The World ParaVolley organization recently announced its 2022 awards, a fitting tribute to World ParaVolley Day celebrated on April 24. These prestigious accolades honor exceptional U.S. athletes, coaches, and officials who have made a significant impact in the sport.
Outstanding Achievement
Kaleo Kanahele Maclay
Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, a setter on the Women’s Sitting National Team, has represented the U.S. in three Paralympic Games. Her remarkable contributions include two gold medals and one silver medal.
Monique Matthews
Monique Matthews is a versatile player who shines as both an outside hitter and a middle blocker for the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team. With three Paralympic appearances under her belt, she has earned two gold medals and one silver medal.
Brent Rasmussen
Brent Rasmussen, a former setter for the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team, has been an integral part of the team from 2003-2011. He proudly represented his country at the 2004 Paralympic Games and served as the team captain from 2004-2011.
Greg Walker
Greg Walker joined the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team in 2013 and took on the role of full-time head coach in 2016. Under his guidance, the team qualified for and competed at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Bethany Zummo
Bethany Zummo, a libero on the Women’s Sitting National Team, has proudly represented the U.S. in two Paralympic Games and earned two gold medals. She was recognized as the Best Libero and Best Receiver at the 2020 Paralympics.
Distinguished Service
Elliot Blake
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Elliot Blake, USA Volleyball’s sitting teams manager, has been an invaluable part of the organization for 15 years. He leads the Sitting National Team Development Program and continuously seeks out new talent.
Joe Campbell
Joe Campbell currently serves as the president of ParaVolley Pan America, following his remarkable 22-year tenure as a World ParaVolley international referee. He has made invaluable contributions to World ParaVolley and even served as the head of the jury at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Eric Duda
Eric Duda, an exceptional athlete, has played both standing and sitting Paralympic volleyball. Most notably, he secured the gold medal at the 2019 World ParaVolley Beach World Series event in China.
Mike Hulett
Mike Hulett, who sadly passed away in 2019, left an indelible mark on the sport. He coached at four Paralympic Games, leading the U.S. Men’s Standing Team in 1996 and 2000, and the U.S. Women’s Sitting Teams to bronze and silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games, respectively. Hulett was honored with the 2012 Frier Award, the highest recognition bestowed by USA Volleyball.
Bill Hamiter
Bill Hamiter, the USAV’s full-time director of sitting programs since 2009, holds an impressive coaching record. While he has coached both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s Sitting Teams, his focus is now exclusively on the women’s team. Hamiter played a pivotal role in guiding the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team to victory, securing a silver medal in London (2012) and gold medals in Rio de Janeiro (2016) and Tokyo (2020).
Honorary Life Member
John Kessel, a dedicated member of the USA Volleyball staff for 35 years, received the esteemed 2019 Frier Award in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the sport. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in the development of volleyball players and coaches across all disciplines, with a particular focus on sitting volleyball. Kessel held the position of Director of Development for World ParaVolley.
Conclusion
The World ParaVolley awards serve as a testament to the exceptional achievements and contributions made by U.S. athletes, coaches, and officials in the sport of sitting volleyball. These individuals have not only showcased their skills on the court but have also inspired others with their dedication and passion. Congratulations to all the honorees for their outstanding accomplishments!
FAQs
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1. What is World ParaVolley Day?
World ParaVolley Day is an annual celebration that pays tribute to the sport of sitting volleyball and its athletes, coaches, and officials worldwide.
2. How many Paralympic Games have the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team won medals in?
The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team has won medals in three Paralympic Games: bronze in 2004, silver in 2008, and gold in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
3. How long has Elliot Blake been with USA Volleyball?
Elliot Blake, the sitting teams manager for USA Volleyball, has been with the organization for 15 years.
4. Who received the 2019 Frier Award for their service to volleyball?
John Kessel, a dedicated member of the USA Volleyball staff for 35 years, received the 2019 Frier Award for his outstanding service to the sport of volleyball.
5. What are some of the notable achievements of Mike Hulett as a coach?
Mike Hulett coached at four Paralympic Games and led the U.S. Women’s Sitting Teams to a bronze medal in 2004 and a silver medal in 2008.
6. How many gold medals has Eric Duda won?
Eric Duda won the gold medal at the 2019 World ParaVolley Beach World Series event in China.
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