2012 U.S. Olympic Men's Volleyball Press Kit by USA Volleyball

U.S. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Volleyball Team 2012 Olympic Media Guide

2012 FIVB World League Silver Medal Ranked No. 5 in the world 1984, 1988 and 2008 Olympic Champion 2008 World League Champion

Table of Contents Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................ 3 Fast Facts ................................................................................................................................................. 4-5 2012 Olympic Men’s Volleyball Roster ........................................................................................................ 6 2012 Schedule and Results ......................................................................................................................... 6 2012 Olympic Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 8-9 2012 Olympic Preview ......................................................................................................................... 10-11 2011 Rosters ........................................................................................................................................ 12-13 2011 Season Review ............................................................................................................................ 14-15 2011 USAV Male Indoor Player of the Year................................................................................................ 15 2011 Final Results ................................................................................................................................ 16-17 2012 U.S. Men’s Na onal Team Sta s cs (sponsored by DataProject) ....................................................... 18 2011 U.S. Men’s Na onal Team Sta s cs (sponsored by DataProject) ....................................................... 19 Match Recaps for 2012 NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualifier .................................................................. 20-29 Match Recaps for 2012 FIVB World League .......................................................................................... 30-45 Photo page from NORCECA Qualifier ........................................................................................................ 46 Photo Roster for 2011 FIVB World League................................................................................................. 47 Match Recaps for 2011 FIVB World League .......................................................................................... 48-77 Match Recaps for 2011 London Interna onal Invita onal .................................................................... 78-80 Match Recaps for 2011 NORCECA Con nental Championship .............................................................. 81-83 Match Recaps for 2011 FIVB World Cup ..............................................................................................84-105 U.S. Men’s Na onal Team Player Bios ...............................................................................................106-119 U.S. Men’s Na onal Team Staﬀ Bios..................................................................................................120-123 All-Time Olympians .................................................................................................................................124 U.S. Men’s Na onal Team All-Time Results Versus Interna onal Compe on ..........................................125 Interna onal Volleyball Fact Sheet ...................................................................................................126-128 USA Volleyball Fact Sheet ........................................................................................................................129 Credits: The 2011 U.S. Men’s Na onal Team World League Media Guide is a copyrighted publica on produced by USA Volleyball. Content: B.J. Hoeptner Evans, USA Volleyball Commmunica ons Manager Design assistance: Bill Kauﬀman, USA Volleyball Communica ons Senior Manager USA Volleyball, 4065 Sinton Road, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Phone: (719) 228-6800 E-Mail: info@usav.org Web Site: www.usavolleyball.org

U.S. Men’s Team Fast Facts Headquarters: The American Sports Centers in Anaheim, Calif. Address 1500 Anaheim Blvd., Suite. 200, Anaheim, CA 92805 Phone: (714) 917-3535 Fax: (714) 917-3536 Web site: USAVolleyball.org Head Coach: Alan Knipe Phone: (714) 783-0538 E-mail: Alan.Knipe@USAV.org World Ranking: Fi h 2011 Record: 26-15 2010 Record: 14-7 2009 Record: 16-6 Assistant Coach: Gary Sato Technical Coordinator: Chris Jackson Cer fied Athle c Trainer: Aaron Brock Media Inquiries: B.J. Hoeptner Evans Phone: (719) 228-6800 E-mail: BJ.Evans@USAV.org USA Volleyball Fast Facts CEO: Doug Beal Na onal Oﬃce: 4065 Sinton Road, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 228-6800 Interna onal Federa on: The FIVB (Federaon Interna onale de Volleyball — fivb.org) Regional Confedera on: NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean — norceca. org) Sponsors: City of Anaheim, American Sports Center, Mizuno, Molten, Data Project Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organiza on recognized by the United States Olympic Commi ee (USOC) and the Federa on Interna onal de Volleyball (FIVB) as the Na onal Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USAV is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USAV has more than 262,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs na onwide. With an annual budget in excess of $18 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior na onal team programs, youth and junior na onal teams, na onal championship events, coaching educa on and cer fica on programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradi on of success.

2012 Results (includes all senior level men’s teams) NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament 5-7: Won v Trinidad & Tobago, 3-0 5-8: Won v Costa Rica, 3-0 5-9: Won v Mexico, 3-0 5-11: Won v Cuba, 3-1 5-12: Won v Canada, 3-0 FIVB World League 5-18: Loss v France, 3-1 5-19: Won v Korea, 3-2 5-20: Loss v Italy, 3-0 6-15: Won v Italy, 3-0 6-16: Won v Korea, 3-1 6-17: Won v France, 3-1 6-22: Won v Italy, 3-1 6-23: Won v France, 3-0 6-24: Won v Korea, 3-0 6-29: Won v Korea, 3-0 6-30: Loss v France, 3-2 7-1: Win v Italy, 3-2 7-5: Loss v Germany, 3-2 (Final round) 7-6: Win v Bularia, 3-0 (Final round) 7-7: Win v Cuba, 3-0 (Semifinal) 7-8: Loss v Poland, 3-0 (Gold medal)

USA Volleyball Na onal Teams Center and The City of Anaheim Since 2006, the City of Anaheim, Calif., has been proud to serve as the Oﬃcial Host City for the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team, followed by the Women’s Team in 2009. The teams train at the American Sports Centers. Anaheim is the 10th largest city in California, and home to world class sports and entertainment such as Angels Baseball, the Anaheim Ducks, the LEED-cer fied Anaheim Conven on Center, the largest conven on center on the west coast, and the Disneyland Resort. For more informa on about the City’s commitment to USAV, please visit www.anaheim.net/usav.

Pan American Cup 7-9: Win v Venezuela, 3-0 7-10: Win v Mexico, 3-0 7-11: Win v Brazil, 3-1 7-13 Win v Dominican Republic, 3-2 (Semifinal) 7-14: Win v Argen na, 3-0

U.S. Men’s Team Fast Facts 2011 Results (includes all senior level men’s teams) FIVB World League 5-27: Loss v Poland, 3-0 5-28: Win v Poland, 3-0 6-3: Won v Puerto Rico, 3-1 6-4: Won v Purto Rico, 3-1 6-12: Loss v Brazil, 3-1 6-13: Won v Brazil, 3-1 6-17: Loss v Poland, 3-1 6-18: Won v Poland, 3-1 6-24: Loss v Brazil, 3-1 6-25: Won v Brazil, 3-1 7-1: Won v Puerto Rico, 3-2 7-2: Won v Puerto Rico, 3-0 7-6: Loss v Russia, 3-1 (Final Round) 7-7: Loss v Brazil, 3-1 (Final Round 7-8: Win v Cuba, 3-2 (Final Round) Pan American Cup 6-13: Won v Bahamas, 3-0 6-14: Won v Panama, 3-0 6-15: Won v Argen na, 3-0 6-17: Won v Puerto Rico, 3-0 (Semifinals) 6-18: Loss v Brazil, 3-1 (Final) London Interna onal Invita onal 7-20: Loss v Serbia, 3-2 7-21: Win v Egypt, 3-0 7-22: Win v Mexico, 3-0 7-23: Win v Great Britain, 3-0 7-24: Loss v Brazil, 3-2 World University Games 8-12: Win v Mexico, 3-0 8-13: Win v Turkey, 3-0 8-15: Loss v Czech Republic, 3-2 8-16: Win v United Arab Emirates, 3-0 8-17: Loss v Thailand, 3-1 8-19: Loss v Japan, 3-2 8-20: Win v Sweden, 3-1 8-21: Win v Norway, 3-1 NORCECA Con nental Championship 8-29: Win v Trinidad & Tobago, 3-0 8-30: Win v Costa Rica, 3-0 8-31: Win v Cuba, 3-1 9-2: Win v Puerto Rico, 3-0 (Semifinals) 9-3: Loss v Cuba, 3-2 (Final) Pan American Games 10-24: Win v Puerto Rico, 3-2 10-25: Loss v Canada, 3-2 10-26: Loss v Brazil, 3-1 10-27: Loss v Argen na, 3-2 10-28: Win v Venezuela, 3-2 10-29: Win v Canada, 3-2 FIVB World Cup 11-20: Win v China, 3-0 11-21: Loss v Brazil, 3-1 11-22: Loss v Russia, 3-0 11-24: Win v Egypt, 3-0 11-25: Loss v Italy, 3-1 11-27: Win v Iran, 3-0 11-28: Loss v Poland, 3-0 11-29: Win v Japan, 3-0 12-2: Win v Argen na, 3-2 12-3: Win v Cuba, 3-2 12-4: Loss v Serbia, 3-0

Story ideas for the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team 1. Se er Lloy Ball was a key force in the U.S. Men’s 2008 Olympic qualifica on and gold medal runs. Ball has since re red from the U.S. team and Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) has taken his place a er leading the team to an Olympic berth at the 2012 NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament. Suxho was the backup on the 2004 Olympic Team, but tore his Achilles tendon during the run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games and did not make the team. Suxho’s backup is Briath Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) an athlete who kept playing even a er being told numerous mes that he was too short and not athle c enough to play volleyball a er college. 2. Fa gue a Factor? Because there is no professional volleyball league in the United States, most players go overseas during the winter to play for club teams in countries that do have leagues. In 2012, many players returned from playing in league championship tournaments overseas and immediately started training for the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament. Less than a week a er they won that tournament, they le for Italy to compete in World League. They made it to the World League Final Round and came away with the silver medal. The team got home from the Final Round in Bulgaria on July 9 and le for London on July 19. 3. Outside hi er Reid Priddy was hit in the face by a teammates elbow while coming down from a block during prac ce in August of 2011. A surgical team made an incision under his eyelid and used two tanium plates to piece the bones back together where they could. Another area was le to heal on its own. He came back from the injury to compete in the World Cup and was the U.S. team’s third leading scorer. 4. Priddy is also a master of volleyball promo on. He was responsible for the highly popular “Short Shorts” video on YouTube in 2008. He also has a very popular web site and is involved in an Internet radio program about volleyball called The NET Live along with former teammate Kevin Barne and others. 5. Outside hi er Ma Anderson was the 2008 AVCA Co-Player of the Year (along with teammate Paul Lotman) as he led Penn State to the NCAA men’s volleyball championship. He le Penn State early to play professionally in Korea. While playing for the U.S. Men in World League during the summer of 2009, Anderson contracted a serious case of pneumonia. He was able to return to the team and later to Korea. But in January of 2010, his father died unexpectedly. Anderson had another rough season with the U.S. Men in 2010, but started to turn things around in 2011 and was one of the top players in Italy during the 2011-12 winter season. 6. David McKienzie beat out 2008 gold medalist Gabe Gardner to back up Clay Stanley at opposite. McKienzie just missed making the Olympic Team in 2004 and 2008. He stepped away from the U.S. team a er 2008, but came back to help the team train for the 2011 FIVB World Cup. He didn’t make the World Cup team, but did make the team for the 2012 NORCECA Olympic Qualifier and then for the 2012 Olympic Team. McKienzie grew up in Colorado, where boys’ volleyball is not a high school sport. But his parents taught him the sport. Before he graduated from high school, he moved to California to live with his sister Joy, who was playing at Long Beach State University. 7. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe is on hiatus from his job as head coach of the Long Beach State men’s volleyball team to coach the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team. What has the experience been like for him and where does he plan to go from here? His first hire for assistant coach was Gary Sato, who has been involved with the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team for more than 20 years and is a member of a famous volleyball family. Among Knipe’s staﬀ for the 2012 World League are Rob Browning (team leader), Ron Larsen (assistant coach) and John Speraw (assistant coach). All are top college coaches who were with the 2008 Olympic men’s volleyball team that won the gold medal. 8. Rich Lambourne has been the U.S. star ng libero since 2005 and has been considered one of the best in the world. He played outside hi er at BYU and even won an NCAA Na onal Championship there, but to play at the Na onal Team level, he made the switch to defensive specialist. What have been the pros and cons of making the move?

2012 U.S. Olympic Roster No. 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 16 20

Name Ma Anderson Sean Rooney David Lee Rich Lambourne Paul Lotman Donald Suxho Reid Priddy Brian Thornton Russel Holmes Clay Stanley David McKienzie David Smith

Pos. OH OH MB L OH S OH S MB Opp Opp MB

Age 25 29 30 37 26 34 33 26 27 34 32 27

Ht. 6-10 6-9 6-8 6-3 6-7 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-8 6-9 6-5 6-7

Wt. 210 220 231 198 225 219 196 187 210 230 210 190

Hometown West Seneca, N.Y. Wheaton, Ill. Alpine, Calif. Tus n, Calif. Lakewood, Calif. Korce, Albania Richmond, Va. San Clemente, Calif. Fountain Valley, Calif. Honolulu, Hawaii Li leton, Colo. Saugus, Calif.

College Penn State Pepperdine Long Beach State BYU Long Beach State USC Pepperdine UC Irvine BYU Hawaii Long Beach State UC Irvine

Head Coach: Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) Team Manager: Rob Browning (Newport Beach, Calif.) Assistant Coach: Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) Assistant Coach: John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) Assistant Coach: Ron Larsen (Lafaye e, Calif.) Assistant Coach: Mike Sealy (Santa Monica, Calif.) Technical Coordinator: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Medical Support: Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa)

2012 U.S. Schedule and Results NORCECA Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament at the Pyramid in Long Beach, Calif. Date 5/7 5/8 5/9 5/10 5/11

Opponent (Record) Trinidad & Tobago (1-0) Costa Rica (2-0) Mexico (3-0) Cuba (4-0) Canada (5-0)

Result W (25-9, 25-10, 25-14 W (25-14, 25-9, 25-9) W (25-23, 25-19, 25-14) W (28-26, 25-18, 25-20) W (28-26, 25-18, 25-20)

Points Leader Anderson/Lee (9) McKienzie (10) Stanley (14) Anderson (24) Stanley (15)

Final Standings: 1. USA, 2. Canada, 3. Cuba, 4. Puerto Rico, 5. Mexico, 6. Dominican Republic, 7. Trinidad & Tobago, 8. Costa Rica

A endance 1,325 1,200 1,550 3,000 4,700

2012 U.S. Schedule and Results FIVB World League Date and Time (PT) Opponent (Record) Result

City

Points Leader

A endance

5/18

France (5-1)

L (17-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-17)

Florence, Italy

Stanley (18)

2,100

5/19

Korea (6-1)

W (20-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23, 17-15)

Florence, Italy

Priddy (19)

5,100

5/20

Italy (6-2)

L (25-16, 25-20, 25-16)

Florence, Italy

Holmes/Stanley/ Anderson (8)

6,200

6/15

Italy (7-2)

W (30-28, 28-26, 25-22)

Lyon, France

Anderson (17)

900

6/16

Korea (8-2)

W (22-25, 25-23, 27-25, 25-16)

Lyon, France

Anderson (21)

1,160

6/17

France (9-2)

W (20-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-21)

Lyon, France

Rooney (21)

1,200

6/22

France (10-2)

W (22-25, 25-21, 29-27, 25-16)

Gwangju, Korea

Anderson (21)

830

6/23

Italy (11-2)

W (25-21, 25-21, 25-20)

Gwangju, Korea

Rooney/Holmes/ Stanley (12)

450

6/24

Korea (12-2)

W (25-20, 25-18, 25-18)

Gwangju, Korea

Anderson/Priddy (13)

4,950

6/29

Korea (13-2)

W (32-30, 26-24, 25-22)

Dallas, Texas

Stanley/Anderson (19)

2,028

6/30

France (13-3)

L (25-20, 22-25, 2325, 25-23, 15-13)

Dallas, Texas

Anderson (17)

3,853

7/1

Italy (14-3)

W (26-28, 25-20, 2426, 25-17, 15-10)

Dallas, Texas

Stanley (26)

5,139

7/5

Germany (14-4)

L (20-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 16-14)

Sofia, Bulgaria

Stanley (23)

3,000

7/6

Bulgaria (15-4)

W (25-21, 25-16, 25-17)

Sofia, Bulgaria

Anderson/Rooney (16)

10,500

7/7

Cuba (16-4)

W (25-23, 25-22, 25-23)

Sofia, Bulgaria

Stanley (18)

4,000

7/8

Poland (16-5)

L (25-17, 26-24, 25-20)

Sofia, Bulgaria

Stanley (15)

5,000

Final Standings: 1. Poland, 2. USA, 3. Cuba, 4. Bulgaria, 5. Germany, 6. Brazil, 7. France, 8. Russia, 9. Serbia, 10. Argen na, 11. Italy, 12. Canada, 13 Finland, 14. Korea, 15. Japan, 16. Portugal

2012 Olympic Schedule Rankings as of June 19, 2012 Pool A (World Ranking): Italy (3), Poland (4), Argen na (8), Bulgaria (9), Australia (22), Great Britain (92) Pool B (World Ranking): Brazil (1), Russia (2), USA (6), Serbia (7), Germany (13), Tunisia (18) July 29: Great Britain vs. Bulgaria, 9:30 a.m. July 29: Russia vs. Germany, 11:30 a.m. July 29: Australia vs. Argen na, 2:45 p.m. July 29: USA vs. Serbia, 4:45 p.m. (8:45 a.m. PT) July 29: Italy vs. Poland, 8 p.m. July 29: Brazil vs. Tunisia, 10 p.m. July 31: Serbia vs. Tunisia, 9:30 a.m. July 31: Poland vs. Bulgaria, 11:30 a.m. July 31: Italy vs. Argen na, 2:45 p.m. July 31: USA vs. Germany, 4:45 p.m. (8:45 a.m. PT) July 31: Great Britain vs. Australia, 8 p.m. July 31: Brazil vs. Russia, 10 p.m. Aug. 2: Serbia vs. Germany, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 2: Australia vs. Bulgaria, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 2: Russia vs. Tunisia, 2:45 p.m. Aug. 2: Poland vs. Argen na, 4:45 p.m. Aug. 2: Brazil vs. USA, 8 p.m. (noon PT) Aug. 2: Great Britain vs. Italy, 10 p.m. Aug. 4: Germany vs. Tunisia, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 4: Great Britain vs. Poland, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 4: Australia vs. Italy, 2:45 p.m. Aug. 4: Russia vs. USA, 4:45 p.m. (8:45 a.m.) Aug. 4: Argen na vs. Bulgaria, 8 p.m. Aug. 4: Brazil vs. Serbia, 10 p.m. Aug. 6: Australia vs. Poland, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 6: Russia vs. Serbia, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 6: Italy vs. Bulgaria, 2:45 p.m. Aug. 6: Great Britain vs. Argen na, 4:45 p.m. Aug. 6: USA vs. Tunisia, 8 p.m. (noon PT) Aug. 6: Brazil vs. Germany, 10 p.m. Aug. 8: Quarterfinal Matches at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. Aug. 10: Semifinal Matches at 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12: Men’s Bronze Medal Match, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 12: Men’s Gold Medal Match, 1 p.m. Aug. 12: Men’s Gold Medal Ceremony, 2:50 p.m. 8

2012 Olympic Preview The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team is the defending Olympic champion, but that has not made its path to the 2012 Olympic Games in London any easier. The team lost several key ingredients from its 2008 gold medal winning squad: Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon, who is now the head coach of the U.S. Women’s Na onal Team; team captain Tom Hoﬀ, who has re red from volleyball and se er Lloy Ball, who has played overseas but has not played with the U.S. Men’s Team since the 2008 Olympic Games. USA Volleyball hired Alan Knipe in 2009 to take over as U.S. Men’s head coach. He is on a sabba cal from his role as head coach of the men’s volleyball team at Long Beach State University. He has helped the team to a 72-33 record heading into London. The U.S. Men has had the best season of Knipe’s tenure thus far in 2012. It opened the season in May by qualifying for the Olympic Games by winning the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament, going 5-0 and losing only one set in the process. A week a er finishing the qualifica on tournament, the team le for its first World League weekend. It went 9-3 in World League pool play against Italy, France and Korea. The U.S. advanced to the World League final round and finished with the silver medal. It was the first World League medal the team had earned since it won the tournament in 2008. “This has been the goal of the team - to be playing our best volleyball going into the Olympics,” Knipe said. “Obviously we feel there are some things we can improve on, but there are some very nice things we are doing now over the last couple tournaments.”

The Players Though for most interna onal tournaments, teams are allowed to bring 14 players, they are only allowed 12 for the Olympics, which means diﬃcult cuts had to be made.

Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) competed in the 2004 Olympic Games, where the U.S. Men finished fourth. Six players on the team are Olympic newcomers: outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.), middle blocker Russell Holmes, outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), opposite David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.), middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) and se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.). Anderson was the team’s leading scorer in World League, finishing with 248 points on 205 kills, 32 blocks and 11 aces. He was fi h among all World League scorers at the end of pool play. Anderson was also named Best Spiker of the NORCECA Olympic Qualifier. Stanley (Honolulu), the 2008 Olympic Games Most Valuable Player, was named the Best Server of the World League Final Round, finishing with nine aces, including three on Sunday, for an average of .64 per set. Stanley also finished second among all Final Round scorers with 62 points on 49 a acks, four blocks and nine aces. Stanley was named MVP of the 2012 NORCECA Olympic Qualifier. Holmes compe ng in his first Olympic Games, was the team’s third-leading World League scorer, finishing with 122 points on 71 a acks, a team-leading 44 blocks and seven aces. Priddy, a two me Olympian in 2004 an 2008 was the team’s fourth-leading scorer in World League, finishing with 94 points on 74 kills, 16 blocks and four aces.

Prior to 2012, the U.S. qualified for the FIVB World League Final Round two mes (2009 and ’11). It also qualified for the 2010 World Championship, where it finished sixth, and to the 2011 World Cup, where it also finished sixth, and did not earn an Olympic berth (the top three teams qualified for the Olympic Games). The U.S. Men have won three Olympic gold medals in 1984, ’88 and 2008. They won the bronze in 1992.

