Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

USAV Announces U.S. Olympic Men’s Team

The U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro has been announced, featuring a combination of Olympic veterans and newcomers. The team, assembled through a four-year process, includes four players with previous Olympic experience: Reid Priddy, David Lee, Matt Anderson, and David Smith. Joining them are eight first-time Olympic team members, bringing a fresh energy and talent to the team.

A Blend of Experience and Newcomers

Reid Priddy, a seasoned outside hitter, has been named to his fourth Olympic team. Alongside him, David Lee, a middle blocker, will be making his third Olympic appearance. Both players have previously won gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Matt Anderson, an opposite, and David Smith, a middle blocker, will be attending their second Olympic Games.

The team also includes a group of talented newcomers. Micah Christenson and Kawika Shoji, both setters, will be making their Olympic debut, as well as libero Erik Shoji. The team’s outside hitters consist of Thomas Jaeschke, Aaron Russell, and Taylor Sander. Max Holt and Murphy Troy join as middle blockers, while Taylor Sander will take on the role of opposite.

Building a Strong Team

Assembling the U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team has been a meticulous process, guided by the expertise of Head Coach John Speraw. The team boasts an average age of 27.8 and includes nine players under the age of 30. While a lack of experience may present a challenge, Speraw is confident in the team’s potential.

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“The goal is to make sure we are the best team we can be in Rio,” Speraw expressed. “In order for us to achieve our goal, we are going to need one of the greatest collective efforts in USAV history.”

A Dedicated Staff and Support System

John Speraw is not alone in leading the team; he brings his own Olympic experience as an assistant coach in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). Erik Sullivan, a two-time Olympian, serves as the team leader, and Speraw holds great respect for his perspective and expertise. The coaching staff includes Matt Fuerbringer and Mike Wall as assistant coaches, Nate Ngo as the technical coordinator, and Andrea Becker as the sports psychologist. Aaron Brock is the team’s athletic trainer, while Anton Brams and Charlie Sullivan serve as scout coaches. Technical support is provided by David Dantes.

Road to the Olympics

The U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team earned their spot in the 2016 Olympic Games by winning the 2015 FIVB World Cup. This achievement secured their place in a legacy that spans 10 previous Olympic Games, with gold medals in 1984, 1988, and 2008, as well as a bronze medal in 1992. The team’s journey begins on August 7th when they face off against Canada.

In the meantime, the team will continue to hone their skills and compete in the FIVB World League in Rome before returning to the U.S. for matches in Dallas.

Stay tuned for updates and support the U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team as they embark on their journey to Rio!

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FAQs

Q: How did the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games?

A: The U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team secured their spot in the 2016 Olympic Games by winning the 2015 FIVB World Cup.

Q: How many previous Olympic Games has the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team qualified for?

A: The U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team has qualified for 10 previous Olympic Games, with notable successes including gold medals in 1984, 1988, and 2008.

Q: Who is the head coach of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team?

A: The head coach of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team is John Speraw.

Summary

The U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro has been announced. The team comprises a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, aiming to achieve greatness in the upcoming Games. Head Coach John Speraw has assembled a dedicated coaching staff and support system to guide the team’s journey. The U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team, with their rich Olympic history, is determined to put forth their best performance and bring home Olympic glory once again. Stay updated on their progress and support them as they represent the United States on the world stage.