at the 2016 Olympic Games, the 2018 FIVB World Championship and VNL, and the 2019 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and World Cup.

Q: How many times has the U.S. Men’s National Team qualified for the Olympics under John Speraw’s coaching?
A: The U.S. Men’s National Team, under John Speraw’s leadership, has qualified for its 10th consecutive Olympic Games. Tokyo 2020, rescheduled for 2021, marks their 12th overall appearance.

Summary

John Speraw, the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team and the UCLA men’s volleyball team, has made significant contributions to the world of volleyball. Under his guidance, the U.S. Men’s National Team has achieved remarkable success, including gold and bronze medals at international tournaments such as the FIVB World Cup, FIVB World League, and Volleyball Nations League. Speraw’s coaching prowess has also led the team to qualify for multiple Olympic Games. In addition to his national team commitments, Speraw has led UCLA to the NCAA Division I Championship final and has received prestigious awards for his ethical leadership and overall contributions to the sport.