Five players return from the 2008 gold medal team: libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.), middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.), outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.), outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) and opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii),

Lee, a 2008 gold medalist, was named Best Blocker of the NORCECA Qualifica on Tournament. He was also among the best blockers of the 2008 Olympic Games. He was the team’s fi h-leading World League scorer with 89 points on 61 a acks, 22 blocks and four aces. Lambourne is a 2008 gold medalist in his second Olympic Games. He has been the team’s primary star ng libero since 2005. Rich played in all 60 World League sets. He finished with a total of 75 digs (1.25 digs per set). He finished pool play fourth among all liberos. He was fourth in digs during pool play with an average of 2.02 per set Rooney, a 2008 gold medalist, returned to the team for the 2012 World League a er struggling with injuries. He

2012 Olympic Preview made an impact as the team’s fourth-leading World League scorer (112 points on 88 a acks, 17 blocks and seven aces). Suxho competed on the 2004 Olympic team that finished fourth in Athens. He finished second among all se ers in the World League Final Round with 74 assists and an average of 5.29 per set. Lotman got significant playing me with the team in 2009-11. In 2012, he has played mostly as a subs tute. He finished World League with 12 points on 10 a acks and two aces. McKienzie just missed making the 2004 and ‘08 Olympic teams and stepped away from the U.S. team to play overseas and also play beach volleyball. In 2011, he trained with the team for the World Cup, but did not make the team. He did make the team for the Olympic Qualifier and World League, where he played primarily as a serving subs tutes. He finished World League with 26 points on 20 kills, three blocks and three assists. Smith did not make the team for the Qualifier, but saw significant playing me at World League, finishing with 67 points on 43 a acks, 19 blocks and five aces. The eﬀort was good enough to get him on the Olympic Team.

make a run at the medals,” Knipe said. “Our group is very strong.”

Thornton made his mark with the team in 2011 when injuries and illness made him the World League starter and he helped the team finish second in pool, including two victories over world No. 1 ranked Brazil. He also helped the U.S. to a sixth-place finish at the 2011 World Cup. The Teams The U.S. Men are ranked No. 5 in the world by the FIVB. The have been placed in a diﬃcult pool to open the Olympic Games. “In this tournament, there are plenty of teams who can

Among the favorites, Brazil is ranked No. 1 in the world, but struggled a li le during the 2012 World League. It advanced to the Final Round as the best second-place team in pool play and lost both its Final Round pool play matches to finish sixth. Russia, ranked No. 2 in the world, won the 2011 World League and World Cup. Poland, ranked No. 3 in the world, won the 2012 World League. Among other teams to watch are Italy (No. 6) and Serbia (No. 7).

2011 Rosters 2011 FIVB World League 20-Player Preliminary Roster No. Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 1 Ma Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State) 2 Sean Rooney (OH, 6-9, Wheaton, Ill., Pepperdine) 3 Evan Patak (Opp, 6-8, Pleasanton, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 4 David Lee (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Calif., Long Beach State) 5 Rich Lambourne (L, 6-3, Tus n, Calif., BYU) 6 Paul Lotman (OH, 6-7, Lakewood, Calif., Long Beach State) 7 Donald Suxho (S, 6-5, Korce, Albania, USC) 8 Reid Priddy (OH, 6-5, Richmond, Va., Loyola Marymount) 9 Ryan Millar (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Utah, BYU) 10 Brian Thornton (S, 6-3, San Clemente, Calif., UC Irvine) 11 Jonathan Winder (S, 6-8, Irvine, Calif., Pepperdine) 12 Russell Holmes (MB, 6-8, Fountain Valley, Calif., BYU) 13 Clay Stanley (OPP, 6-9, Honolulu, Hawai’i, Hawaii) 14 Kevin Hansen (S, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford) 15 Gabe Gardner (Opp, 6-8, San Clemente, Calif., Stanford) 16 Jayson Jablonsky (OH, 6-5, Yorba Linda, Calif., UC Irvine) 17 Max Holt (MB, 6-9, Cincinna , Ohio, Penn State) 18 Sco Touzinsky (OH, 6-6, St. Louis, Mo., Long Beach State) 19 Robert Tarr (OH, 6-6, Cape Canaveral, Fla., Long Beach State) 20 David Smith (MB, 6-7, Saugus, Calif., UC Irvine) Head Coach: Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) Team Manager: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Assistant Coach: John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) Therapist/Trainer: Ron Larsen (Lafaye e, Calif.) Technical Coordinator: Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) Medical Support: Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa) 2011 FIVB World League 12-Player Roster for the Final Round July 6-10 in Gdansk and Sopot, Poland No. Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 1 Ma Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State) 2 Sean Rooney (OH, 6-9, Wheaton, Ill., Pepperdine) 3 Evan Patak (Opp, 6-8, Pleasanton, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 4 David Lee (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Calif., Long Beach State) 5 Rich Lambourne (L, 6-3, Tus n, Calif., BYU) 6 Paul Lotman (OH, 6-7, Lakewood, Calif., Long Beach State) 8 Reid Priddy (OH, 6-5, Richmond, Va., Loyola Marymount) 9 Ryan Millar (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Utah, BYU) 10 Brian Thornton (S, 6-3, San Clemente, Calif., UC Irvine) 12 Russell Holmes (MB, 6-7, Fountain Valley, Calif., BYU) 13 Clay Stanley (Opp, 6-9, Honolulu, Hawai’i, Hawaii) 14 Kevin Hansen (S, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford) 17 Max Holt (MB, 6-9, Cincinna , Ohio, Penn State) 18 Sco Touzinsky (OH, 6-6, St. Louis, Mo., Long Beach State)

2011 Pan American Cup June 13-18 in Ga neau, Quebec, Canada No. Name (Posi on, Height, Weight, Hometown, College) 1 Jeﬀ Menzel (OH, 6-6, 210, Santa Barbara, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 4 Garre Muagutu a (OH, 6-5, 225, Oceanside, Calif., UCLA) 6 Murphy Troy (OH, 6-8, 240, St. Louis, Mo., USC) 7 Jonathan Winder (S, 6-8, 216, Irvine, Calif., Pepperdine) 8 Andy Hein (MB, 6-11, 232, Carol Stream, Ill., Pepperdine) 9 Ryan Meehan (MB, 6-8, 209, Dana Point, Calif., Long Beach State) 11 Kawika Shoji (S, 6-3, 194, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford) 12 David Smith (MB, 6-7, 190, Saugus, Calif., UC Irvine) 16 C Robert Tarr (OH, 6-6, 200, Cape Canaveral, Fla., Long Beach State) 17 Will Price (Opp, 6-5, 207, Gaithersburg, Md., Penn State) 18 Jayson Jablonsky (OH, 6-5, 205, Yorba Linda, Calif., UC Irvine) 19 Dus n Wa en (L, 6-0, 162, Long Beach, Calif., Long Beach State) Head Coach: Gordon Mayforth (St. Petersburg, Fla.) Assistant Coach: Jon Roberts Therapist/Trainer: Shawn Patchell Technical Coordinator: Jacob Schick Medical Support: Chad Eichten London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal July 20-24 at Earls Court in Great Britain No. Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 1. Ma Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State) 3. Evan Patak (Opp, 6-8, Pleasanton, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 4. David Smith (MB, 6-7, Saugus, Calif., UC Irvine) 6. Paul Lotman (OH, 6-7, Lakewood, Calif., Long Beach State) 9. Murphy Troy (Opp, 6-8, St. Louis, Mo., USC) 10. Riley Salmon (L, 6-6, League City, Texas, Pierce College) 12. Russell Holmes (MB, 6-8, Fountain Valley, Calif., BYU) 13. Brian Thornton (S, 6-3, San Clemente, Calif., UC Irvine) 14. Kevin Hansen (S, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford) 17. Max Holt (MB, 6-9, Cincinna , Ohio, Penn State) 18. Jayson Jablonsky (OH, 6-5, Yorba Linda, Calif., UC Irvine) 19. Robert Tarr (OH, 6-6, Cape Canaveral, Fla., Long Beach State) Head Coach: Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) Team Manager: Bill Neville Assistant Coach: Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) Therapist/Trainer: Mike Sealy Technical Coordinator: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Medical Support: Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa)

Head Coach: Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) Team Manager: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Assistant Coach: John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) Therapist/Trainer: Ron Larsen (Lafaye e, Calif.) Technical Coordinator: Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) Medical Support: Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa)

2011 Rosters 2011 World University Games Aug. 12-23 in Shenzhen, China

2011 Pan American Games Oct. 24-29 in Guadalajara, Mexico

Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 1 - Erik Shoji (L, 6-0, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford) 2 - Thomas Amberg (MB, 6-7, Westwood, Calif., UCLA) 3 - Tri Bourne (OH, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawaii, Southern California) 4 - Carson Clark (Opp, 6-5, Santa Barbara, Calif., UC Irvine) 5 - Weston Dunlap (MB, 6-9, Newport Beach, Calif., UCLA) 6 - Brad Lawson (OH, 6-7, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford) 7 - Riley McKibbin (S, 6-2, Honolulu, Hawaii, Southern California) 8 - Ryan Meehan (MB, 6-8, Dana Point, Calif., Long Beach State) 9 - Jeﬀ Menzel (OH, 6-6, Santa Barbara, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 10 - Murphy Troy (Opp, 6-8, St. Louis, Mo., Southern California) 11 - Kawika Shoji (S, 6-3, Honolulu, Hawaii, Stanford) 12 - Cory Yoder (OH, 6-3, San Clemente, Calif., UC Irvine)

No Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 2 Tony Ciarelli (OH, 6-6, Hun ngton Beach, Calif., USC) 3 Evan Patak (Opp, 6-8, Pleasanton, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 5 Eric Vance (OH, 6-4, Camarillo, Calif., Cal State Northridge) 6 Nick Vogel (MB, 6-9, El Cajon, Calif., UCLA) 8 Kyle Caldwell (S, 6-9, Newport Beach, Calif., UCLA) 9 Sco Slaughter (MB, 6-7, Newport Beach, Calif., UCSB) 10 Ma Rawson (MB, 6-7, Los Angeles, Calif., Hawaii) 11 Ma Stork (OH, 6-5, Topanga, Calif., Cal State Northridge) 12 Kirk Francis (L, 5-11, Torrance, Calif., Long Beach State) 14 Cody Loe (MB, 6-8, Chatsworth, Calif., Cal State Northridge) 15 Jordan DuFault (OH, 6-4, Lakewood, Calif., UC Irvine) 16 Tri Bourne (OH, 6-5, Honolulu, Hawai’i, USC, Aloha)

Head Coach: Gordon Mayforth (St. Petersburg, Fla.) Assistant Coach /Team Leader: Pete Hanson (Ohio State) Assistant Coach: JT Wenger (UCLA) Trainer: Larnie Boquiren

Head Coach: John Speraw (UC Irvine) Team Manager: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Assistant Coach: Jeﬀ Nygaard (USC) Therapist/Trainer: Charlie Sullivan (Springfield College) Athle c Trainer: Aimee Miyazawa

Alternates Jim Baughman (Opp, 6-7, Valencia, Calif., Long Beach State) Kyle Caldwell (Opp, 6-9, Newport Beach, Calif., UCLA) Taylor Hughes (OH, 6-7, Fallbrook, Calif., Pacific) Ma Pollock (MB, 6-9, Orland Park, Ill., Pepperdine) Ma Rawson (MB, 6-7, Los Angeles, Calif., Hawaii) Rob Stowell (Opp, 6-7, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., BYU) 2011 NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship Aug. 29-Sept. 3 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico No. Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 1 Ma Anderson (OH, 6-7, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State) 2 Sean Rooney (OH, 6-9, Wheaton, Ill., Pepperdine) 3 Evan Patak (Opp, 6-8, Pleasanton, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 4 David Lee (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Calif., Long Beach State) 5 Rich Lambourne (L, 6-3, Tus n, Calif., BYU) 6 Paul Lotman (OH, 6-7, Lakewood, Calif., Long Beach State) 9 Ryan Millar (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Utah, BYU) 10 Brian Thornton (S, 6-3, San Clemente, Calif., UC Irvine) 13 Clay Stanley (Opp, 6-9, Honolulu, Hawai’i, Hawaii) 14 Kevin Hansen (S, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford) 16 Jayson Jablonsky (OH, 6-5, Yorba Linda, Calif., UC Irvine) 17 Max Holt (MB, 6-8, Cincinna , Ohio, Penn State) Head Coach: Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) Team Manager: Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) Assistant Coach: John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) Therapist/Trainer: Frank Ciarelli Technical Coordinator: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Medical Support: Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa) Team Doctor: David Dyck

2011 FIVB World Cup Nov. 20-Dec. 4 in Japan No. Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 1 Ma Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State) 2 Sean Rooney (OH, 6-9, Wheaton, Ill., Pepperdine) 3 Evan Patak (Opp, 6-8, Pleasanton, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 4 David Lee (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Calif., Long Beach State) 5 Rich Lambourne (L, 6-3, Tus n, Calif., BYU) 6 Paul Lotman (OH, 6-7, Lakewood, Calif., Long Beach State) 8 Reid Priddy (OH, 6-5, Richmond, Va., Loyola Marymount) 9 Ryan Millar (MB, 6-8, Alpine, Utah, BYU) 10 Riley Salmon (L, 6-6, League City, Texas, Pierce College) 12 Russell Holmes (MB, 6-8, Fountain Valley, Calif., BYU) 13C Clay Stanley (OPP, 6-9, Honolulu, Hawai’i, Hawaii) 14 Kevin Hansen (S, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford) 15 Brian Thornton (S, 6-3, San Clemente, Calif., UC Irvine) 17 Max Holt (MB, 6-9, Cincinna , Ohio, Penn State) Head Coach: Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) Team Manager: Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) Assistant Coach: John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) Trainer: Ron Larsen (Lafaye e, Calif.) Doctor: Sco Magness and William Stetson Technical Coordinator: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Medical Support: Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa) Massage Therapist: Eli Eve e Scout Coach: Frank Ciarelli Scout Coach: Andy Read

2011 Season Review The U.S. Men’s Na onal Team players and staﬀ knew what an important season 2011 would be. While the year did not end as they had hoped it would, they plan on taking the lessons learned into 2012.

Round, U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe took a mixed team of Na onal Team and A2 players to the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal on July 20-24 at Earls Court in Great Britain, which was an Olympic test event. Riley Salmon made his debut as a libero at the event.

The season opened with a recep on and scrimmage played at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano. Former na onal team players of all ages a ended the recep on with their families, eager to meet the current team of athletes and the staﬀ. Teams of players from the U.S. World League roster squared oﬀ, with the Red Team of outside hi ers Reid Priddy and Ma Anderson , middle blockers David Lee and Ryan Millar, opposite Clay Stanley, se er Donald Suxho and libero Rich Lambourne coming out on top. Missing from the scrimmage was 2008 Olympic gold medal se er Kevin Hansen, who had to have his appendix removed just days before the match and would see very limited playing me at World League. The U.S. Men began the 2011 FIVB World League campaign on May 27-28 in Poland and went 1-1 against the Poles, losing the first night (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) and winning the second (25-22, 25-19, 37-35). The following weekend, the team swept Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico as se er Brian Thornton took over for previous starter Donald Suxho. The team traveled to Brazil on June 11-12. A er losing to Brazil on Saturday (19-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21), the U.S. handed Brazil its first 2011 World League loss on Sunday (25-21, 25-22, 16-25, 26-24) before a crowd of 17,836 in Belo Horizonte.

The U.S Men opened with a loss to Serbia (16-25, 25-17, 25-16, 26-24) before sweeping Egypt, Mexico and Great Britain. However the United States fell to Brazil (25-21, 22-25, 25-27, 25-16, 18-16) in its final match and finished third. On Aug. 29, the U.S. Men competed in their first match of the NORCECA Con nental Championship. The team needed to finish in the top two at NORCECA to qualify for the 2011 FIVB World Cup, which was the first 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament. The team was without its captain, Reid Priddy, who had been seriously injured when a teammate elbowed him in the face while coming down from a block during a prac ce in Anaheim, Calif. Clay Stanley took over as team captain while Hansen started the majority of the tournament at se er. The U.S. swept its first two pool play matches against Trinidad & Tobago and Costa Rica. The U.S. needed four sets to defeat Cuba in the third pool play match (24-26, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17). It guaranteed itself a top-two spot by sweeping Puerto Rico in the semifinals, qualifying the United States for the World Cup. However, Cuba won the final match, 25-23, 29-27, 25-27, 19-25, 158. U.S. middle blocker David Lee was named the tournament’s Best Blocker. Evan Patak was the only U.S. Men’s Na onal Team player to compete on the Pan American Games team in Guadalajara, Mexico. Unfortunately, with the Games running Oct. 24-29, most Na onal Team players had already gone to their overseas club teams. Patak and Head Coach John Speraw led a team of current and former college standouts to a fi h-place finish. Five out of the six matches the team played went five sets, including a pool play loss to Canada that set a Pan Am Games record for points scored: 21-25, 25-23, 37-39, 35-33, 15-12. The U.S. finished with a record of 3-3.

The U.S. Men then split two matches with Poland in Hoﬀman Estates, Ill., and with Brazil in Tulsa, Okla. On the final weekend in Long Beach, Calif., the U.S. won two matches against Puerto Rico to secure second place in the pool and a trip to the Final Round in Poland. Due to the late dates of their final pool play matches, the U.S. Men were the last team to arrive in Poland and lost their first two matches to Russia and Brazil before bea ng Cuba in their final match for a seventh-place finish. While the World League was going on, the U.S. Men’s A2 Team, coached by Gordon Mayforth, competed in the Pan American Cup in Quebec. The team won four straight matches before losing to Brazil in the final. Just two weeks a er the World League Final

2011 Season Review The U.S. Men returned from their club teams to the American Sports Center in Anaheim to complete training for the FIVB World Cup on Nov. 7. The team traveled to Japan on Nov. 13 and played in some friendly matches with Japanese club teams before beginning the World Cup compe on on Nov. 20.

tournament. The U.S. Men came back with a three-set win over Egypt (25-19, 25-20, 25-20), but then lost to Italy (41-39, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21), se ng a World Cup record for points in a 41-39 first-set loss. The U.S beat Iran (25-15, 27-25, 25-14), but then fell to Poland (25-15, 25-20, 25-18), which ended the U.S. hopes for a top-three finish. The U.S. concluded the tournament with three straight wins, including a five-set victory over Cuba (25-20, 14-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-10), before losing to Serbia in the final match (25-23, 25-17, 25-19). The U.S. finished sixth overall.

The U.S. Men opened World Cup strong with a sweep of China (25-14, 25-23, 25-21). But they followed that with two straight defeats to Brazil (25-17, 25-18, 16-25, 25-16) and Russia (25-18, 25-19, 26-24).

Most of the U.S. players traveled to overseas teams shortly following the tournament. In April of 2012, the team will regroup in Anaheim to prepare for the NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifier, the winner of which will qualify for the Summer Games.

Hansen started the first two sets of the loss to Brazil before Thornton was brought in to replace him. Thornton started at se er the rest of the

2011 USAV Indoor Male Player of the Year “He’s wearing the captain’s bar now…. I’m really seeing a concerted eﬀort from him to step up in that role. He’s very vocal and a great leader for all of us. It’s great to see that.”

Clay Stanley (Honolulu) was named the 2011 USA Volleyball Indoor Male Player of the Year. Stanley helped the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team to a 26-15 record this season, including a silver medal at the NORCECA Con nental Championship and a spot in the Final Round of the FIVB World League. The 33-year-old opposite took over as the U.S. Men’s team captain a er Reid Priddy (Richmond Va.) suffered a serious injury to his face prior to the NORCECA Championship. “I am proud to be named USA Volleyball’s Men’s Indoor Player of the Year for 2011,” Stanley said. “But my teammates and I know that next year will be even more important as we work to qualify for and compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.” Stanley (6-foot-9, 230 pounds) had his best tournament of the season at the FIVB World Cup, where the U.S. Men finished sixth. Even though he missed the last three matches, Stanley led the team in aces (18/.69 per set) and blocks (22/.85 per set). He was second on the team in a acks (85/48.6 kill percentage/.429 hi ng efficiency), digs (43/1.65 per set) and total points (125/4.81 per set). He was just a few percentage points from winning the Best Server tle. “It’s the best I’ve seen him play. I’ve played with him 11 years now. Hands down it’s the best I’ve seen him play,” Priddy said on The NET Live. “He was doing everything. He was serving well, playing defense, stuffing seven balls a match and showing tremendous range. He was exploding to the ball and hi ng with a ton of range.

Stanley finished the season second on the team in scoring with 373 points (3.85 points per set), kills with 265 (2.73 kills per set/42.4 kill percentage/.344 hi ng eﬃciency), blocks with 55 (.57 blocks per set) and digs with 138 (1.42 digs per set). He led the team in aces with 53 (.55 per set). At the 2011 FIVB World League, Clay was one of three players to compete in all 58 sets for the U.S. He was the team’s second-leading scorer with 208 points on 152 kills (39.2 kill percent), 28 blocks and 28 aces. He finished pool play first among all servers with 25 aces. Stanley suﬀered an ankle injury in the first set of the first match of the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship, but came back to help the United States defeat Cuba in pool play and started against Puerto Rico in the semifinals and Cuba in the final. He ended up scoring 40 points in 13 sets played on 28 successful a acks (44.4 kill percent), five blocks and seven aces.

2011 Final Results (26-15) FIVB World League Date

Opponent (Record)

Result

City

Points Leader

A endance

5/27

at Poland (0-1)

L (25-20, 25-22, 25-19)

Lodz

Priddy (16)

8,100

5/28

at Poland (1-1)

W (25-22, 25-19, 37-35)

Lodz

Priddy (17)

9,178

6/3

at Puerto Rico (2-1)

W (24-26, 29-27, 25-17, 25-17)

San Juan

Stanley (20)

4,132

6/4

at Puerto Rico (3-1)

W (25-23, 26024, 22-25, 25-12)

San Juan

Anderson (23)

4,512

6/12

at Brazil (3-2)

L (19-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21)

Belo Horizonte

Priddy/Stanley (13)

14,800

6/13

at Brazil (4-2)

W (25-21, 25-22, 16-25, 26-24)

Belo Horizonte

Anderson (21)

17,836

6/17

Poland (4-3)

L (25-22, 25-19, 25-20)

Hoﬀman Estates, Ill.

Priddy (13)

4,700

6/18

Poland (5-3)

W (25-21, 15-25, 25-18, 25-22)

Hoﬀman Estates, Ill.

Anderson (20)

6,000

6/24

Brazil (5-4)

L (25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-19)

Tulsa, Okla.

Priddy (15)

4,000

6/25

Brazil (6-4)

W (25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 25-23)

Tulsa, Okla.

Priddy (17)

3,500

7/1

Puerto Rico (7-4)

W (25-27, 25-22, 25-12, 25-27, 15-8)

Long Beach, Calif.

Priddy (21)

3,000

7/2

Puerto Rico (8-4)

W (25-13, 25-22, 25-19)

Long Beach, Calif.

Priddy (15)

3,100

7/6

Russia (8-5)

L (29-31, 25-16, 25-21, 25-22)

Gdansk, Poland

Anderson (17)

2,284

7/7

Brazil (8-6)

L (15-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-15)

Gdansk, Poland

Anderson (16)

3,480

7/8

Cuba (9-6)

W (23-25, 25-21, 25-18, 21-25, 15,13)

Gdansk, Poland

Anderson (29)

3,445

Final Standings: 1. Russia, 2. Brazil, 3. Poland, 4. Argen na, 5. Bulgaria, 6. Italy, 7. USA, 8. Cuba, 9. Serbia, 10. Finland, 11. Germany, 12. France, 13. Korea, 14. Portugal, 15. Japan, 16. Puerto Rico Pan American Cup at Ga neau, Quebec, Canada Date

Opponent (Record)

Result

Points Leader

A endance

6/13

Bahamas (10-6)

W (25-14, 25-12, 24-12)

Jablonsky (10)

500

6/14

Panama (11-6)

W (25-14, 25-14, 25-11)

4 players w/ 7 pts

243

6/15

Argen na (12-6)

W (25-15, 25-21, 25-19)

Tarr (14)

425

6/17

Puerto Rico (13-6)

W (25-18, 25-17, 25-14)

Price/Jablonsky (10)

679

6/18

Brazil (13-7)

L ( 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 28-26)

Price/Tarr (17)

1,325

Final Standings: 1. Brazil, 2. USA, 3. Canada, 4. Puerto Rico, 5. Mexico, 6. Venezuela, 7. Argen na, 8. Dominican Republic London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal at Earls Court in London Date

Opponent (Record)

Result

Points Leader

A endance

7/20

Serbia (13-8)

L (16-25, 25-17, 25-16, 26-24)

Patak (22)

Not available

7/21

Egypt (14-8)

W (25-23, 25-17, 25-21)

Patak (15)

7/22

Mexico (15-8)

W (25-19, 25-17, 25-18)

Patak/Jablonsky (12)

7/23

Great Britain (16-8)

W (25-23, 25-10, 27-25)

Patak/Anderson (15)

7/24

Brazil (16-9)

L (25-21, 22-25, 25-27, 25-16, 18-16)

Anderson (18)

Final Standings: 1. Serbia, 2. Brazil, 3. USA, 4. Egypt, 5. Great Britain, 6. Mexico

2011 Final Results (26-15) World University Games at Shenzhen, China (Record is not included in overall U.S. record) Date

Opponent (Record)

Result

Points Leader

A endance

8/12

Mexico (1-0)

W (25-17, 25-23, 25-15)

Menzel (15)

1,800

8/13

Turkey (2-0)

W (25-18, 25-9, 25-20)

Amberg (16)

1,370

8/15

Czech Republic (2-1)

L (23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-27, 15-13)

Menzel (28)

2,500

8/16

United Arab Ems. (3-1)

W ( 25-21, 25-13, 25-20)

Troy (12)

300

8/17

Thailand (3-2)

L (25-15, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23)

Lawson (15)

1,350

8/19

Japan (3-3)

L (25-20, 23-25, 28-30, 25-21, 15-11)

Troy (23)

1,341

8/20

Sweden (4-3)

W (25-21, 24-26, 25-10, 27-25)

Clark (18)

1,335

8/21

Norway (5-3)

W (25-19, 23-25, 25-16, 25-14)

Clark (21)

1,350

Final Standings: 1. Russia, 2. Ukraine, 3. Brazil, 4. Canada, 5. Korea, 6. Thailand, 7. Czech Republic, 8. Switzerland, 9. Japan, 10. Israel, 11. Australia, 12. USA, 13. Norway, 14. Sweden, 15. Mexico, 16, Turkey, 17. Oman, 18. China, 19. Hong Kong, 20 United Arab Emirates, DQ Iran Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NORCECA Con nental Championship at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico Date

Opponent (Record)

Result

Points Leader

A endance

8/29

Trinidad & Tobago (17-9)

W (25-15, 25-7, 25-12)

Lee/Patak (12)

100

8/30

Costa Rica (18-9)

W (25-16, 25-12, 25-9)

Patak (12)

100

8/31

Cuba (19-9)

W (24-26, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17)

Anderson (23)

2,654

9/2

Puerto Rico (20-9)

W (25-14, 25-15, 26-24)

Anderson (15)

1,950

9/3

Cuba (20-10)

L (25-23, 29-27, 25-27, 19-25, 15-8)

Anderson (18)

1,200

Final Standings: 1. Cuba, 2. USA, 3. Canada, 4. Puerto Rico, 5. Mexico, 6. Trinidad & Tobago, 6. Costa Rica, 7. St. Lucia 2011 Pan American Games at Guadalajara, Mexico (Record is not included in overall U.S. record) Date

Opponent (Record)

Result

Points Leader

A endance

10/24

Puerto Rico (1-0)

W (22-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-13)

Patak (27)

2,400

10/25

Canada (1-1)

L (21-25, 25-23, 37-39, 35-33, 15-12)

Ciarelli (29)

3,500

10/26

Brazil (1-2)

L (18-25, 25-17, 25-14, 25-18)

Patak/Vogel (9)

3,011

10/27

Argen na (1-3)

L (25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 17-25, 15-11)

Patak (21)

3,400

10/28

Venezuela (2-3)

W (21-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-13)

Patak (25)

3,100

10/29

Canada (3-3)

W (22-25, 25-15, 25-19, 21-25, 19-17)

Patak (25)

3,100

Final Standings: 1. Brazil, 2. Cuba, 3. Argen na, 4. Mexico, 5. USA, 6. Canada, 7. Puerto Rico, 8. Venezuela FIVB Volleyball World Cup Japan 2011 Nov. 20-Dec. 4 at Japan Date

Opponent (Record)

Result

City

Points Leader

A endance

11/20

China (21-10)

W (25-14, 25-23, 25-21)

Kagoshima

Stanley (17)

4,000

11/21

Brazil (21-11)

L (25-17, 25-18, 16-25, 25-16)

Kagoshima

Anderson (19)

3,000

11/22

Russia (21-12)

L (25-18, 25-19, 26-24)

Kagoshima

Stanley (17)

4,000

11/24

Egypt (22-12)

W (25-19, 25-20, 25-20)

Kumamoto

Priddy/Stanley (14)

1,500

11/25

Italy (22-13)

L (41-39, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21)

Kumamoto

Stanley (22)

3,000

11/27

Iran (23-13)

W (25-15, 27-25, 25-14)

Fukuoka

Stanley (25)

1,700

11/28

Poland (23-14)

L (25-15, 25-20, 25-18)

Fukuoka

Stanley (10)

900

11/29

Japan (24-14)

W (39-37, 25-16, 25-15)

Fukuoka

Anderson (19)

5,200

12/2

Argen na (25-14)

W (27-29, 25-14, 25-17, 20-25, 15-12)

Tokyo

Anderson (25)

550

12/3

Cuba (26-14)

W (25-20, 14-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-10)

Tokyo

Anderson (25)

850

12/4

Serbia (26-15)

L (25-23, 25-17, 25-19)

Tokyo

Rooney (10)

900

Final Standings: 1. Russia, 2. Poland, 3. Brazil, 4. Italy, 5. Cuba, 6. USA, 7. Argen na, 8. Serbia, 9. Iran, 10. Japan, 11. China, 12. Egypt

2011 U.S. Men’s Sta s cs

1 13 8 4 12 21 9 6 7 10 11

No.

LAMBOURNE

ANDERSON STANLEY PRIDDY LEE HOLMES MCKIENZIE MILLAR LOTMAN SUXHO SALMON THORNTON

Name

15 15 14 14 13 12 10 10 15 4 1

Sets Played

52 40 35 30 21 12 8 2 1 3 0

Total Kills

12.75

0.00

3.47 2.67 2.50 2.14 1.62 1.00 0.80 0.20 0.06 0.75 0.00

Kills Per Set

58.8

00.0

63.4 55.6 46.7 81.1 75.0 85.7 61.5 16.7 12.5 50.0 00.0

Kill Pct.

4 4 5 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0

Hi ng Errors

347

82 72 75 37 28 14 13 12 8 6 00

Total A empts

0.536

0.000

0.585 0.500 0.400 0.784 0.714 0.857 0.462 0.167 0.000 0.500 0.00

Hi ng Eﬀ.

8 10 6 2 4 5 0 4 3 0 0

Service Aces

2.63

0.00

0.53 0.67 0.43 0.14 0.31 0.42 0.00 0.40 0.20 0.00 0.00

Aces Per Set

4 11 6 11 8 0 3 0 3 0 0

Stuﬀ Blocks

2.88

0.00

0.27 0.73 0.43 0.79 0.62 0.00 0.30 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00

Blocks Per Set

126

19 17 18 2 3 1 0 4 22 2 0

Digs

7.88

2.38

1.27 1.13 1.29 0.14 0.22 0.08 0.00 0.40 1.47 0.50 0.00

Digs Per Set

292

64 61 47 43 33 17 11 10 7 3 0

Points

18.25

0.00

4.27 4.07 3.36 3.07 2.54 1.42 1.10 1.00 0.47 0.75 0.00

Points Per Set

(DataVolley staƟsƟcs based on the NORCECA Men’s ConƟnental Olympic QualificaƟon Tournament )

5 204

Sets Played 87 8

Assists 3 0

Faults 265 15

5.44 2.67

Assists Per Set

Name 15 1

Total A empts

TOTALS

No. SUXHO THORNTON

SETTING STATISTICS (as determined by NORCECA)

7 11

2012 U.S. Men’s Sta s cs

1 13 8 4 9 3 6 15 16/18 17 10 17 2 6 16 9/6 3 4 9 5 14 7 7 11

No.

LAMBOURNE SALMON WATTEN

ANDERSON STANLEY PRIDDY LEE MILLAR PATAK LOTMAN HOLMES JABLONSKY HOLT SMITH PRICE ROONEY HEIN TARR TROY MENZEL MUAGUTUTIA MEEHAN THORNTON HANSEN WINDER SUXHO SHOJI

Name

110

107 34 16

115 97 88 104 97 92 85 71 31 39 32 15 16 16 20 16 6 7 3 99 44 15 10 11

Sets Played

1,358

0 0 0

420 265 262 140 95 104 107 77 64 49 37 43 43 26 48 21 12 0 1 4 9 3 2 1

Total Kills

12.35

0.00 0.00 0.00

3.65 2.73 2.98 1.35 0.98 1.13 1.26 1.08 2.06 1.26 1.16 1.25 2.69 1.63 2.40 1.31 2.00 0.00 0.33 0.04 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.09

Kills Per Set

48.6

00.0 0.00 0.00

48.7 42.4 47.7 53.0 45.7 44.4 48.9 55.4 54.2 54.4 57.8 50.6 49.4 53.1 55.2 70.0 52.2 00.0 100.0 21.1 60.0 75.0 40.0 100.0

Kill Pct.

214

0 0 0

63 50 39 17 17 10 17 7 7 8 5 8 5 3 6 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

Hi ng Errors

2,792

0 0 0

862 625 549 263 208 234 219 139 118 90 64 85 87 49 87 30 23 4 1 19 15 4 5 1

Total A empts

0.410

0.00 0.00 0.00

0.414 0.344 0.406 0.468 0.375 0.402 0.411 0.504 0.483 0.456 0.500 0.412 0.437 0.469 0.483 0.467 0.435 0.000 1.000 0.211 0.600 0.750 0.200 1.000

Hi ng Eﬀ.

161

0 0 0

34 53 18 8 12 26 13 5 6 6 9 2 0 2 1 2 1 0 0 14 3 5 0 1

Service Aces

1.46

0.00 0.00 0.00

0.30 0.55 0.20 0.08 0.12 0.28 0.12 0.07 0.19 0.15 0.28 0.13 0.00 0.13 0.05 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.07 0.33 0.00 0.09

Aces Per Set

310

0 0 0

39 55 31 82 50 10 10 27 7 21 19 7 2 3 5 1 2 2 1 15 11 4 2 2

Stuﬀ Blocks

2.82

0.00 0.00 0.00

0.34 0.57 0.35 0.79 0.52 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.23 0.54 0.59 0.47 0.13 0.19 0.25 0.06 0.33 0.29 0.33 0.15 0.25 0.27 0.20 0.18

Blocks Per Set

751

180 47 23

125 138 105 30 21 35 39 11 31 7 13 9 16 3 7 5 2 3 0 116 44 5 20 0

Digs

6.83

1.68 1.38 1.44

1.09 1.42 1.19 0.29 0.22 0.38 0.46 0.15 1.00 0.18 0.41 0.60 1.00 0.19 0.35 0.31 0.33 0.43 0.00 1.17 1.00 0.33 2.00 0.00

Digs Per Set

1,803

0 0 0

493 373 311 230 157 140 130 109 77 76 65 52 45 31 27 24 15 2 2 33 23 12 4 4

Points

16.39

0.00 0.00 0.00

4.29 3.85 3.53 2.21 1.62 1.52 1.53 1.53 2.48 1.95 2.03 3.47 2.81 1.94 1.35 1.50 2.50 0.29 0.67 0.33 0.52 0.80 0.40 0.36

Points Per Set

(DataVolley staƟsƟcs based on the following 2011 events: FIVB World League, Pan American Cup, London InternaƟonal InvitaƟonal, NORCECA ConƟnental Championship and the FIVB World Cup)

5 10 19 TOTALS

No. THORNTON HANSEN WINDER SUXHO SHOJI

Name 99 44 15 10 11

Sets Played 514 145 89 67 40

Assists 17 6 0 1 0

Faults

1,799 502 217 173 85

Total A empts

5.19 3.30 5.93 6.70 3.64

Assists Per Set

SETTING STATISTICS (as determined by the FIVB and/or NORCECA. Does not include London Interna onal Invita onal)

5 14 7 7 11

1 USA 25 TRI 25

2 25 25

3 25 25

U.S. Men Top Trinidad & Tobago to Open Qualifier LONG BEACH, Calif. (May 7, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team had li le trouble winning their first match of the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament as they swept Trinidad & Tobago on Monday, 25-9, 25-10, 25-14 at the Pyramid in Long Beach. The winner of the eight-team tournament will qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The U.S. Men open tournament pool play with a 1-0 record and will play Costa Rica (0-1) at 8 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Trinidad & Tobago will play Mexico at 3 p.m. PT. The U.S. dominated Trinidad & Tobago, leading 12-0 in aces, 7-2 in blocks and 33-14 in a acks. “It was our first match,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “I thought it was important that we play with the right mentality and a good sense of urgency.”

Ma Anderson digs the Molten as Reid Priddy (8) and Rich Lambourne watch. (Ma A. Brown photo)

U.S. middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) led all scorers on Monday with 11 points on a match-high eight a acks (72.7 kill percent, .636 hi ng eﬃciency), two blocks and one ace. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added nine points on six a acks, one block and two aces. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), who started only the third set, totaled seven points on five kills and two aces. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) finished with six points on two kills, one block and a match-high three aces. Opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) totaled six points on six a acks. “We did a great job behind the service line,” Stanley said. “Our block was good and it put a lot of pressure on Trinidad.” Opposite Dave McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) scored five points on four kills and one ace. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) finished with four points on two blocks and two aces. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) added three points on one kill, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) finished with one point on one a ack. Suxho set the U.S. Men to a 67.3 kill percent and a .571 hi ng eﬃciency. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led in digs with 11 and was credited with four excellent serve recep ons. Anderson led the team in excellent recep ons with eight. Trinidad team captain Nolan Tash paced the Caribbean team with six points on six a acks. U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Lee and Millar at middle blocker, Suxho at se er, Stanley at opposite and Lambourne at libero.

Russell Holmes a acks from the middle against Trinidad & Tobago. (Ma A. Brown photo)

Donald Suxho (7) sets against the block of Trinidad & Tobago. Ma A. Brown photo

Donald Suxho (7) sets for the U.S. in front of Trinidadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s block. (Ma A. Brown)

1 USA 25 CRC 14

2 25 9

3 25 9

U.S. Men Cruise Past Costa Rica at Qualifier LONG BEACH, Calif. (May 8, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team coasted past Costa Rica, 25-14, 25-9, 25-9 on Tuesday at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, Calif. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Clay Stanley (13), Russell Holmes and Ma Anderson (1) block against Costa Rica. (Ma A. Brown photo)

The U.S. Men improved to 2-0 in pool play. They will try to secure the pool victory on Wednesday when they play Mexico (2-0) at 8 p.m. PT at the Pyramid. Costa Rica (0-2) will play Trinidad & Tobago (0-2) at 3 p.m. PT. The U.S. Men dominated the match, leading in kills, 38-18, in blocks, 8-2 and in aces, 11-0. “We subbed a li le more freely tonight and the guys did a good job keeping their focus,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We stressed a lot about con nued pressure on the end line.” U.S. opposite David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) led all scorers with 10 points on a match-high eight kills (80.0 kill percent, .700 hi ng efficiency) and two aces. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added eight points on three a acks (75.0 kill percent, .750 hi ng efficiency), a match-high three blocks and two aces. “I thought our team controlled the game behind the service line,” Stanley said. “We had a pre y nice control block giving them pressure and having it hard (for Costa Rica) to side out.” Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) totaled seven points on four kills and a match-high three aces. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) added seven points on five a acks and two blocks. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) scored six points on six a acks. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled five points on three kills, one block and one ace. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) scored five points on three a acks and two aces. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) added five points on three kills and two blocks. Outside hi er Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) contributed three points on three a acks and se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) scored a point with a kill. Se ers Suxho and Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) combined to help the U.S. Men to a 69.1 kill percent and a .600 hi ng efficiency. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) had six of the United States’ 26 digs while Suxho had five. Lambourne was also credited with 12 excellent recep ons. Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Lee and Millar at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Lambourne at libero. Holmes started the second and third sets for Lee. Lotman started the third set for Priddy. Thornton started the third set for Suxho. McKienzie started the third set for Stanley.

Ma Anderson (1) hits against Costa Rica. (Ma A. Brown photo) Dave McKienzie celebrates during the match against Costa Rica. (Ma A. Brown photo)

Brian Thornton receives the Molten. (Ma A. Brown photo)

1 USA 25 MEX 23

2 25 19

3 25 14

U.S. Men to Play Cuba in Semifinals LONG BEACH, Calif. (May 9, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team will advance to the semifinals of the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament a er bea ng Mexico on Wednesday, 25-23, 25-19, 25-14.

Ma Anderson (1) hits against Costa Rica. (Ma A. Brown photo)

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The U.S. Men won their pool with a 3-0 record and will await their opponent for Friday‘s semifinal. Mexico (2-1) will play Puerto Rico (1-2) in one of Thursday’s quarterfinals while Cuba (2-1) will play Trinidad & Tobago (12) in the other. Canada (3-0), which scored an upset over Cuba in their final pool play match on Wednesday, will play in the other semifinal on Friday. The U.S. Men got oﬀ to a slow start on Wednesday, but accelerated and finished the match leading Mexico in kills (40-31), blocks (8-4) and aces (6-3). “I would like to congratulate Mexico for coming out ready to play,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “They put pressure on us early and o en. We haven’t allowed teams to earn many points that teams don’t earn. I think we have room for improvement and things on video we can clean up on our day oﬀ tomorrow.”

Ma Anderson (1) hits against Costa Rica. (Ma A. Brown photo)

U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) led all scorers with 14 points on 10 kills (58.8 kill percent, , three blocks and one ace. “Mexico did a great job,” Stanley said. “They are really scrappy and made a lot of great plays. We made a lot of li le plays in the beginning that kept the game close especially in the first set with over passes and free balls. In the third set we opened that set up with service to put them in trouble spots.” Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 12 points on 10 a acks and two aces. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) totaled 10 points on nine a acks and one block. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) added seven points on four a acks and three blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored six points on six kills. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) scored two points on one kill and one block. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) and opposite Dave McKienzie each scored one point with an ace. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) added one point with a block. Suxho set the team to a 49.4 kill percent and a .370 hi ng eﬃciency. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) had 13 of the team’s 43 digs. Stanley had nine. Lambourne was credited with 11 excellent recep ons while Priddy led with 12. Mexico’s Carlos Guerra produced a team-high 12 points and captain Gerardo Contreras added nine points.

Reid Priddy (8) slaps hands with Ryan Millar (9). (Ma A. Brown photo)

Rich Lambourne passes the Molten (Ma A. Brown photo)

1 USA 21 CUB 25

2 25 18

3 25 17

4 25 16

U.S. Men to Play Canada for Olympic Berth LONG BEACH, Calif. (May 11, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team will play Canada for a berth at the 2012 Olympic Games on Saturday a er bea ng Cuba on Friday, 21-25, 25-18, 25-17, 25-16 at the NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, Calif.

Alan Knipe and his players listen to the Na onal Anthem before the match. (Ma A. Brown photo)

The United States (4-0) will play Canada (4-0) at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Pyramid with the winner taking the Olympic berth. Cuba (3-2) will play Puerto Rico (2-3) in the bronze-medal match, which begins at 5 p.m. The U.S. block came up big against Cuba with the United States holding a 14-5 blocking advantage. Four U.S. players finished with three blocks each. The U.S. also led in aces, 10-5, while Cuba held the edge in a acks, 4946. The U.S. scored 26 points on Cuban errors while giving away only 17. U.S. outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led all scorers with 24 points on a match-high 17 kills (70.8 kill percent, .708 hi ng eﬃciency), three blocks and a match-high four aces. Opposite Clay Stanley added 13 points on seven a acks, three blocks and three aces. The U.S. Men kept the first set close, but were never able to take a lead and pull away. In the next three sets, they took early leads and pulled away from Cuba.

Russell Holmes (12) goes for the kill of the set by Donald Suxho (le in white). (Ma A. Brown photo)

“We didn’t start off the way we wanted to, but some of that credit goes to Cuba,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “I want to give a lot of credit to our passers tonight because (Wilfredo) Leon and (Fernando) Hernandez can put a lot of pressure on you. I was extremely proud of that effort as the match went on, but more importantly of the group because they stayed together and kept focus.” “I don’t know what happened in the first set, Cuba put some pressure on us, but I am really proud of my team,” Stanley said. “Ma Anderson served his bu off tonight and he played great offense. Russell Holmes did a great job. We passed the ball pre y good. As a team we played an all-around good match.” Wilfredo Leon paced Cuba with 15 points on 13 a acks and two aces. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) finished with 11 points on eight a acks and three blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) totaled 11 points on six kills, three blocks and two aces. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) contributed eight points on seven a acks and one block. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) totaled two points on one kill and one block and opposite David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) had one point on a service ace. Suxho set the U.S. Men to a 52.3 kill percent and a .477 hi ng efficiency. Cuba had a 45.4 kill percent and a .370 hi ng efficiency. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) was credited with eight digs as was Anderson. The U.S. had 23 digs total.

Clay Stanley (13) and David Lee (4) go up for the block against Cuba. (Ma A. Brown photo)

Clay Stanley a acks against Cuba (Ma A. Brown photo)

1 USA 25 MEX 23

2 25 19

3 25 14

U.S. Men Book Ticket to London 2012 LONG BEACH, Calif. (May 12, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team qualified for its eighth straight Olympic Games on Saturday with a 28-26, 25-18, 25-20 victory over Canada at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament at the Pyramid in Long Beach, Calif. Ma Anderson receives the Molten. (Ma A. Brown photo) The eight-team tournament awarded the winner berth into the Olympic Games later this summer in London. The U.S. Men finished the tournament with a 5-0 record. Canada finished second at 4-1. Cuba defeated Puerto Rico, 25-20, 25-21, 25-15, to win the bronze. The United States, ranked sixth in the latest FIVB World ranking compared to Canada’s No. 18 ranking, has now qualified for each of the last four Olympic Games through the NORCECA Men’s Continental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament. However the 2012 event marks the first me the Americans have qualified on U.S. soil as a sell-out crowd watched the gold-medal match. “I’ve never played in such an important match on U.S. soil with as much significance an as much support as this one,” U.S. outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) said. “Being in the twilight of my career, this is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Thank you to UPS, USA Volleyball, the City of Anaheim and everyone who made it possible.” U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) was named best spiker. U.S. middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) was named best blocker.

From le , Donald Suxho, Reid Priddy and Ma Anderson celebrate. (Ma A. Brown photo)

Stanley led the United States with 15 points as his team used a balanced oﬀense. Stanley scored on 12 kills, one block and two aces. Lee provided 13 points on seven a acks and a match-high five blocks. Anderson contributed 13 points on 13 a acks Priddy contributed 12 points on 10 kills, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored nine points on five kills and four aces. Canada was led by Dallas Soonias’ 19 points, followed by Fred Winters’ 12 points. The U.S. Men managed a 47-37 advantage in a ack points, in addi on to an 11-5 margin in blocks and a 4-3 lead in aces. “Now we can prepare for teams qualified for the Olympics and not just teams trying to qualify,” U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “And we can prepare our guys. We only had eight prac ces to prepare for this tournament and team did a great job.” Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) helped the U.S. Men to a 52.2 kill percent and a .467 hi ng eﬃciency. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with seven while Anderson added six. Lambourne was credited with 17 recep ons (65 percent posi ve). Anderson led the team in recep ons with 18 (67 percent posi ve). Priddy also had 17 recep ons (59 percent posi ve).

From le , Ryan Millar, Riley Salmon with son Lincoln and Brian Thornton. (Ma A. Brown photo)

David Lee a acks against Canada (Ma A. Brown photo)

1 USA 25 FRA 17

2 20 25

3 24 26

4 17 25

U.S. Men Fall to France in World League Opener FLORENCE, Italy (May 18, 2012) – Perhaps showing the strain of its rigorous early season schedule, the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team fell to France, 17-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-17 on Friday in their opening pool play match of the 2012 FIVB World League in Florence, Italy. The U.S. Men are coming oﬀ the six-day, eight-team NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament, which they won with a 5-0 record while dropping only one set. “We started the game well, but a er the first set we fell asleep,” U.S. Men’s Team Captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) said in an FIVB press release. A er a strong first set on Friday, the U.S. Men saw France turn up its blocking pressure while Team USA struggled with its serve. France led 8-1 in aces while the U.S. Men had 17 service errors as compared to 14 for France. France led in digs 52-37 and in recep ons 49-42. “We couldn’t follow our technical plan, but we made a lot of mistakes in recep on,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said in an FIVB release. “Definitely we weren’t focused on the match.” France out-a acked the U.S. Men, 50-46 while the United States led in blocks 15-10. However five of the U.S. blocks came in the first set.

Clay Stanley ps the ball against France. (FIVB photo)

Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) led the United States with 17 points on 12 kills (52.2 kill percent, .435 hi ng efficiency) and a team-high five blocks. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 14 points on a team-high 13 a acks (46.4 kill percent, .321 hi ng efficiency) and one ace. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled 10 points on seven a acks (63.6 kill percent, .455 hi ng efficiency) and three blocks. Marien Mareau and Earvin Ngapeth each scored 16 points for France. Kevin Le Roux added 13. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) scored nine points on seven kills and two blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) amassed six points on three a acks and three blocks. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) totaled three points on one kill and two blocks. He also set the team to a 46.0 kill percent and a .320 hi ng efficiency. Outside hi ers Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) along with middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) each scored one point with an a ack. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite and Suxho at se er. Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) is the designated libero for the tournament. Lotman started the fourth set for Priddy and Millar started for Holmes. David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) and Salmon played as subs tutes.

Donald Suxho (7) sets for Russell Holmes (12). (FIVB photo)

1 USA 20 KOR 25

2 18 25

3 25 17

4 25 23

5 17 15

U.S. Men Complete Comeback to Beat Korea FLORENCE, Italy (May 19, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team used a valiant comeback to defeat Korea, 20-25, 18-25, 25-17, 2523, 17-15 on Saturday in an FIVB World League pool play match played in Florence, Italy. A er losing the first two sets to Korea, which had a 34-18 lead in a acks a er the first two sets, the U.S. Men pulled together. The United States fell behind 9-6 in the third set, but took its first lead at 14-13. With the score ed 15-15, the U.S. used a Korean serving error, a block by middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) and an ace from outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) to take an 18-15 lead that it never gave up. The U.S. Men were behind 23-19 in the fourth set when Priddy scored with a block and Millar connected on an a ack. Korea called meout. But Priddy scored the final four points of the set on a block and three kills to give the U.S. the victory. Team USA also looked to be in trouble in the ebreaker as Korea reached match point at 14-13. Millar ed the score with a block and Holmes served an ace to give the U.S. match point. Korea ed it at 15-15 with a kill, but opposite David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) came through with the final two points on an a ack and a block.

Clay Stanley a acks against Korea. (FIVB photo)

“I’m happy with the way we responded,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “My thanks to our guys.” The match was the second-straight five-set loss for Korea, which also tested Italy on Friday, 24-26, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23, 18-16. The U.S. finished the match with a 16-6 lead in blocks. The teams were ed in aces with seven apiece while Korea held the edge in kills, 60-59. The U.S. kill percent was 50.0 while its hi ng eﬃciency was .330. Korea’s kill percent was 52.17 and its hi ng eﬃciency was .313. Korea led in digs, 46-35, but the U.S. led in recep ons, 61-51. Priddy led the U.S. Men with 19 points on 15 a acks, two blocks and two aces. Holmes had 16 points on seven kills, a match-high seven blocks and two aces. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 16 points on 15 a acks and one block.

Dave McKienzie and the team celebrate a great play. (FIVB photo)

McKienzie, who subs tuted for opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) in the second set and started the rest of the match, finished with 15 points on 12 a acks, two blocks and one ace. Korea’s Yo-Han Kim led all scorers with 20 points on 17 a acks and a matchhigh three aces. Hong-Suk Choi added 19 points on 15 kills and four blocks. U.S. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) totaled nine points on six kills and three blocks. Stanley finished with five points on three kills and two aces. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored one point with a kill while star ng se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) had one point on a block.

From le , Donald Suxho, Russell Holmes and Reid Priddy put up a block. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 16 ITA 25

2 20 25

3 16 25

U.S. Men Struggle Against Italy FLORENCE, Italy (May 20, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team struggled to find its rhythm as it fell to Italy 25-16, 25-20, 25-16 on Sunday in an FIVB World League pool play match in Florence, Italy. Italy dominated the match, leading in a acks, 44-27, in blocks, 11-8 and in aces, 4-0. U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) and outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) each scored eight points for the U.S. Men. Each had seven a acks and one block. “I’m really disappointed, but it was hard to play against Italy tonight,” Stanley said in an FIVB press release. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) added seven points on three kills and a match-high four blocks. Italy’s Ivan Zaytsev led all scorers with 17 points on 14 kills, two blocks and one ace. Michal Lasko added 14 points on 11 a acks and three blocks. Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) finished with four points on three a acks and one block. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled three points on two kills and one block while outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) added three on three a acks.

The U.S. Men’s Team celebrates. (FIVB photo)

Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) and outside hi er Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) each scored one point with a kill. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the U.S. in digs with 10 and in recep ons with 14. Suxho, who started the first two sets of the match, was credited with 10 assists and no faults while se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.), who replaced Suxho in the second set and started the third, before Suxho was brought back, was credited with four. U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Lee and Holmes at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite and Susho at se er. Lambourne is the designated libero for the tournament. Salmon started the third set for Priddy and Thornton started the third set for Suxho, who returned later in the set. Lotman, middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) and opposite David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) all played as subs tutes. Italy held a 13-9 lead in the first set when Holmes scored with a quick kill and then combined with Suxho for a block. A Stanley a ack pulled the U.S. to within one at 13-12, but the next U.S. serve went out of bounds. Zaytsev scored on an ace for Italy and pulled the European side ahead 15-12. Italy s ll led by three at 17-14 when Bu scored with a quick kill followed by an Italy block. The U.S. called meout, but came back with a hi ng error that put Italy ahead 19-14. The U.S. was never able to pull any closer. Italy reached set point at 24-16 and used a block to win the set. Italy out-a acked the U.S. 13-7 in the first set and led 2-0 in aces. Reid Priddy wipes oﬀ his face. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 25 FRA 17

2 20 25

3 24 26

4 17 25

U.S. Men Return to World League with Win LEON, France (June 15, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team returned to FIVB World League ac on on Friday with a 30-28, 28-26, 25-22 victory over Italy in Lyon, France. A er a four-week compe on break, the U.S. Men evened their World League record at 2-2. Italy suﬀered its first World League loss and now has a record of 3-1.

David Smith a acks the ball as Ma Anderson tries to fake out the blocker and Donald Suxho, le , watches the ac on. (FIVB photo)

The last me the two teams played, on May 20 in Florence, Italy swept the U.S. Men. However both teams made some lineup changes on Friday as Italy went with a young lineup, save for team captain Simone Bu . In fact, both teams were without their head coaches. On the U.S. side, John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) took over for Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.), who is dealing with a family issue. Paolo Montagnani took over for Italy’s Mauro Berruto. “We didn’t have a lot of informa on about this young Italian team,” U.S. team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) said. “In the first set maybe we start too slow, but we were very focused, point a er point.” The U.S. took advantage of 26 Italy errors, including 11 service errors, while commi ng only 15, including just one service error. Italy led in a acks, 47-42 and aces, 8-5. The U.S. Men led in blocks 10-6. The U.S. Men came back from a seven-point deficit to win the first set. In the second and third sets they kept the score close and pulled out the victories at the end. “The future of Italian volleyball will be good,” Speraw said. “Early in the first set we had some trouble but we stayed focused. Our objec ve is to con nue to improve. We need to play.”

John Speraw signals that he thinks the ball is out. (FIVB photo)

U.S. outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led his team with 17 points on 13 a acks (59.1 kill percent, .545 hi ng efficiency) , two blocks and two aces. Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) added 13 points on 10 kills (47.6 kill percent, .333 hi ng efficiency) and three blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) contributed 11 points on nine kills (75.0 kill percent, .750 hi ng efficiency) and two blocks. Giulio Sabbi paced Italy with 17 points on a match-high 15 a acks and two aces. Jiri Kovar and Bu each added 11. Among other U.S. scorers, Stanley scored seven points on five a acks and two aces. Middle blocker Dave Smith (Saugus, Calif.) added seven points on four kills and three blocks. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) scored a point on an ace. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania), scored a point with a kill. Suxho was credited with 27 assists. He set the team to a 47.2 kill percent and a .360 hi ng efficiency. Italy had a 46.1 kill percent and a .235 hi ng efficiency. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne led the team in digs with 12 and added 11 excellent recep ons. Anderson led the team in excellent recep ons with 13. Rooney also had 11.

Ma Anderson, David Smith and Clay Stanley put up a block against France. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 25 KOR 22

2 27 25

3 25 16

Anderson Leads U.S. Men Past Korea FLORENCE, Italy (June 16, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team rode a strong performance by outside hi er Ma Anderson to a 22-25, 25-23, 27-25, 25-16 pool play victory over Korea on Saturday in an FIVB World League match played in Lyon, France. Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led the U.S. Men on Saturday with 21 points with 14 a acks (50.0 kill percent, .429 hi ng eﬃciency), a match-high six blocks and one ace. He also led the team in excellent recep ons with 21 on 34 a empts. The blocking proved to be a key as the U.S. led Korea in blocks, 14-7. Korea led in a acks, 60-54 while the U.S. held a 3-2 edge in aces. The United States also scored on 28 Korea errors while commi ng only 20. “I’m always sa sfied to win but I think we have to play be er tomorrow if we want to win against France,” U.S. Head Coach John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) said in an FIVB press release. “Our defense was not very good but of course Korea plays well in defense. Chul-Woo Park played fantas c volleyball. The third set was the key point of the match.”

Ma Anderson receives the ball. (FIVB photo)

Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) served as U.S. team captain for the match as usual captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) took the evening off. “Korea is a very good team, very tac cal, so we had a difficult game,” Suxho said. “Korea never gave up and played incredible balls. So we stayed together and it worked because we stayed in-system.” Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) finished with 11 points on 10 kills (50.0 kill percent, .400 hi ng efficiency) and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) scored 10 points on eight kills and two blocks. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) added 10 points on seven a acks and three blocks. Opposite Dave McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) scored 10 points on nine a acks (56.3 kill percent, .500 hi ng efficiency) and one ace. Opposite Gabe Gardner (San Clemente, Calif.) totaled five points on five a acks. Se er Donald Suxho added three points on three blocks and outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) scored a point with a kill. Suxho was credited with 44 assists and no errors. He set the U.S. Men to an overall kill percent of 56.3 and a hi ng efficiency of .458. Korea’s kill percent was 53.6 and its hi ng efficiency was .348.

Ma Anderson (1) and David Smith (20) block against Korea. (FIVB photo)

U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with seven and was also credited with 16 excellent recep ons. Korea’s Chul-Woo Park led all scorers with 24 points on 23 kills and one ace. Speraw, who is filling in for Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) while he deals with a family issue, started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Millar and Smith at middle blocker, Gardner at opposite, Suxho at se er and Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) at libero. McKienzie subs tuted for Gardner in the second set and started the third and fourth. Lotman and middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) played as subs tutes.

From le , Russell Holmes, Sean Rooney and Brian Thornton listen to the Na onal Anthem. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 20 FRA 25

2 25 22

3 25 19

4 25 21

U.S. Men Leave France with Pool Lead LYON, France (June 17, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team completed its FIVB World League weekend in Lyon with a 20-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-21 victory over host France on Sunday. Halfway through World League pool play, the U.S. Men lead Pool C with a record of 4-2 and 11 points. France is also 4-2 with 11 points, but the U.S. has a be er set ra o. “For us to win our three games is very posi ve,” U.S. opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) said. “We put together a good game plan. We are happy about the way we played. We were consistant throughout these three matches so that’s the best thing that we could ask for.”

Russell Holmes, le , and Donald Suxho block against France. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. Men will travel straight from France to Korea for their next weekend of play on June 22-24. On Sunday, the U.S. Men led France in kills (54-51), blocks (11-4) and aces (8-5). U.S. outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) led the United States with 21 points on a match-high 16 kills (59.3 kill percent, .519 hi ng eﬃciency), three blocks and two aces. Stanley added 16 points on nine a acks (56.3 kill percent, .375 hi ng eﬃciency), three blocks and a match-high four aces. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) scored 15 points on 13 a acks, one block and one ace. “It’s a very nice weekend with three wins; it’s very good for us,” U.S. Head Coach John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) said. “A lot of teams took the opportunity to play with young guys. Obviously we did too for example with Sean Rooney and he plays very well, that’s very good for us. We also had nice contribu on of guys from the bench.”

Sean Rooney dives for the ball against France. (FIVB photo)

Earvin Ngapeth paced France with 17 points on 14 a acks and three aces. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) totaled eight points on six kills and two blocks. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) added seven points on five a acks, one block and one ace. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) had four points on three kills and one block and outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) added two points on two a acks. Suxho was credited with 34 assists and set the U.S. Men to a 50.9 kill percent and a .396 hi ng eﬃciency. France had a 43.2 kill percent and a .280 hi ng eﬃciency. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with nine. He was also credited with 11 excellent recep ons. Rooney led the team in excellent recep ons with 21. Speraw, who is filling in for Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) while he deals with a family issue, started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Holmes and Smith at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) at libero.

Clay Stanley (13) a acks against France. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 22 ITA 25

2 25 21

3 29 27

4 25 16

U.S. Men Upend Italy GWANGJU, Korea (June 22, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team held on to its Pool C lead in the FIVB World League on Friday as it defeated Italy, 22-25, 25-21, 29-27, 25-16 in Gwangju, Korea. The U.S. Men, who went into the weekend leading Pool C, improved their record to 5-2. Italy, which has been playing a younger lineup, fell to 3-4. The U.S. Men led Italy in kills (55-54), blocks (14-7) and aces (6-4). The United States also held the edge in digs, 11-7. Italy con nued to use a young roster as it did during the World League weekend in France and was coached by assistant Paolo Montagnani. The U.S. Men were coached by assistant John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.), who con nued to fill in for Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) while Knipe a ends to a family issue.

Sean Rooney (2) and Ma Anderson (1) celebrate a great play with the rest of the team.. (FIVB photo)

“There were some problems with passing and serving in the first set, but we got be er from the second set.” Speraw said in an FIVB press release. “We were fortunate to get the third set, which was very compe ve. Overall, I am happy to win today’s match.” The U.S. Men struggled early in the match, par cularly with serve receive. But the U.S. turned up the blocking in the second set, which helped the offense gain momentum. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led all scorers with 21 points on 16 a acks (51.6 kill percent, .387 hi ng efficiency), four blocks and one ace. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 20 points on 14 kills (53.9 kill percent, 46.2 hi ng efficiency), four blocks and two aces. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) looked strong with 17 points on 10 kills, a match-high five blocks and two aces. Giulio Sabbi paced Italy with 19 points on 16 a acks, two blocks and one ace. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored eight points on eight kills. Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) totaled five points on four kills and one block. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) scored four points on three a acks and one ace. U.S. se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) was credited with 27 assists. He set the U.S. Men to a 50.9 kill percent and a .389 hi ng efficiency. Italy had a 47.0 kill percent and a .296 hi ng efficiency.

Sean Rooney celebrates. (FIVB photo)

U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the U.S. in digs with four and was also credited with seven excellent recep ons. Anderson led the U.S. in excellent recep ons with 15. Speraw started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Smith and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Lambourne at libero. Rooney subs tuted for Priddy in the third set and started the rest of the match. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) and opposite Dave McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) also played as subs tutes.

1 USA 25 FRA 21

2 25 21

3 25 20

U.S. Men Alone in Pool Lead After Win GWANGJU, Korea (June 23, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team extended its lead in Pool C on Saturday with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 victory over France in FIVB World League pool play in Gwangju, Korea. The U.S. Men had been ed with France in the Pool C lead, but had been in first place by virtue of its set ra o. With Saturday’s victory, the U.S. improved its record to 6-2 with 17 points while France is 5-3 with 14 points. Italy, which beat Korea on Saturday, is in third place at 4-4 with 11 points.

Sean Rooney lays out his body to get the ball. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. Men will complete their weekend series in Gwangju against host Korea at 10 p.m. PT on Saturday. France led the U.S. in a acks on Saturday, 43-40. But the U.S. held a big edge in blocks, 12-3, including five blocks in a second-set comeback, and had a smaller edge in aces, 3-2. The U.S. Men led in digs 18-14. The U.S. also took advantage of 21 French errors while commi ng only 15. The U.S. got balanced scoring from its starters, with four in double digits. U.S. outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) led all scorers with 13 points on nine kills (40.90 kill percent, .364 hi ng eﬃciency) and a match-high four blocks. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 12 points on 10 a acks (45.5 kill percent, .364 hi ng eﬃciency) and two blocks. “We did a great job today,” Stanley said. “Our team led the game with excellent teamwork. It was consistent. Also, we showed incredible defense and blocking today. It was a pre y good match.”

David Smith, le , and Sean Rooney celebrate a great play. (FIVB photo)

Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) contributed 11 points on seven a acks, three blocks and one ace. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) totaled 10 points on nine kills and one block. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) scored seven points on five a acks, on block and one ace. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) scored one point with a block. Suxho was credited with 27 assists and no faults. He set the U.S. to a 44.9 kill percent and a .348 hi ng efficiency. France’s kill percent was 39.8 and its hi ng efficiency was .185. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with six and added five excellent recep ons. Anderson led the team in excellent recep ons with nine. Antonin Rouzier led France with 11 points on 11 a acks. Kevin Tillie, who played on UC Irvine’s 2012 NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship team under U.S. coach John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) also made an appearance in the third set and scored seven points on seven kills in the losing effort. Speraw, who con nued to fill in for Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) while Knipe a ends to a family issue, started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Holmes and Smith at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Lambourne at libero.

Russell Holmes a acks against France. (FIVB photo)

Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) played as a subs tute.

1 2 3 USA 25 25 25 KOR 20 18 18 U.S. Men Win Sixth in a Row GWANGJU, Korea (June 24, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team will return to the United States on a six-match, FIVB World League win streak a er defea ng Korea, 25-20, 25-18, 25-18 on Sunday in Gwangju, Korea. The U.S. Men (7-2) leave Gwangju in first place in Pool C and will host their final three pool play matches on June 29-July 1 at the Dallas Conven on Center Arena in Texas. (BUY TICKETS) Korea fell to 1-8 with Sunday’s loss. If the U.S. Men can con nue their winning streak in Dallas, they will qualify for the World League Final Round on July 4-8 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The winning World League team earns $1 million.

Reid Priddy hits against Korea’s block. (FIVB photo)

“It is nice to win three straight World League matches in Gwangju,” U.S. opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) said. “ It was an almost perfect game today. Both serving and blocking were very good. I hope we have more games like this.“ The U.S. Men led Korea in kills (39-37), blocks (10-4) and aces (6-1). The U.S. Men also scored on 20 Korean team errors while commi ng only 14. U.S. outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led the U.S. with 13 points on nine a acks, one block and a match-high three aces. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) added 12 points on nine kills (51.72 kill percent, .379 hi ng eﬃciency), two blocks and one ace. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) finished with nine points on seven kills (58.3 kill percent, .500 hi ng eﬃciency), one block and one ace. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored eight points on six a acks and two blocks. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled six points on four a acks and two blocks.

Donald Suxho (7) sets for David Lee. (FIVB photo)

Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) contributed three points on one kill and two blocks. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) added two points on one a ack and one ace and opposite Gabe Gardner (San Clemente, Calif.) scored two points on two a acks. Suxho was credited with 26 assists and no faults. He set the team to a 53.4 kill percent and a .411 hi ng eﬃciency. Korea’s kill percent was 46.3 and its hi ng eﬃciency was .213. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team with three digs and also had nine excellent recep ons. Chul-Woo Park led Korea with 13 points on 12 kills and one block. U.S. Coach John Speraw (Irvine, Calif.), who con nued to fill in for Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) while Knipe a ends to a family issue, started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Lambourne at libero. Lotman, Gardner and opposite Dave McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) played as subs tutes.

David Smith, le , and Sean Rooney celebrate a great play. (FIVB photo)

Lotman, Gardner and David McKienzie (Littleton, Colo.) played as subs tutes.

1 USA 32 KOR 30

2 26 24

3 25 22

U.S. Men One Win Away from Pool Victory DALLAS, Texas (June 29, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Team maintained its Pool C lead in the FIVB World League on Friday with a 32-30, 26-24, 25-22 victory over Korea on Friday before an enthusias c crowd of 2,028 at the Dallas Conven on Center Arena.

Dallas fans cheer on the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team. (FIVB photo)

The United States improved its record to 8-2 while Korea fell to 1-9. If the U.S. Men can defeat France on Saturday, they will secure victory in Pool C and advance to the World League Final Round on July 4-8 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The overall World League winner earns $1 million. “We knew what was at stake coming into this weekend,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We got a good win tonight against a good Korean team and now we need to prepare for France. They got a nice win tonight so we will focus on them now.” France defeated Italy in the first match of the evening, 29-31, 25-23, 2518, 21-25, 15-12. The U.S. led Korea in a acks, 49-43, in blocks, 13-6 and in aces 6-3. Korea led in digs 26-24. U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) led all scorers with 19 points on 14 a acks (63.6 kill percent, .455 hi ng efficiency), three blocks and two aces. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 17 points on a match-high 16 a acks (53.3 kill percent, .367 hi ng efficiency) and one ace. Kwang-In Jeon led Korea with 14 points on 13 spikes and one block. “I thought we got off to a really slow start in the first set, but I am glad that we steadied out and stopped making bad plays,” Stanley said. “Overall, I don’t think it was a great night for us. It was a great learning experience and Korea put pressure on us the whole me.” Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) totaled 11 points on five kills, a match-high five blocks and one ace. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) finished with 11 points on nine a acks and two blocks.

Libero Rich Lambourne dives for the ball. (FIVB photo)

Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored 10 points on five a acks, three blocks and two aces. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with 10 and was credited with 18 excellent recep ons. U.S. se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) was credited with 32 assists and no faults. He set the U.S. to a 53.9 kill percent and a .396 hi ng eﬃciency. Korea’s kill percent was 47.3 and its hi ng eﬃciency was .275.

Reid Priddy receives the ball against Korea. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 20 FRA 25

2 22 25

3 23 25

4 25 23

5 15 13

France Interrupts U.S. Winning Streak DALLAS, Texas (June 30, 2012) – The winner of Pool C of the FIVB World League will be determined on the final day of the Intercon nental (pool play) Round as France defeated the United States, 25-20, 22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13 on Saturday at the Dallas Conven on Center Arena. Despite the five-set loss, the U.S. (8-3) maintains the Pool C lead with 24 points while France (8-3) has 21. However, France could win the pool on Sunday with a win over Korea while the United States faces Italy. The pool winner advances to the Final Round on July 4-8 in Sofia, Bulgaria and a chance to win $1 million. France led the U.S. in kills, 75-61, aces, 9-0, and digs, 42-31. The U.S. led in blocks 19-5 as se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania), outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) and middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) were each credited with four. Suxho set the U.S. to a 53.5 kill percent and a .456 hi ng efficiency. France finished with a 51.0 kill percent and a .327 hi ng efficiency. “It’s really tough,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We won in so many key areas but not in the most important area. We need to pass be er. Even though we won the blocking ba le, our blocks could be be er. France played very well. The made good plays when they needed to.” Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) paced the United States with 18 points on 15 a acks (68.18 kill percent, .591 hi ng efficiency) and three blocks.

Donald Suxho (7) sets for David Lee (4). (FIVB photo)

Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 16 points on 13 a acks and three blocks. Priddy totaled 16 points on 12 a acks and four blocks. “We need to find a way not to start the game oﬀ sloppily,” Stanley said. “We had trouble serving and when we did serve well they sent it back. It took me a while to get in a good blocking rhythm. But I figured it out.” Lee finished with 13 points on nine kills and four blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) tallied 11 points on 10 a acks and one block. Suxho added five points on 1 a ack and four blocks. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) finished with one point on a kill. Libero Rich Lambourne was credited with four digs and 16 excellent recep ons. Priddy led the team in digs with nine while Suxho had eight. Anderson led in excellent recep ons with 29. France’s Antonin Rouzier led all scorers with 21 points on 18 a acks and a match-high three aces. France’s Kevin Tillie added 19 points on 18 spikes and one block. Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Lambourne at libero. Lotman, middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) and opposite David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) all played as subs tutes.

Ma Anderson receives the ball against Italy. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 25 ITA 17

2 20 25

3 24 26

4 17 25

U.S. Men Headed to Final Round DALLAS, Texas (July 1, 2012) – The United States won Pool C and a trip to Bulgaria on Sunday as it defeated Italy 3-2 (26-28, 25-20, 24-26, 25-17, 15-10) on Sunday in the final Intercon nental Round match of the 2012 FIVB World League at the Dallas Conven on Center Arena. The U.S. Men, ranked No. 6 in the world, completed pool play with a 9-3 record while Italy, ranked No. 3, finished at 5-7. The five-set victory meant the U.S. Men beat France for the pool win. France had put pressure on the United States by sweeping Korea in the first match of the evening, 25-19, 25-15, 25-17. The U.S. was trailing 2-1 in sets and 8-6 in points in the fourth set when it ed the score at 8-8 and then used 4-0 run to pull ahead at 12-9. The run included a kill by outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.), who had replaced Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) in the third set and made several crucial plays.

Ma Anderson a acks against Poland. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. Men also bounced back from a first-set loss in which Italy fought off six set points and went on to win. “It was a great effort by our team, especially players who came off the bench: Dave Smith, Sean Rooney,” U.S. team captain and opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) said. “We have been trying not to get down in matches and keep our heads up; keep pushing, keep going.” The U.S. led Italy in blocks, 18-11, aces, 3-2 and digs, 47-46. Italy led in a acks, 67-64. Stanley led all scorers with 25 points on a match-high 23 a acks (56.1 kill percent, .439 hi ng efficiency) and two blocks. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 20 points on 16 kills (45.7 kill percent, .343 hi ng efficiency) and four blocks. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) finished with 13 points on six kills, a match-high six blocks and blocks and a match-high three aces. Priddy scored two points on two kills. David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) at middle blocker added two points on one kill and one block. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania ) scored two points on two blocks. He was credited with 29 assists and set the United States to a 46.0 kill percent and a .317 hi ng efficiency. Italy had a 44.4 kill percent and a .252 hi ng efficiency. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) was credited with 11 digs and nine excellent recep ons. Stanley led in digs with 13 and Anderson led in excellent recep ons with 15. “We are pleased,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe said. “It was a must-win for us against a quality opponent, an Olympic opponent. It allows us to go on and gain experience before London.” Ivan Zaytsev paced Italy with 21 points on 18 a acks, one block and two aces.

U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 25 GER 20

2 25 21

3 21 25

4 25 20

5 16 14

U.S. Opens Final Round with Loss to Germany SOFIA, Bulgaria (July 5, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team opened the FIVB World League Final Round with a five-set loss to Germany, 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20. 16-14 on Thursday in Sofia, Bulgaria. The U.S. Men (0-1) will play Bulgaria (1-0) on Friday at 10:45 a.m. PT to try to advance to the semifinals. Germany completed Final Round pool play at 1-1. The U.S. led Germany in kills, 66-60 and blocks, 17-15, while the two teams ed in aces 4-4. However Germany scored on 28 U.S. team errors while commi ng 18. “It was frustra ng. If you look at the stats, in a lot of areas we had an edge,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) “But in recep ons, we didn’t and in the most important area, the final score, we didn’t. It was a struggle to maintain a high standard of consistency.” U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu) led all scorers with 22 points on a match-high 18 kills, three blocks and one ace. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 20 points on 19 a acks and one block. “We had a pre y good blocking defense, but for us it was more running our oﬀense,” Stanley said. “We had trouble with recep on of their float serves. I think that was a bigger point in the match.”

Clay Stanley a acks against Germany. (FIVB photo)

Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored 11 points on seven a acks, two blocks and two aces. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) added 11 points on seven kills and four blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) totaled nine points on four a acks and a match-high five blocks. Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) added eight points on seven kills and one block. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) contributed five points on three a acks, one block and one ace. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) scored a point on an a ack. Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) at libero. Smith replaced Holmes in the third set and started the fourth. Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) took over for Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) in the fourth set and started the fi h. Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) and David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) played as subs tutes. “David Smith generally can give us a spark,” Knipe said. “He brings some energy. He has a diﬀerent serve, a jump serve as a middle blocker. He gave us a spark right away.”

Donald Suxho (7) back sets next to Russell Holmes. (Ma A. Brown photo)

1 USA 25 BUL 21

2 25 16

3 25 17

U.S. Men Advance to Semifinals SOFIA Bulgaria (July 6, 2012) – TThe U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team advanced to the semifinals of the 2012 FIVB World League with a 25-21, 25-16, 25-17 victory over host Bulgaria on Friday. The U.S. Men earned three points with the victory and won Pool A with four points and a 1-1 record. They will play Cuba (1-1), the second-place team from Pool B, on Saturday while Bulgaria (1-1) will face Poland (20). The winners will play Sunday for the gold medal while the losers will compete for bronze. The U.S. victory was its fi h in 17 matches against Bulgaria. It last played Bulgaria in 2008, going 1-3 during World League pool play. On Friday, the U.S. led Bulgaria in kills, 40-34, blocks, 10-5 and aces, 5-1. The U.S. Men also took advantage of 20 Bulgarian errors while commi ng 14.

Sean Rooney (2) and David Lee (4) block against Bulgaria. (FIVB photo)

“Our outside hi ers passed the ball really well, which helped us run our offense,” U.S. opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu) said. “Our middles had an excellent match ge ng numerous kills off the net. Donny (Suxho) set them really well. I look forward to the semifinals.” U.S. outside hi ers Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) and Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) shared the scoring lead with 15 points each. Anderson scored on a match-high 11 a acks (50.0 kill percent, .455 hi ng efficiency), three blocks and one ace. Rooney totaled 10 a acks (62.5 kill percent, .563 hi ng efficiency), three blocks and two aces. Stanley added eight points on six a acks, one block and one kill. Middle blockers David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) and David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) each scored seven points. Smith scored with seven a acks while Lee added four a acks and three blocks. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) contributed two points on two a acks and serving subs tute David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) scored on an ace.

Team USA celebrates a great play. (FIVB photo)

Suxho was credited with 16 assists and no faults. He set the United States to a 52.0 kill percent and a .455 hi ng eﬃciency. Bulgaria had a 38.6 kill percent and a .182 hi ng eﬃciency. The U.S. was credited with 16 excellent recep ons, including eight from Rooney and six by libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.). Todor Aleksiev paced Bulgaria with 12 points on 10 a acks and two blocks. “What I’m most proud of is how our team responded and the a en on to detail and energy they brought tonight,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We are going to need to show that in these next two matches.” Knipe started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Lee and Smith at middle blocker, Suxho at se er and Lambourne at libero. McKienzie and Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Colo.) played as subs tutes.

Donald Suxho, le , and David Lee block against Bulgaria. (FIVB photo)

1 USA 25 CUB 23

2 25 22

3 25 23

U.S. Men to Play Poland for Gold SOFIA, Bulgaria (July 7, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team will play in its first FIVB World League final since 2008 on Sunday a er defea ng Cuba in the semifinals, 25-23, 25-22, 25-23 on Saturday at Arena Armeec in Sofia. The U.S. Men (2-1) will play the winner of Saturday’s second semifinal match between Poland and Bulgaria for the World League championship on Sunday at 10:45 a.m. PT. Cuba will play the loser in the bronze medal match at 7:30 a.m. PT. The U.S. Men won the 2008 FIVB World League, then went on to win the Olympic gold medal in Beijing. The U.S. has also won World League bronze medals in 1992 and 2007. On Saturday, the U.S. led Cuba in blocks, 7-2 and aces, 5-3. Cuba held the edge in a acks, 46-42. The U.S. scored on 21 Cuba errors while commi ng 17. “We know Cuba pre y well from playing them both in World cup and the Olympic qualifier,” U.S. outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) said. Donald Suxho (7) dumps the ball. (Ma A. Brown photo) “They have a different lineup here, but we were s ll confident in our prepara ons.” U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu) led his team with 17 points on 13 kills (72.2 kill percent; 66.7 hi ng efficiency) and a match-high four aces. Anderson added 13 points on 13 a acks (59.1 kill percent; .545 hi ng efficiency). Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) totaled 11 points on 10 a acks and one ace. Wilfredo Leon paced Cuba with 16 points on a match-high 16 a acks. “If you look at the stats, the teams are close,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “For the second night, I thought our guys did good job in serve recep on. Also important was the ability for us to create opportuni es in our blocking defense and then convert those and sustain the energy by winning those points.” Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) tallied six points on four a acks and two blocks. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) added five points on two kills and a match-high three blocks. Se er Donald Suxho tallied two points with two blocks. Suxho was credited with 17 assists. He set the U.S. Men to a 48.3 kill percent and a .414 hi ng efficiency. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the U.S. Men in digs with nine. He also led in excellent recep ons with eight. Ma Anderson blocks against Cuba. (Ma A. Brown photo)

1 2 3 USA 25 26 25 POL 17 24 20 U.S. Men Win Silver in World League Final Round SOFIA, Bulgaria (July 12, 2012) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team was awarded the silver medal on Sunday a er falling to Poland in the FIVB World League championship match, 25-17, 26-24, 25-20. The U.S. Men completed the World League Final Round with a record of 2-2 and completed the 2012 World League with an overall record of 115. It is the best World League finish for the U.S. Men since they won the tle in 2008 and the first silver medal for the team, which won bronze in 1992 and 2007. The U.S. won $500,000 for the second-place finish. U.S. opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu) was named the Best Server of the World League Final Round, finishing with nine aces, including three on Sunday, for an average of .64 per set. Stanley also finished second among all Final Round scorers with 62 points on 49 a acks, four blocks and nine aces. It is the first me that the U.S. Men have medaled in World League in the same year that the U.S. Women’s Na onal Volleyball Team has medaled in the FIVB Grand Prix. The U.S. Women won the Grand Prix on July 1.

Ma Anderson a acks against Poland. (FIVB photo)

On Sunday, Poland led the overall sta s cs in kills (42-32), blocks (11-7) and aces (7-3). Stanley (Honolulu) led the U.S. with 15 points on a team-high 12 a acks and three aces. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added eight points on six kills and two blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) finished with seven points on four a acks and a team-high three blocks. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) added five points on four a acks and one block. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) tallied four points on three a acks and one block. Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) totaled two points on two kills. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) had one point with a kill. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) was credited with 13 assists. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.), who subs tuted for Suxho in the third set, had one.

David Lee holds up the trophy for second place. (FIVB photo)

The two combined to set the U.S. Men to a 41.0 kill percent and a .218 hi ng eﬃciency. Poland had a 54.0 kill percent and a .421 hi ng eﬃciency. Cuba defeated Bulgaria, 25-18, 19-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-12 to win the bronze medal. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) at libero. Priddy subs tuted for Rooney in the second set and started the third. Thornton took over for Suxho in the third set. Lotman took over for Anderson in the third. David McKienzie (Li leton, Colo.) also played as a subs tute.

Clay Stanley, far le , holds the award for Best Server. (FIVB photo)

Courtesy of NORCECA

Preliminary Roster - 2011 FIVB World League

#1 Ma Anderson Outside Hi er * 6-10 West Seneca, New York

#2 Sean Rooney Outside Hi er * 6-9 Wheaton, Illinois

#3 Evan Patak Opposite * 6-8 Pleasanton, California

#4 David Lee Middle Blocker * 6-8 Alpine, California

#5 Rich Lambourne Libero * 6-3 Tus n, California

#6 Paul Lotman Outside Hi er * 6-7 Lakewood, California

#7 Donald Suxho Se er * 6-5 Korce, Albania

#8 Reid Priddy Outside Hi er * 6-5 Richmond, Virginia

#9 Ryan Millar Middle Blocker * 6-8 Alpine, Utah

#1 Brian Thornton Se er * 6-3 San Clemente, Calif.

#11 Jonathan Winder Se er * 6-8 Irvine, California

#12 Russell Holmes Middle Blocker * 6-8 Fountain Valley, California

#13 Clay Stanley Opposite * 6-9 Honolulu, Hawaii

#14 Kevin Hansen Se er * 6-5 Newport Beach, California

#15 Gabe Gardner Opposite * 6-10 San Clemente California

#17 Max Holt Middle Blocker * 6-9 Cincinna , Ohio

#18 Sco Touzinsky Outside Hi er * 6-6 St. Louis, Missouri

#19 Robert Tarr Outside Hi er * 6-6 Cape Canaveral, Florida

#20 David Smith Middle Blocker * 6-7 Saugus, California

#16 Jayson Jablonsky Outside Hi er * 6-5 Yorba Linda, California

Alan Knipe Head Coach

Gary Sato Assisant Coach

Chris Jackson Technical Coordinator

Aaron Brock Medical Support

1 2 3 USA 20 22 19 POL 25 25 25 Poland Pushes Past U.S. Men in World League Opener LODZ, Poland (May 27, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team did not get oﬀ to the start it hoped for at the 2011 FIVB World League as it fell to Poland 25-20, 25-22, 25-19.

Team USA group photo from the opening weekend of the 2011 FIVB World League. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. led Poland in aces 3-1, but Poland out-hit the U.S. Men, 47-33. The United States’ hi ng efficiency was .185 and its kill percent was 35.9. Poland’s hi ng efficiency was .350 and its kill percent was 48.5. Poland also out-blocked the U.S., 11-6. Poland was credited with 55 digs and 14 errors while the United States had 31 digs and 13 errors. Poland was credited with 24 excellent recep ons on 54 a empts with three errors. The U.S. Men were credited with 22 excellent recep ons and two errors on 63 a empts. “This is certainly not how we wanted to start this tournament,” U.S. Team Captain Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.), who was also the team’s leading scorer. “We made a lot of errors, while Poland played well. It is always very difficult to win the game on this level with these two things happening.” Priddy paced the U.S. Men with 16 points on 13 kills, one block and a match-high two aces. Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 10 points on eight kills, one block and one ace. Poland’s Bartosz Kurek led all scorers with 23 points on a match-high 20 kills and a match-high three blocks. Zbigniew Bartman added 15 points on 12 kills, two blocks and one ace. “We were obviously disappointed in the outcome of the match tonight,” U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We were beaten in every major sta s cal category.” Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Ma Anderson scored five points on four kills and one block. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled four points on three kills and one block. Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), who subs tuted for Anderson in the third set, scored four points on four kills.

Donald Suxho and David Lee block against Polane. (FIVB photo)

Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) scored two points on one kill and one block. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania), who was pulled in the third set for Brian Thornton (San Clement, Calif.) score one point with a block. Suxho was credited with 21 running sets and no errors on 49 a empts. Thornton was credited with eight running sets and no errors on 21 a empts. Libero Rich Lambourne was credited with nine digs and two faults on 20 a empts. He also had eight excellent recep ons and one fault on 22 a empts. Priddy was credited with eight digs and two faults on 15 a empts. He also finished with eight excellent recep ons and no faults on 16 a empts. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Lee and Millar at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Suxho at se er and Lambourne at libero. Lotman started the third set for Anderson and Thornton replace Suxho early in the third set. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) and opposite Gabe Gardner (San Clemente, Calif.) also played as subs tutes.

Donald Suxho (7) sets for David Lee. (FIVB photo)

U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe, le , talks with David Lee (4). 49 (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 25 37 RUS 22 19 35 U.S. Men Bounce Back with Sweep of Poland LODZ, Poland (May 28, 2011) – U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team Head Coach Alan Knipe showed confidence in his star ng lineup and it paid oﬀ as the U.S. Men defeated Poland, 25-22, 25-19, 37-35 to earn their first victory in the Con nental (pool play) Round of the 2011 FIVB World League. The U.S. Men improved their record in Pool A to 1-1 as they head to San Juan, Puerto Rico for their next two matches on June 3-4. Poland (1-1) will travel to Rio de Janeiro to face Brazil on June 4-5.

Gabe Gardner (15), Ryan Millar (9) and Ma Anderson (1) block against Poland. (FIVB photo)

Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) made no changes to his star ng lineup despite its poor performance against Poland on Friday, when it was swept. His confidence paid oﬀ as four players scored in double figures and the U.S. Men improved all aspects of their game. In a third-set ba le, the U.S. Men held leads of 15-10 and 16-12, but Poland fought back and ed the match at 21-21. Poland took its first set point at 24-22 and went on to hold seven more set points while the U.S. took match point five mes before finally ge ng the victory.

Donald Suxho (7) sets for Ryan Millar. (FIVB photo)

“We were a more focused team tonight; focusing intently on each and every play and taking the game one point at a me,” U.S. Assistant Coach Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) said. “We developed a much be er rhythm tonight and the guys showed a lot of heart and character to bounce back and win the serve and pass ba le. Donald Suxho executed the game plan perfectly.” For the second night, outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) led the United States with 17 points on 15 kills and two aces. He was named the match’s Most Valuable Player. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) had a much be er night on Saturday, scoring 16 points on 13 kills, two blocks and one ace. Zbigniew Bartman led all scorers for a second night with 21 points on a match-high 19 kills and two blocks. Poland also used the same star ng lineup as Saturday, but made many more changes throughout the match. The teams were ed in kills, 42-42. However, the United States’ hi ng eﬃciency was 0.333 and its kill percent was 46.7 while Poland’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.189 and its kill percent was 39.6. The United States out-blocked Poland 15-6 and had eight aces while Poland scored on three. Poland led in digs 66-63, but was hurt by 28 errors, while the United States had 15. The U.S. was credited with 28 excellent recep ons and four faults while Poland had 21 excellent recep ons and seven faults. Millar finished the match with 11 points on five kills, five blocks and one ace. Among the other U.S. starters, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) also scored 11 points on five kills, five blocks and one ace. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) totaled nine points on three kills, three blocks and a match-high three aces. Se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) scored one point with a kill, and was also credited with 32 running sets and one fault on 65 a empts.

Reid Priddy, right, is congratulated for being named the match’s most valuable player. (FIVB photo)

Clay Stanley (13) blocks against Poland. (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 24 29 25 25 PUR 26 27 17 17 U.S. Men Come Back to Beat Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 3, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team took their second 2011 FIVB World League victory, out-blocking Puerto Rico 14-0 in a 24-26, 29-27, 25-17, 25-17 victory. With the victory, the U.S. Men improve to 2-1 in Pool A in the Con nental Round while Puerto Rico falls to 0-3. The two teams will play again on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT in San Juan. A er a lackluster first-set loss, the U.S. Men ba led to win the second set as Puerto Rico fought oﬀ three set points. The U.S. Men cruised to victory in the third and fourth sets. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) was brought in for Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) in the second set while outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) started the third and fourth sets for Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.).

Ma Anderson hits against Puerto Rico. (Jose Jimenez)

“Both sides made more errors than they wanted,” U.S. Men’s Team Captain Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) said. “I am really glad to win a er a tough ba le. Our guys from the bench Paul Lotman and Brian Thornton stabilized our game with key produc on.” U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) led all scorers with 20 points on 15 kills (0.500 hi ng efficiency), three blocks and two aces. Priddy, at outside hi er, added 19 points on 14 kills (41.2 kill percent) three blocks and two aces. “First of all I am happy to get the win,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach) said. “We didn’t start the first set very well and had some problems finding our rhythm. Lotman and Thornton did a good job and Stanley was very good tonight. Thornton got significant playing me and he did well.” Puerto Rico out-hit the U.S. Men 56-47. The U.S. Men’s hi ng efficiency was 0.292 while their kill percent was 41.6. Puerto Rico’s hi ng efficiency was 0.261 while its kill percent was 41.8.

U.S. Men’s team captain Reid Priddy, le , and Puerto Rico captain Hector Soto, right, pose with the event mascot. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. Men had seven aces while Puerto Rico had four. Puerto Rico also had 20 service errors while the U.S. was charged with 13. Puerto Rico led in digs 40-36, but also led in digging errors, 46-32. Opposite Hector Soto led Puerto Rico with 16 points on a match-high 16 kills (0.196 hi ng eﬃciency). Middle blocker Enrique Escalante added 13 points on 11 kills (0.250 hi ng eﬃciency) and two aces. Among other U.S. scorers, Lotman finished with eight points on six kills and two aces. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored seven points on three kills, three blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) added seven points on four kills and three blocks. Anderson scored six points on five kills and one block. Thornton finished with one point on a block. Thornton was credited with 13 running sets and one fault on 50 a empts. Suxho finished with 10 running sets and no faults on 32 a empts.

Brian Thornton sets against Puerto Rico. (Jose Jimenez)

Rich Lambourne makes a dig. (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 26 22 25 PUR 23 24 25 12 U.S. Men Dominate 4th Set; Beat Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 4, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team dominated the fourth set to defeat host Puerto Rico, 25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 25-12. The U.S. Men improved their 2011 World League record to 3-1 and took second place in Pool A behind Brazil (3-0), which will play its second match against Poland (1-3) on Sunday. Puerto Rico falls to 0-4 and is in fourth place in the pool. The U.S. Men will return to their home base at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, Calif., before heading to Belo Horizonte, Brazil for two matches on June 11-12 (both at 6 a.m. PT). Puerto Rico will host Poland on June 10-11.

Ryan Millar, right, looks to get the ball over Puerto Rico’s block. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. Men were leading 2 sets to 1 on Saturday when they took control of the fourth set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead. Later in the set, U.S. opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) served four straight aces to give his team an 18-9 lead. But Puerto Rico was truly deflated when outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) hit the ball and Puerto Rico blocked it back at him. The ball ricocheted oﬀ Anderson’s shoulder and fell on Puerto Rico’s side, giving the United States a 20-12 lead. Puerto Rico did not score again. “It was a very tough match with Puerto Rico touching a lot of balls, making it very diﬃcult for us,” U.S. Team Captain Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) said. “A lot of up and downs in our game, but we remained pa ent. I think that was the key for us.” “In the fourth set, a lot of things happened,” Puerto Rico Team Captain Hector Soto said. “I don’t know if it was lack of gas or lack of concentra on but it was a disaster. At the end we couldn’t get any points and it was a painful loss.” Anderson led the U.S. Men with 23 points on a match-high 22 kills (56.1 kill percent) and one block. Stanley had 17 points on 11 kills (36.6 kill percent), one block and a match-high five aces. Priddy, at outside hi er, added 16 points on 12 kills (60.0 kill percent) and four blocks.

The U.S. Men gather for a meout against Puerto Rico. (FIVB photo)

Soto led all scorers with 24 points on 20 kills, one block and three aces. Victor Rivera added 16 points on 14 kills, one block and one ace. For a second night, Puerto Rico out-hit the U.S. Men 55-52. The U.S. Men’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.368 while their kill percent was 45.6. Puerto Rico’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.276 while its kill percent was 44.7. But the U.S. out-blocked Puerto Rico 13-6 and had nine aces to Puerto Rico’s seven. The U.S. was credited with 39 digs and 29 faults. Puerto Rico had 40 digs and 38 faults. Puerto Rico was credited with 37 excellent recep ons and 10 faults. The U.S. Men had 38 excellent recep ons and eight faults. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored 10 points on three kills, a match-high five blocks and two aces. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) totaled seven points on four kills, one block and two aces. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.), making his first World League start, scored one point on a block. He was credited with 10 running sets and one fault on 93 a empts.

Reid Priddy goes for the kill against a block by Puerto Rico. (FIVB photo)

David Lee a acks against Puerto Rico. (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 21 19 21 BRA 19 25 25 25 Brazil Shows Why it is Leading Pool A BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (June 11, 2011) – For one set, the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team played like it was 2008. But it didn’t take long for Brazil to remind everyone which team is reigning in 2011. A er losing the first set, Brazil came back to defeat the U.S. Men, 19-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21 in an FIVB World League match before a crowd of 14,800 enjoying breakfast at World League. Brazil, the two- me defending World League champion ranked No. 1 in the world, improved its record to 5-0 in Pool A. The U.S. Men, ranked No. 5, fell to 3-2, but held on to second place in Pool A. The two teams will play again on Sunday. “We have been figh ng during World League to play at the same level during the en re match,” U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We will watch the tape from the game and we will see that we played some excellent volleyball and was also made a lot of mistakes. Brazil is a great team and we can´t help them like we did today.” Brazil out-hit the U.S. Men 47-46. Brazil’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.237 and its kill percent was 39.8. The U.S. Men’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.180 while their kill percent was 37.7.

Reid Priddy and David Lee go up to block against Brazil. (FIVB photo)

Brazil out-blocked the United States 11-10 and had four aces as compared to two for the U.S. Men. The U.S. was hurt by 23 blocking errors and 14 serving errors. The U.S. Men had more digs than Brazil, 52-47 and Brazil had more digging errors, 29-27. The U.S. Men were credited with 43 excellent recep ons and four errors. Brazil totaled 42 excellent recep ons and two errors. The U.S. Men got 13 points each from opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) and outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.). Stanley, the MVP of the 2008 Olympic Games where the U.S. Men won the gold medal, bea ng Brazil in the final, scored on 12 kills (35.3 kill percent) and one block. Priddy scored on a match-high 13 kills (40.6 kill percent). “I think that today we play some good and bad volleyball,” Priddy said. “We had ups and downs during the match. We need to have more consistency. Also, our number of unforced errors was greater than the normal a er the first set.” Brazil opposite Leandro Visso o led all scorers with 14 points on 11 kills (34.4 kill percent) and three blocks. Pereira Bravo added 12 points on nine kills (42.9 kill percent) and three blocks. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled 10 points on eight kills and two blocks. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added nine points on seven kills, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) scored seven points on three kills and a match-high four blocks. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored two points on two kills. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) had one point on one kill. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored one point on a block.

Rich Lambourne makes a dig as Reid Priddy (8) and Ma Anderson watch him. (FIVB photo) Brazilian fans show their true colors for their team. (FIVB photo)

U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe monitors the situa on 57 in Brazil. (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 25 16 26 BRA 21 22 25 24 U.S. Men Hand Brazil First ‘11 World League Loss BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (June 12, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team handed Brazil its first 2011 FIVB World League loss with a 25-21, 25-22, 16-25, 26-24 victory in front of 17,836 yellow-clad fans.

David Lee looks to get the ball over Brazil’s block. (FIVB photo)

The victory means the U.S. Men will return to the United States with a 4-2 record as they get set for three World League weekends at home (June 17-18 against Poland at Hoffman Estates, Ill.; June 24-25 against Brazil in Tulsa, Okla., and July 1-2 against Puerto Rico in Long Beach, Calif.). Brazil falls to 5-1, but is s ll in first place in Pool A. It will host Puerto Rico (0-6) on June 18-19. Blocking was the name of the game for the U.S. Men, who out-blocked Brazil 15-9, led by middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) with a matchhigh five stops. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) and outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) each added four blocks apiece. Brazil led the U.S. in kills, 59-50. The U.S. Men’s hi ng efficiency was 0.267 while their kill percent was 41.7 Brazil’s hi ng efficiency was 0.256 and its kill percent was 44.4. The teams ed in aces 1-1 and each had 12 service errors. Brazil led in digs, 59-38 and had 26 digging errors while the U.S. Men had 38. Brazil also led in excellent recep ons, 57-47. Each team was charged with one recep on error. “I am very pleased with the way my team played today,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “I think we did not make as many errors during the important moments. Yesterday I told my team that we could not give away so many errors and it did not happen today. “Brazil has an amazing environment for volleyball. We have some young guys on the team like Anderson and I think that they learned a lot with these matches.” Brazil Head Coach Bernardo Rezende was not happy with the ming of his team’s errors. “The difference between this match and the last game was when the errors happened,” he said. “We made a lot of mistakes at important moments of the game. We have to play with more intelligence.”

Paul Lotman congratulates Brian Thornton for the win. (FIVB photo)

Anderson led all scorers with 21 points on 17 kills (0.500 hi ng eﬃciency; 56.7 kill percent) and four blocks. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) added 16 points on 15 kills (0.400 hi ng eﬃciency; 50.0 kill percent) and one block. Lee finished with 10 points on six kills and four blocks. Brazil Team Captain Murilo Endres paced his club with 20 points on 18 kills and two blocks. Wallace Mar ns added 12 kills, one block and one ace. Among other U.S. players, opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) scored nine points on eight kills and one ace. Millar finished with seven points on two kills to go with his five blocks. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored one point with a block and opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.), who played as a subs tute, scored on a kill.

Clay Stanley celebrates. FIVB photo

Brian Thornton (10) sets against Brazil. (FIVB photo)

USA POL

1 2 3 4 22 19 20 25 25 25 Poland Sails Past U.S. Men, 3-0

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (June 17, 2011) – As a sea of 4,700 mostly Polish fans did “The Wave” around the Sears Centre Arena, Poland defeated the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20. The two teams are now both have 4-3 records and 12 points each, but Poland has the edge thanks to the points ra o. The United States and Poland will play again Saturday. Despite the heavily pro-Poland crowd, U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) refused to make excuses for his team. “It was a great volleyball atmosphere,” he said. “It had nothing to do with our performance.” Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) paced the U.S. Men with 13 points on 11 kills (50.0 kill percent), one block and one ace. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 11 points on eight kills (36.0 kill percent) and three aces for the U.S. Poland’s Zbigniew Bartman led all scorers with 16 points on a match-high 14 kills and two blocks. Bartosz Kurek added 12 points on eight kills, one block and three aces. Poland out-hit the U.S. Men 52-43. Poland’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.451 and its kill percent was 52. The United States’ hi ng eﬃciency was 0.301 and its kill percent was 41.

David Lee warms up before the match. (FIVB photo/Rob Grabowski)

Poland out-blocked the U.S. 10-5 and had five aces to four for the U.S. Poland was credited with 25 digs (6 errors) and the U.S. Men were credited with 29 digs (5 errors). “We prac ced the same way we played tonight,” Priddy said. “It was a good job by Poland, but the problem is on our side.” Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) totaled seven points on seven kills. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) finished with six points on two kills and a match-high four blocks. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), who played as a subs tute, scored four points on four kills. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.), who also played as a subs tute, scored two points on two kills. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne was credited with 15 digs and one fault on 16 a empts. Priddy had eight digs and two faults on 15 a empts. Star ng se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) was credited with 12 assists. Backup se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania), who played the last part of the third set, had two. Knipe started Priddy and Anderson at outside hi er, Lee and Millar at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Thornton at se er and Lambourne at libero. Holmes started the third set for Millar. Lotman, outside hi er Sco Touzinsky (St. Louis, Mo.), se er Donald Suxho (Korce, Albania) and opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) all played as subs tutes.

Evan Patak passes the ball. (FIVB photo/Rob Grabowski)

Rich Lambourne saves the ball as Ma Anderson watches. (FIVB photo/Rob Grabowski)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 15 25 25 POL 21 25 18 22 U.S. Men Grind Out Victory Over Poland HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (June 18, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team found a way to win and took a 25-21, 15-25, 25-18, 25-22 victory over Poland in front of 6,000 fans in an FIVB World League match on Saturday at the Sears Centre Arena. The United States regained its hold on second place in Group A and improved its record to 5-3. Poland falls to 4-4. The U.S. will travel to Tulsa, Okla., for its next two matches against world No. 1 Brazil on June 24-25. Poland led in kills, 49-39. Poland’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.284 and its kill percent was 45.9. The United States’ hi ng eﬃciency was 0.282 and its kill percent was 37.9. But errors proved to be Poland’s undoing, as the U.S. scored on 36 Poland errors while commi ng 21. Poland had 18 a ack errors while the U.S. had 10. Poland had 15 service errors while the U.S. had 11. “I don’t think either team looked fresh,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “I think we did a good job of grinding it out. It was not very pre y.” “We made a lot of mistakes, especially in the fourth set,” Poland Head Coach Andrea Anastasi said. “It’s terrible really.” In the fourth set, the teams were ed at 19-19 when the U.S. Men went up by two on a Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) kill and Poland’s hi ng error. Poland called meout, but had two more hi ng errors to give the U.S. a 23-19 lead. Poland called meout again and the U.S. served into the net. A kill by David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) gave the U.S. match point at 24-20. Poland came back with two points before hi ng it out of bounds to give the U.S. Men the win.

Reid Priddy serves against Poland during their match in Hoﬀman Estates, Ill. (FIVB photo/Rob Grabowski)

Anderson, who started at outside hi er, led all scorers with 20 points on 16 kills, three blocks and one ace. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) added 10 points on six kills, two blocks and two aces. Zbigniew Bartman led Poland with 19 points on a match-high 18 kills and one block. Piotr Nowakowski added 15 points on 12 kills, one block and two aces. The teams were ed in blocks 11-11 and Poland led in kills 49-39. Poland also led in aces 5-4. The teams were ed in digs 43-43. Among other U.S. scorers, opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) scored nine points on eight kills and one block. Lee at middle blocker finished with eight points on four kills, three blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.), who started instead of Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah), scored five points on four kills and one block.

Reid Priddy gets the ball through Poland’s block. (FIVB photo/Rob Grabowski)

Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored two points on a kill and a block. He was credited with 17 assists and no errors. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) was credited with 11 digs on 14 a empts. Stanley was credited with 10 digs on 14 a empts. Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Thornton at se er and Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) played libero.

Ma Anderson hammers the ball past Finlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s block. (FIVB photo/ Rob Grabowski) Reid Priddy looks at the crowd during the U.S. victory 63 over Poland (FIVB Photo/Rob Grabowksi)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 21 20 25 19 BRA 25 25 21 25 U.S. Men Unable to Duplicate Efforts Against Brazil TULSA Okla. (June 24, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team was unable to duplicate its feat of nearly two weeks ago as it fell to Brazil 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-19 Friday evening during an FIVB World League match at the Reynolds Center. Brazil is ranked No. 1 in the world by the FIVB, while the U.S. is ranked fi h. The two teams, which split a pair of matches in Brazil on June 11-12 with the Americans handing the Brazilians their only defeat of 2011 World League, meet again Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Central Time in Tulsa.

David Lee fakes the a ack as Reid Priddy gets ready to go up during their match agaisnt Brazil in Tulsa. (FIVB photo/David Polanski) Ryan Millar gets the ball past Brazil’s block. (FIVB photo/David Polanski)

Brazil leads Pool A with an 8-1 record and 24 points, while the U.S. drops into a second-place e with Poland with iden cal 5-4 records and 15 points. Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) paced the U.S. Men with 15 points on 14 kills and a block, while Clay Stanley (Honolulu) chipped in 10 kills, two aces and a block for 13 points. Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) contributed nine kills and two blocks in the loss. Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) totaled six kills and team-high three blocks for nine points, while David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) added eight points. Russell Homes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) rounded out the U.S. scoring with a single point. “I thought Brazil played hard. They dug a lot of balls and got a lot of points in transi on,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We have a quick turnaround. We will see what adjustments we can make for tomorrow.” Brazil’s Theo Lopes led all scorers with 24 points on 20 kills, three blocks and one ace. Gilberto “Giba” Godoy added 17 points on 11 kills, three blocks and a match-high three aces. “I thought we played be er than we played against the U.S. in Brazil,” Brazil Head Coach Bernardo Rezende said. “We need to learn (from mistakes) from the third set. The U.S. is a good team and they don’t need our help to win.” Knipe started Priddy and Anderson at outside hi er, Millar and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite and Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) at se er. Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) was the American libero. Holmes was a reserve in all four sets, while Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) came oﬀ the bench as a serving subs tute in the first three sets. Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) was a reserve in the fourth set. Brazil held a 60-46 advantage in kills and a 5-2 margin aces. The South Americans edged their North American counterparts in blocks, 10-9. The U.S. Men took advantage of 28 Brazilian errors and limited its mistakes to 21. Brazil’s defense led in digs, 58-37 and had 12 faults as compared to 15 for the U.S. Priddy led the U.S. in digs with 14. Lambourne added seven. Thornton was credited with 21 assists and no errors on 90 a empts. .

The U.S. Men listen to the U.S. Na onal Anthem prior to their match against Brazil in Tulsa.. (FIVB photo/David Polanski)

Brian Thornton (10) back sets for a host of possible hi ers. (FIVB photo/David Polanski)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 25 22 25 BRA 20 23 25 23 U.S. Upsets Brazil; Stays in World League Final Chase TULSA, Okla. (June 25, 2011) – For the second me in less than two weeks, the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team upset top-ranked Brazil, 25-20, 2523, 22-25, 25-23, in an FIVB World League match at the Reynolds Center. The U.S. Men, ranked fi h in the world by the FIVB, improve to 6-4 with 18 points in the World League Pool A of the Intercon nental Round. The U.S., ed for second with Poland in Pool A, closes out pool play on July 1-2 against Puerto Rico (0-10) at the Walter Pyramid on the Long Beach State University campus in Long Beach, Calif. Brazil, which sits atop Pool A with two matches remaining in Poland (6-4) next week, falls to 8-2 during World League ac on. Both of Brazil’s losses are to the United States as the Americans also defeated it 3-1 on June 12 at Belo Horizonte, Brazil. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe complimented his team in pos ng another second-night upset of Brazil. “We don’t want to con nue to be a second-night team,” he said. “Although I think it takes considerable character to be able to do it.” Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) led the U.S. with 17 points on 13 kills, three blocks and one ace. Clay Stanley (Honolulu) had a match-high four aces to go with 12 kills for 16 points. Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) contributed 14 kills, while David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) had a match-high six blocks as part of a 14-point eﬀort. Priddy said the U.S. Men benefited from a good week of prac ce.

A patrio c volleyball fan shows his colors. (FIVB photo/David Polanksi)

“We had a great week of prac ce. Probably the best week we’ve had so far,” he said. Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) charted six points, while Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) tallied two kills. Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) rounded out the American scoring with an ace as a serving subs tute. Team USA out-blocked Brazil 10-6 and held a 6-3 margin in aces to oﬀset the South Americans’ slim 58-55 edge in kills. The USA commi ed 24 errors in the match to Brazil’s 26. Brazil held the edge in digs, 27-25. The U.S. got five digs each from Thornton, Stanley and Lambourne. Thornton was credited with eight assists. Murilo Endres paced Brazil with 17 points on 15 kills and two blocks, while Theo Lopes contributed 14 points. Lucas Saatkamp and Gilberto “Giba” Godoy added 13 and 12 points respec vely. Knipe started Priddy and Anderson at outside hi er, Lee and Millar at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite and Thornton at se er. Lambourne was the U.S. libero for the match.

Team USA celebrates the match victory. (FIVB photo/David Polanski)

Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) and Patak played as serving subs tutes and Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) also subs tuted.

David Lee during the post-match press conference. (FIVB photo) The U.S. Men huddle in victory. (FIVB photo/ David Polanski)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 25 25 25 15 PUR 27 22 12 27 8 U.S. One Win Away from World League Final Round LONG BEACH, Calif. (July 1, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team rallied a er Puerto Rico won the fourth set and defeated the side, 25-27, 25-22, 25-12, 25-27, 15-8 at the Walter Pyramid.

Rich Lambourne goes for the dig. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown)

Thanks to losses by Bulgaria and Serbia on Friday in other pools, the United States (7-4) is one win away from a berth in the World League Final Round as one of the three best second-place teams in pool play. The U.S. and Puerto Rico (0-11) will play again on Saturday (7 p.m. PT) at the Pyramid in the final match of the Intercon nental (pool play) Round. With the 3-2 final score, Puerto Rico gained its first point of World League. A er falling behind 2-1, Puerto Rico came back to win the fourth set. But the U.S. jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the ebreaker and Puerto Rico couldn’t rally. Among the adjustments made by Puerto Rico Head Coach Carlos Cardona was pulling Hector Soto, the opposite who has been his leading scorer un l this weekend, in favor of Steven Morales. “I thought we pressed a little early,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We wanted to be perfect and we’re not going to be perfect. Puerto Rico is a good team.” The U.S. out-blocked Puerto Rico 20-3, led by middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) with six and David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) with five. “The big difference is that they out-blocked us 20-3,” Puerto Rico Head Coach Carlos Cardona said. “In my mind, that was the match.” United States outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) led all scorers with 21 points on a match-high19 kills and two blocks. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 17 points on 11 kills, four blocks and two aces. Millar posted 16 points on nine kills, six blocks and one ace. Lee totaled 12 points on seven kills and five blocks. Juan Figueroa led Puerto Rico with 18 points on 18 kills. Jose Rivera added 12 points. The U.S. Men out-a acked Puerto Rico 82-67. The U.S. hi ng efficiency was 0.442 while its kill percent was 51.3. Puerto Rico’s hi ng efficiency was 0.341 while its kill percent was 45.9. Ma Anderson receives the ball. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown) The U.S. had four aces as compared to two for Puerto Rico. The U.S. was struck with 17 service errors while Puerto Rico had 14. Puerto Rico led in digs 48-39. Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), who started the third, fourth and fi h sets, finished with seven points on six kills and one ace. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.), who started the first and second sets, scored six points on six a acks. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored on two blocks and middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.), who played as a subs tute, scored on a block. Thornton was credited with 33 assists. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with 14. Priddy added nine.

Paul Lotman celebrates. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown

David Lee leaves Puerto Rico in the dust. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown) 69

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 25 25 PUR 13 22 19 U.S. Men Punch Ticket to World League Finals LONG BEACH, Calif. (July 2, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team wasted no me in punching its cket to Poland and the FIVB World League Final Round with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-19 sweep of Puerto Rico on Saturday at the Walter Pyramid.

Rich Lambourne, le , and Reid Priddy both go for the ball. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown)

The U.S. finishes the Intercon nental (pool play) Round with an 8-4 record, good enough for second place in Pool A behind Brazil (10-2), which the U.S. defeated twice. The other teams that have advanced to the final round are Brazil, Russia, Argen na and Italy as pool winners, Cuba and Bulgaria as the two other second-place teams and Poland as the host country. The U.S. Men will leave for Gdansk, Poland on Sunday. The Final Round takes place on July 6-10. Puerto Rico finishes World League with a 0-12 record. U.S. outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) led all scorers on Saturday with 15 points on 13 kills, one block and one ace. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu Hawaii) added 12 points on six kills, four blocks and two aces. Stanley helped the U.S. get oﬀ to a fast start in the first set with two straight aces in a serving run that carried the team to a 6-1 lead.

Volleyball superfan Ma Garthoﬀ celebrates Independence Weekend. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown)

“Clay has the ability to aﬀect any set when he goes back to serve,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ng Beach, Calif.) said. “We didn’t get a huge run of points, but we sided out when we needed to. “We’re happy to be moving on,” he added. “Our goal at the beginning of World League was to get be er every match and qualify for the Final Round and we’ve done that.” Puerto Rico, playing without leading scorer and team captain Hector Soto, was led by Carlos Or z with 12 points on eight kills and four blocks. The U.S. out-a acked Puerto Rico 35-30 and Puerto Rico was hurt by eight hi ng errors as compared to four for the United States. The U.S. Men outblocked Puerto Rico 16-8 and had four aces while Puerto Rico had none. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) finished with nine points on four kills, four blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) added nine points on five kills and four blocks.

Clay Stanley, le , and David Lee put up a block. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown)

Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) had six points on six kills. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) contributed four points on one kill and three blocks. The U.S. had the edge in digs, 34-30, led by Anderson and Stanley who had nine each. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) added five as did Priddy. Thornton was credited with 15 assists and no faults.

A young fan with thunders cks. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown)

Brian Thornton (10) and Ryan Millar celebrate. (FIVB photo/Ma Brown)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 31 16 21 22 RUS 29 25 25 25 U.S. Men Fall to Russia in Opening Round GDANSK, Poland (July 6, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team put up a fight, but in the end Russia, led by opposite Maxim Mikhaylov, was too tough and defeated the United States, 29-31, 25-16, 25-21, 25-22 on Wednesday in an FIVB World League Final Round match. The U.S. Men (0-1) will play Brazil in their second Pool F match of the Final Round. The top two teams from both Pool F and Pool E will advance to Saturday’s semifinals. A er figh ng their way back from set point in the first set at 24-22 to win 31-29, the United States struggled to score points in transi on and its block could not stop Russia. Russia, meanwhile, found its passing rhythm and went to a quicker oﬀense.

From le , Clay Stanley, Dave Lee and Reid Priddy block against Russia during the World League Final Round. (FIVB photo)

In the fourth set, the U.S. led 18-15 and 21-19, but could not shut the door on Russia. “Russia applied a lot of pressure on us,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We had opportuni es and point-scoring situa ons that we didn’t take advantage of throughout the match. And there were a few runs that we gave up on serve receive that ul mately we could not overcome. “This team has shown a lot of character and resiliency throughout World League and I have a lot of faith that we will be able to do that again and play a be er match tomorrow.” Russia only led in kills 56-53, but out-blocked the United States 16-7, as Mikhaylov and Dimitriy Muserskiy each finished with five. Each team scored on five aces. Russia scored on 26 U.S. errors while the United States scored on 25 Russian miscues. Mikhaylov led all scorers with 29 points on a match-high 21 kills, five blocks and a match-high three aces, including two straight in the fourth set.

The U.S. Men huddle during their match against Russia. (FIVB photo)

Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led the U.S. with 17 points on 14 kills, one block and two aces. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 15 points on a team-high 15 kills. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) had 10 kills and a team-high four blocks for 14 points. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) scored nine points on eight kills and one block. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) totaled seven points on five kills, one block and one ace and opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.), who played as a serving subs tute, scored on two aces and a kill. The U.S. led in digs 91-72, led by Priddy and libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.), who each had 18. Stanley and se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) each had 15. Thornton was credited with 35 assists. Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Lee and Millar at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite and Thornton at se er. Lambourne was the U.S. libero. Patak and outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) played as serving subs tutes while middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) also played as a subs tute.

Clay Stanley looks to go over Russia’s triple block during their World League Final Round match. (FIVB photo)

Reid Priddy a acks against Russia. (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 22 22 15 BRA 15 25 25 25 Brazil Adjusts to Defeat U.S. Men at Final Round GDANSK, Poland (July 7, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team could not build on a successful first set and fell to Brazil, 15-25, 25-22, 2522, 25-15 in an FIVB World League Final Round match. Brazil (2-0 in final round) will move on to Saturday’s World League semifinals along with Russia (2-0) a er the two teams play each other on Friday. The U.S. (0-2) will play Cuba (0-2) on Friday, but neither team will advance.

Ryan Millar (9) and Reid Priddy (8) block against Brazil. (FIVB photo)

Brazil made the right adjustments following a first set that saw se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) connect with his hi ers on 14 kills, including opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) with five and middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) with four.

David Lee gives a signal during the U.S. Men’s Final Round match against Brazil. (FIVB photo)

“We are disappointed,” U.S. Team Captain Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) said. “We have one more match to play here against Cuba and we want to take as much experience from that match as we can.” “For us, it’s about keeping sustained pressure on the teams that we play,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “A er winning the first set, the next three sets we were down fast - by the first technical - and came back in all three of those sets and made it close by the second technical. Our slow starts in those games really affected the outcome.” Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led the U.S. in scoring with 16 points on 12 kills, two blocks and two aces. Anderson le the match toward the end of the third set and was seen grabbing his shoulder a er an a ack a empt. But he returned to start the fourth. Stanley finished with 15 points on 12 kills, one block and two aces. Priddy (Richmond, Va.) scored nine points on nine kills. Lee totaled eight points on five kills and a team-high three blocks. The U.S. finished with 48 kills and 20 errors on 108 a empts for a hi ng efficiency of 0.259 and a kill percent of 44.4. Brazil had 53 kills and 16 errors on 104 a empts for a hi ng efficiency of 0.356 and a kill percent of 51.0. Brazil led in blocking 12-9 while the U.S. scored on five aces while Brazil had three. Brazil led in digs 72-65. Priddy led the U.S. in digs with 15 while libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) and Stanley each added 14. Thornton was credited with 38 assists. Se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.), who subs tuted for Thornton in the fourth set, had seven assists. Brazil outside hi er and team captain Gilberto “Giba” Godoy went on to lead all scorers with 21 points on a match-high 18 kills, three blocks and one ace. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) scored five points on three kills and two blocks. Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.), who saw his first 2011 World League ac on as a subs tute for Anderson, scored on three kills. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) and middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) each had two kills playing as subs tutes.

Rich Lambourne receives the ball against Brazil. (FIVB photo)

Ma Anderson looks to get the ball past Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s block. (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 23 25 25 21 15 CUB 25 21 18 25 13 Cuba Can’t Stop Anderson, U.S. Men GDANSK, Poland (July 8, 2011) – Ma Anderson led all scorers with 29 points and Paul Lotman added 18 as the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team claimed a final victory in the 2011 FIVB World League, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18, 21-25, 15-13. The victory meant the U.S. finished third in Pool F of the Final Round, but it did not advance to the semifinals. The U.S. concluded World League with a 1-2 record in the Final Round and a 9-6 record overall. It finished seventh overall. Cuba finished eighth at 0-3 and 8-7. U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) chose to leave team captain and veteran outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) along with veteran middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) oﬀ the 12man roster for Thursday to give some of his newer players an opportunity against their key NORCECA zone rival.

Paul Lotman, le , a acks against Cuba’s triple block. (FIVB photo)

”We played some guys tonight that haven’t played in the tournament. I thought they played very well. Their numbers were good, but more importantly, I thought they showed a lot of composure,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “I thought there were some opportuni es in set 4, par cularly early, to make it easier on ourselves that we didn’t capitalize on.” Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.), who has started at outside hi er for the U.S. throughout World League, scored on a match-high 23 kills (0.625 hi ng efficiency; 71.9 kill percent), four blocks and two aces. He even led the U.S. in digs with 14. Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), who started for Priddy, added 18 points on 15 kills (0.481 hi ng efficiency; 55.6 kill percent), two blocks and one ace. The U.S. led Cuba in a acks, 62-58, and had a 0.422 hi ng efficiency and a 56.9 kill percent while Cuba had a 0.339 hi ng efficiency and a 53.2 kill percent. The U.S. led Cuba in blocks, 15-11 and in aces 5-3. Each team was credited with 52 digs. Outside hi er Henry Bell paced Cuba with 21 points on 20 kill and one block. Outside hi er Wilfredo Leon, the team captain and s ll a month shy of his 18th birthday, had 20 points on 17 kills and three blocks. Opposite Fernando Hernandez finished with 16 points, including 12 kills, one block and three aces. Veteran middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) added 11 points for the U.S. on eight kills, two blocks and one ace while veteran opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) contributed 11 points on nine kills and two blocks. “Ul mately, I’m pre y disappointed with our performance overall in the final eight,” Lee said. “I’m glad that we beat a good team tonight. Cuba is a young team, but it is very, very good. At the same me, I think our team needs to play a li le more consistent and at a higher level to really compete at this level with Brazil, with Russia, with Poland and Bulgaria.” Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.), who started for Millar, scored seven points on three kills and four blocks. Middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio), who subs tuted in the fourth set and started the fi h for Holmes, scored four points on four kills. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored two points on one block and one ace.

Russell Holmes a acks against Cuba oﬀ a set from Brian Thornton during their World League Final Round match. (FIVB photo)

Ma Anderson a acks against Cuba. (FIVB photo)

2011 London Interna onal Invita onal Roundup SERBIA TAKES 3-1 WIN OVER U.S. MEN IN LONDON

U.S. MEN TO HELP LONDON TEST VOLLEYBALL FACILITIES LONDON (July 19, 2011) – Members of the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team will help London get ready for the 2012 Olympic Games this week when they compete at the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal on July 20-24 at Earls Court in Great Britain. Earls Court in west London is where the indoor volleyball tournament at the 2012 Olympic Games will take place. The team includes two members of the 2008 Olympic men’s volleyball team that won the gold medal – se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas), a former outside hi er who will be making his debut at libero. Other players making the trip “across the pond” include outside hi ers Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.), Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) and Robert Tarr (Cape Canaveral, Fla.); middle blockers David Smith (Saugus, Calif.), Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) and Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio); opposites Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) and Murphy Troy (St. Louis, Mo.) and se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.). U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said the focus in picking the team was playing me. “Part of the team is guys who have traveled with us a lot for World league but didn’t end up playing a lot or star ng a lot,” Knipe said. “For some other guys, maybe they’ve been on the roster but haven’t made the final 12 or 14.” The other teams compe ng at the tournament will be Brazil, Egypt, Great Britain, Mexico and Serbia. Each team will play every other team once. Salmon, who last played with the U.S. team as an outside hi er at the 2010 World Championship in Italy, is hoping his new posi on will give him some longevity with the team. “I like it a lot,” he said of playing libero. “I like playing with the guys. That’s something that I’ve always enjoyed. “The posi on is not that much diﬀerent for me. I was always a defensive specialist. Any oﬀensive output we got from me, we considered it extra.” Salmon is hoping his years of experience can help the team con nue to improve. “I think our goal is just to be a li le more cohesive as a team,” he said “I think my job will be to bring cohesiveness back to where it was in 2008. If we can get be er in between the me we get there and the me we leave, the results will speak for themselves.” London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal July 20-24 at Earls Court in Great Britain U.S. Men’s Na onal Team Roster No. Name (Posi on, Height, Hometown, College) 1. Ma Anderson (OH, 6-10, West Seneca, N.Y., Penn State) 3. Evan Patak (Opp, 6-8, Pleasanton, Calif., UC Santa Barbara) 4. David Smith (MB, 6-7, Saugus, Calif., UC Irvine) 6. Paul Lotman (OH, 6-7, Lakewood, Calif., Long Beach State) 9. Murphy Troy (Opp, 6-8, St. Louis, Mo., USC) 10. Riley Salmon (L, 6-6, League City, Texas, Pierce College) 12. Russell Holmes (MB, 6-8, Fountain Valley, Calif., BYU) 13. Brian Thornton (S, 6-3, San Clemente, Calif., UC Irvine) 14. Kevin Hansen (S, 6-5, Newport Beach, Calif., Stanford) 17. Max Holt (MB, 6-9, Cincinna , Ohio, Penn State) 18. Jayson Jablonsky (OH, 6-5, Yorba Linda, Calif., UC Irvine) 19. Robert Tarr (OH, 6-6, Cape Canaveral, Fla., Long Beach State)

USA .................................25 Serbia ..............................16

17 25

16 25

24 26

LONDON (July 20, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team fell to Serbia, 16-25, 25-17, 25-16, 26-24 in its first match of the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal at Earls Court in Great Britain. The U.S. Men will play Egypt in their second m a t c h o n T h u r s d a y. The tournament is a test event for the 2012 Olympic Games, where the volleyball tournament will also be held at Earls Court. U.S. opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) led all scorers with 22 points on a match-high 18 kills, two blocks and a team-high two aces. Outside hitter Matt Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 13 points on 11 kills, one block and one ace. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) added 11 points on 10 kills and one block. Milos Nikic led Serbia with 19 points on 17 kills, one block and one ace. Nikola Kovacevic and Sasa Starovic each added 16 points. The U.S. never trailed in the first set, but fell behind early in the second and could not catch up. In the third set it came back from an 8-5 deficit at the first technical meout (TTO) and took a 10-9 lead. However Serbia quashed that with a run of point to regain the lead. In the fourth set, the U.S. Men led 16-12 at the second TTO and led 21-19 before Serbia came back to win the set and the match. The United States won the serving ba le with five aces while Serbia had four. However, Serbia finished with 60 kills on a 0.452 hi ng eﬃciency and a 52.2 kill percent. The U.S. scored on 49 kills and had a 0.377 hi ng eﬃciency and a 43.0 kill percent. Serbia also led in blocks, 11-6. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) had eight points on six kills and two blocks. Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) added four points on three kills and one ace. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) finished with one point on an ace and outside hi er Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) had one point on a kill. U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Lotman at outside hi er, Holmes and Holt at middle blocker, Patak at opposite, Thornton at se er and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) at libero. Jablonsky, middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) and se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) all played as subs tutes.

Head Coach: Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) Team Manager: Bill Neville Assistant Coach: Gary Sato (Los Angeles, Calif.) Therapist/Trainer: Mike Sealy Technical Coordinator: Chris Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) Medical Support: Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa)

2011 London Interna onal Invita onal Roundup U.S. MEN HIT EGYPT HARD AT LONDON TEST EVENT USA .................................25 Egypt ...............................23

25 17

MEXICO NO MATCH FOR U.S. MEN IN LONDON

25 21

USA .................................25 Mexico.............................19

LONDON (July 21, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team improved its record to 1-1 at the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-21 victory over Egypt on Thursday at Earls Court in Great Britain.

25 17

16 25

24 26

LONDON (July 22, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team got scoring from nine diﬀerent players as it took down Mexico, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18 at the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal at Earls Court in Great Britain.

The U.S. Men will play Mexico (0-2) on Friday. Egypt (0-2) will face Serbia (2-0).

The U.S. Men improved their record to 2-1 while Mexico fell to 0-3. The U.S. will play host Great Britain on Saturday.

Se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) and middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) made their first starts of the year for the U.S. Men. Smith finished with five points on three kills and two blocks.

The U.S. got another great hitting performance on Saturday as Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) started at se er. The U.S. had 43 kills and six errors on 71 a acks (0.521 hi ng eﬃciency, 60.1 kill percent) while Mexico had 28 kills and six errors on 68 a empts (0.235 hi ng eﬃciency, 41.2 kill percent).

Hansen scored two points on a block and a kill and set the team to a 0.590 hi ng eﬃciency and a 62.1 kill percent. The U.S. finished with 44 kills on 66 a empts and had just two errors. Egypt totaled 37 kills on 78 a empts with 11 errors. The U.S. had seven aces while Egypt had five and the U.S. Men out-blocked Egypt, 6-5.

The U.S. out-blocked Mexico 6-3 and had 10 aces while Mexico scored on three. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) and outside hi er Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) each had 12 points for the United States to lead all scorers. Patak (0.316 hi ng eﬃciency, 31.6 kill percent) scored on nine kills and a match-high three aces. Jablonsky scored with a match-high 10 kills (0.389 hi ng eﬃciency, 55.6 kill percent),

Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) led the U.S. Men in scoring with 15 points on 11 kills (0.409 hi ng eﬃciency, 50.0 kill percent) and four aces. Outside hi er Ma Anderson totaled 12 points on nine kills (0.563 hi ng eﬃciency and 56.3 kill percent), one block and two aces.

one block and one ace.

Outside hi er Paul Lotman finished with 11 points on 10 kills (0.833 hi ng eﬃciency and 83.3 kill percent) and one ace. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored nine points on seven kills (0.778 hi ng eﬃciency and 77.8 kill percent) and two blocks.

Middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) added 11 points on seven kills (0.778 hi ng eﬃciency, 77.8 kill percent), two blocks and two aces.

Egypt’s Ahmed Abdelhay led all scorers with 16 points on 15 kills and one ace. However, no other Egyp an players scored in double digits.

Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) finished with seven points on six kills and one ace. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) totaled five points on two kills, two blocks and one ace. Opposite Murphy Troy (St. Louis, Mo.) added five kills on five a empts.

U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe started Anderson and Lotman at outside hi er, Smith and Holmes at middle blocker, Patak at opposite, Hansen at se er and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) at libero.

Gerardo Contreras paced Mexico with seven points on seven kills.

Outside hi er Robert Tarr (Cape Canaveral, Fla.) scored four points on four kills. Thornton had two points on a block and an ace and se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) scored with an ace. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Jablonsky and Lotman at outside hi er, Smith and Holt at middle blocker, Patak at opposite, Thornton at se er and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) at libero. Troy, Hansen and Tarr all played as subs tutes.

2011 London Interna onal Invita onal Roundup U.S. MEN’S TEAM GOBSMACKS GREAT BRITAIN IN LONDON USA .................................25 Great Britain ....................23

25 10

U.S. MEN FALL TO BRAZIL IN LONDON FINALE

27 25

USA .................................21 Brazil ...............................25

LONDON (July 23, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team defeated host Great Britain on Saturday, 25-23, 25-10, 27-25 and will prepare for a final showdown with a young Brazilian team at the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal at Earls Court in Great Britain.

25 22

27 25

25 16

16 18

LONDON (July 24, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team took Brazil to the limit, but ended up with a loss, 25-21, 22-25, 25-27, 25-16, 18-16 in the finale of the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal at Earls Court in Great Britain. The U.S. finished the tournament in third place at 3-2 with 10 points. Serbia won with a 4-1 match record and 12 points. Brazil finished second with a 4-1 match record and 11 points.

The U.S. Men improved their record to 3-1 while Great Britain fell to 1-3. The U.S. team is ed for the lead in the standings with Brazil and Serbia, as all have 3-1 records. However the U.S. holds the edge by having won the most sets.

Outside hitter Matt A n d e rs o n ( We st S e n e ca , N .Y. ) l e d the U.S. Men with 18 points on 15 kills and three blocks. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) added 14 points on 14 kills. Outside hitter Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) finished with 10 points on 10 a acks

Serbia plays Mexico on Sunday, while Brazil and the United States will meet in the tournament finale. The U.S. Men were led by opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) and outside hitter Matt Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.), who each finished with 15 points. Both Patak and Anderson had 12 kills. Patak also had a match-high three aces. Anderson added two blocks and one ace. Outside hi er Robert Tarr (Cape Canaveral, Fla.) added 11 points on nine kills and two blocks. Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) started at se er and helped the United States to a 0.528 hi ng eﬃciency and a 62.8 kill percent. Great Britain’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.444 and its kill percent was 50.0. The U.S. out-blocked Great Britain, 9-5 and had seven aces to Great Britain’s three. Great Britain, as the 2012 Olympic host, is guaranteed a spot in the Games. Oluwadamilola Bakare led all scorers with 16 points on 12 kills, two blocks and two aces. Christopher Lamont added 13 points on 11 kill and two blocks. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) finished with seven points on five kills and two blocks. Middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.) totaled six points on three kills, one block and two aces. Hansen finished with three points on one kill, one block and one ace. Outside hi er Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) had two points on one kill and one block. Murphy Troy (St. Louis, Mo.) scored one point with a kill. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe started Anderson and Tarr at outside hi er, Smith and Holmes at middle blocker, Patak at opposite, Hansen at se er and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) was the U.S. libero. Jablonsky, Troy, Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) and Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) all played as subs tutes.

A er losing the first set, the U.S. Men came back to take a 2-1 set lead. Brazil rebounded and ran away with the fourth set, taking the match to a e-breaker. In the fifth set, the U.S. held leads of 6-3, 8-5 and 9-7 before Brazil ed the score at 9-9. The U.S. held match point at 14-13 and 15-14, but each me Brazil fought it off with a kill. The U.S. took match point at 16-15 on a kill from middle blocker David Smith (Saugus, Calif.). However a U.S. service error ed the score and an a ack error gave Brazil its first match point. Brazil won the match on a block. The two teams were close in kills with Brazil leading 62-59. The U.S. had a hi ng efficiency of 0.343 and kill percent of 42.1. Brazil had a hi ng efficiency of 0.411 and a kill percent of 50.0. Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) started the match at se er, but Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) subs tuted for him in the first set and started the rest of the match. Brazil led in blocks, 16-9 and in aces, 4-2. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored eight points on six a acks, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Calif.) scored eight points on six kills and two blocks. Outside hi er Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) scored four points on four kills. Smith finished with four points on three kills and one block. Hansen had three points on one kill, one block and one ace. Brazil’s Wallace de Souza led all scorers with 27 points on a match-high 19 kills, a match-high seven blocks and one ace. Luiz Fonteles added 18 points on 17 kills and one block. Outside hi er Robert Tarr (Cape Canaveral, Fla.) scored one point with a block. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Lotman at outside hi er, Holmes and Holt at middle blocker, Patak at opposite, Thornton at se er and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) was the U.S. libero. Besides Hansen subs tu ng at se er, Smith also subbed in at middle blocker and started the fi h set for Holt. Jablonsky played as a subs tute and started the fi h set for Lotman. Tarr and opposite Murphy Troy (St. Louis, Mo.) also played as subs tutes.

2011 NORCECA Championship Roundup U.S. TOPS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO AT NORCECA CHAMPIONSHIP USA .................................25 Trinidad & Tobago ............15

25 7

U.S. MEN COAST PAST COSTA RICA AT NORCECA CHAMPIONSHIP

25 12

USA .................................25 Costa Rica ........................16

25 12

25 9

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico (Aug. 29, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team opened the 2011 Men’s NORCECA Con nental Championship with a 25-15, 25-7, 25-12 victory over Trinidad & Tobago on Monday in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico (Aug. 30, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team had li le trouble defea ng Costa Rica, 25-16, 25-12, 25-9 at the 2011 Men’s NORCECA Con nental Championship in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Men begin the NORCECA Championship – the qualifying tournament for the FIVB World Cup, which is the first qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games – with a 1-0 record in Pool B. On Tuesday, they will play Costa Rica at 3 p.m. PT.

The U.S. Men (2-0) will play Cuba (2-0) on Wednesday to determine the winner of Pool B. The winner of that match will have a bye into the semifinals on Friday. Costa Rica (0-2) will play Trinidad & Tobago (0-2) to determine the third-place pool finisher.

According to a NORCECA press release, U.S. star ng opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) went down with an injury in the first set. Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) subs tuted for him and led in in scoring with 12 points on five successful a acks, one block and a match-high six aces. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) also scored 12 points on seven kills (0.778 hi ng eﬃciency) and a match-high five blocks. “First of all, I feel disappointed for Clay’s injury, I hope he can make it back,” U.S. se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) said. “We didn’t know what to expect of Trinidad. They played very well at the beginning. Our serving was more disciplined and we hope to con nue to improve in all areas.” The U.S. Men finished with a team hi ng eﬃciency of 0.569 and a kill percent of 60.8. Trinidad & Tobago had a hitting efficiency of kill percent of 0.074 and a kill percent of 38.2. The United States led in blocks (10-2) and in aces (8-0).

Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) paced the U.S. Men on Tuesday with 12 points on a match-high 10 kills (0.500 hi ng efficiency), one block and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) added 10 points on five a acks, two blocks and three aces. The United States out-attacked Costa Rica 41-19 and had a 0.500 hi ng efficiency and successfully completed 60.3 percent of its kill a empts. It out-blocked the Central Americans 10-2 and scored on eight aces while Costa Rica had one. “My team put pressure on Costa Rica and executed the game plan very well,” said U.S. Team Captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu), who suffered an ankle injury on Monday and is ques onable for Wednesday’s match against Cuba. “Costa Rica also played really well.” Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) and middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) each totaled nine points on seven kills and two blocks. Outside hi er Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) scored eight points on six a acks and two blocks.

The U.S. scored 26 points on T&T errors while commi ng just six of its own. “I believe we played fairly balanced,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We knew very li le of Trinidad and they did a wonderful job in the first set pu ng pressure on my team that instantly made us take care of details, which is our system: think about every point, every set and every match.” Team Captain Nolan Tash led Trinidad & Tobago with nine points on a match-high nine kills. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) scored seven points on six kills (0.667 hi ng eﬃciency) and one block. Outside hi er Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) scored five points on five successful a acks (0.714 hi ng eﬃciency). Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) totaled four points on three kills and one block. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) scored three points on three kills. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) had two points on one block and one ace and outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) totaled two points on two kills.

Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) scored seven points on three kills and a match-high four aces. Se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) amassed four points on three a acks and one block. Costa Rica was led by Team Captain Richard Smith, who had seven points on six a acks and one ace. Hansen and se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) were each credited with 11 assists. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with 11 and recep ons with nine. Anderson had seven recep ons. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Millar and Holt at middle blocker, Patak at opposite, Hansen at se er and Lambourne at libero. Jablonsky subs tuted for Anderson in the second set and started the third. Thornton subs tuted for Hansen in the second set and started the third.

Hansen was credited with 13 assists. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with four. Lotman led in recep ons with eight while Lambourne added five. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Lotman at outside hi er, Lee and Holt at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Hansen at se er and Lambourne at libero. Patak subs tuted for Stanley in the first set and started the rest of the match. Jablonsky subs tuted for Anderson in the second set and started the third. Millar started the third set for Lee. Rooney played as a subs tute.

2011 NORCECA Championship Roundup U.S. MEN FIGHT BACK TO BEAT CUBA AT NORCECA CHAMPIONSHIP USA .................................24 Cuba ................................26

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U.S. MEN QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP WITH WIN OVER PUERTO RICO

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USA .................................25 Puerto Rico ......................14

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico (Aug. 31, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team fought back from a diﬃcult first-set loss to defeat Cuba, 24-26, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17 at the 2011 Men’s NORCECA Con nental Championship in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The United States (3-0) wins Group B and will have Thursday off while the quarterfinals are played. It will play again in Friday’s semifinals (3 p.m. or 5 p.m. PT). Cuba (2-1) will play in Thursday’s quarterfinals. The top two finishers at NORCECA will qualify for the 2011 FIVB World Cup, which is the first qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. On Wednesday, the U.S. Men looked to have the first set well in hand when they took a 20-11 lead and reached set point at 24-15. However Cuba came back to score 11 straight points, on four blocks, three a acks, two aces and two U.S. errors, to win, 26-24. The United State pushed the loss aside and won the next two sets in ght matches. They won the fourth set more easily, although Cuba did not give up at the end.

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MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico (Sept. 2, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team qualified for the 2011 FIVB World Cup on Friday with a 25-14, 25-16, 26-24 victory over host Puerto Rico at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship in Mayaguez. The United States (4-0) will play a rematch against Cuba (4-1) for the gold medal at 5 p.m. PT on Saturday. Cuba won its semifinal against Canada on Friday, 23-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-17, 15-9. The U.S. defeated Cuba in its final pool play match on Wednesday, 24-26, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17. The match between the United States and Puerto Rico began an hour late due to two five-set matches that preceded it. No ma er who wins on Saturday, both Cuba and the U.S. have qualified for the World Cup in November and December in Japan, which is the first chance for teams to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“At this stage every team is invested in the match and that’s what we saw today,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “You must finish a set and not lose the momentum. Cubans resolved to win the first set and I believe it’s a good lesson for both teams.” The U.S. Men got eight points (seven kills and one ace) from Team Captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii), who came back from an ankle injury suffered on Monday to start the third and fourth sets at opposite. “Both teams are compe ng this summer and the next to qualify for the Olympics head-to-head and we both tried to win tonight,” Stanley said. “It is a lesson for us to know how to close a set as the Cubans do.” U.S. outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led all scorers with 23 points on a match-high 22 kills (0.529 hi ng efficiency) and one ace. Anderson led the U.S. Men’s comeback with nine points in the second set and nine more in the third. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) added 13 points on 10 a acks, one block and two aces. The U.S. Men led in successful a acks 56-51. They had a hi ng efficiency of 0.384 and completed 50 percent of their a ack a empts. Cuba’s hi ng efficiency was 0.299 and its kill percent was 43.6. The U.S. led in blocks (10-7) and in aces (8-5). The U.S. scored on 25 Cuban errors while commi ng 26.

The U.S. got through the first two sets on Friday with relative ease before Puerto Rico challenged it in the third set. With the score ed 2424, the U.S. got the final two points on outside hitter Matt Anderson’s 13th kill and middle blocker Max Holt’s seventh block of the match. “I think we came prepared and our mind set to win and qualify for the World Cup,” U.S. Team Captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) said. “Puerto Rico made us work for it.” Holt led a U.S. block party as it stopped Puerto Rico a acks 21 mes. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) added six blocks and outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) had three. Puerto Rico had just two blocks. The U.S. led Puerto Rico in kills, 35-33. It had a hi ng eﬃciency of 0.354 and a kill percent of 44.3. Puerto Rico’s hi ng eﬃciency was 0.076 and its kill percent was 35.9. The United States also led the Caribbean na on in aces 6-1. Puerto Rico scored on 18 U.S. errors while giving up 14 points on faults.

Cuba was led by 18-year-old Team Captain Wilfredo Leon, who had 19 points on 17 a acks and two blocks.

Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led all scorers with 15 points on a match-high 13 successful a acks (0.500 hi ng eﬃciency; 54.2 kill percent), one block and one ace. Lotman added 14 points on nine kills (0.470 hi ng eﬃciency; 52. 9 kill percent), three blocks and two aces. Lee totaled 11 points on five a acks and six blocks.

Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) finished with 11 points on six kills, three blocks and two aces. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) had 10 points on seven a acks and three aces.

Puerto Rico was led by Victor Rivera with 11 points on 10 kills and one block.

Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) finished with seven points on three kills, two blocks and two aces and se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) had two points on one block and one ace. Hansen was also credited with 21 assists.

Among other U.S. scorers, opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) scored 10 points on six a acks, two blocks and two aces. Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) finished with eight points on one a ack and his seven blocks. Se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) totaled three points on one ace and two blocks. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) played as a subs tute and had an ace.

Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n Calif.) led the United States in digs with seven and was also credited with 10 recep ons. Anderson led the team in recep ons with 20. U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe started Anderson and Lotman at outside hi er, Lee and Holt at middle blocker, Patak at opposite, Hansen at se er and Lambourne at libero. Stanley played as a subs tute in the first two sets and replaced Patak to start at opposite in the third and fourth. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) also played as a subs tute.

Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the United States in digs with five. Lambourne also led in recep ons with 14. Anderson had 13 recep ons. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Lotman at outside hi er, Lee and Holt at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Hansen at se er and Lambourne at libero. Patak and middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) played as subs tutes.

Clay Stanley a acks versus Mexico. U.S. COMEBACK AGAINST CUBA COMES UP SHORT (FIVB photo)

2011 NORCECA

USA .................................23 Cuba ................................25

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2011 Volleyball Fans All photos courtesy of FIVB

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MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico (Sept. 3, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team’s valiant comeback came up short on Saturday and it fell to Cuba, 25-23, 29-27, 25-27, 19-25, 15-8 in the final of the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship. The U.S. Men (4-1) won their 10th NORCECA Championship silver medal while Cuba (5-1) took its 15th NORCECA gold medal and second in a row. Both teams have qualified for the FIVB World Cup in November and December. The top three teams at the World Cup will qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. U.S. middle blocker Dave Lee (Alpine, Calif.) won the tournament’s Best Blocker award. However one night a er a 21-block performance against Puerto Rico, the U.S. Men struggled to stop Cuba’s prolific hi ers, par cularly Team Captain Wilfredo Leon, who led all a ackers with 28 kills, including seven in the e-breaking fi h set. The U.S. effort was led by outside hitter Matt Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) who finished with 18 points on 16 a acks and two blocks. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 16 points on 11 kills, one block and four aces. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored 13 points on eight kills, four blocks and one ace. Cuba led the U.S. in successful a acks, 68-54. The United States held the 11-10 edge in blocking and the teams were ed in aces, 6-6. The United States scored 39 points on Cuba’s errors while giving up only 29 on its own errors. Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) finished with seven points on four kill and three blocks. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) added six points on five a acks and one ace. Outside hi er Jayson Jablonsky (Yorba Linda, Calif.) had five points on five a acks. Middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) totaled four points on four kills. Se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) scored two points on one kill and one ace. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Lotman at outside hi er, Lee and Holt at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Hansen at se er and Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) at libero. Millar started the final three sets for Holt. Jablonsky started the last three sets for Lotman. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) played as a subs tute. Cuban libero Keibel Gutierrez was elected the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and also won Best libero, Best receiver and Best digger. Leon received the awards for Best spiker and Best Scorer. Cuba’s Fernando Hernandez was the Best server. Canada’s Dus n Schneider the Best se er. The “Jim Coleman Award” was received by Cuban Orlando Samuels, as the best coach.

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 25 25 CHN 14 23 21 U.S. Men Open 2011 World Cup with Sweep of China KAGOSHIMA, Japan (Nov. 20, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team opened the 2011 FIVB World Cup with a 25-14, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of China on a Sunday morning in Kagoshima. Opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) led all scorers with 17 points on 12 kills, a team-high four blocks and one ace. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) was named the match’s Most Impressive Player in scoring 14 points on a match-high 13 a acks and one ace. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 14 points on 11 a acks and a match-high three aces.

Kevin Hansen, right, and David Lee, second from right, block against China. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. Men took a 14-9 lead in the first set. China ba led back to within two points, but Anderson served for the final five points, including two aces, as the U.S. cruised to the 25-14 win. In the second set, the U.S. Men had to ba le back from an 18-13 deficit, but put together several small runs of points to e the score at 22-22 and 23-23 before scoring twice for the victory. China again held an advantage in the third set, although the U.S. Men kept them closer. China’s lead was 8-6 at the first technical meout and 16-15 at the second. With China leading 20-19, Anderson scored with a kill, giving se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) the serve. Hansen served the U.S. to match point, ge ng blocks from Stanley and Priddy and a kill from middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) along the way. China scored with a block before Anderson won the match with a kill. “I thought our winning the first set was due largely to Ma Anderson’s serving and I thought we played well around that run,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “In set 2, China played be er, and we had some errors. But the good thing was how much composure we showed, not panicking; chipping away, and pu ng ourselves in a posi on to win. “The third was closer from start to finish and at the end we didn’t just score on stuff blocks but had some good scores, good blocking and defense. They served a lot to [Ma hew] Anderson and [Richard] Lambourne, and gave us an opportunity to side out.” The U.S. led China in a acks, 43-31, in blocks, 9-8 and in aces, 5-1. Hansen was credited with 56 assists and no errors and set the team to a kill percent of 51.2 and a hi ng efficiency of 0.369 (43-12-84). China had a kill percent of 38.8 and a hi ng efficiency of 0.213 (21-14-80). Reid Priddy holds his award for being named most important player. (FIVB photo)

“China plays fast, with good ball control and great defense,” Priddy said. “It was diﬃcult, but we’re glad to get momentum on our side in many phases of the game. It’s a good to start to a tournament like this. I’m looking forward to ge ng back to hotel and res ng.” Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled five points on two kills and two blocks. Middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Ohio) added four points on three a acks and two blocks. Hansen scored two points on blocks and Millar scored his one point on a kill. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with 12 and Anderson led in excellent recep ons with 23. Lambourne added nine. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Lee and Holt at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Hansen at se er and Lambourne at libero. Millar and Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) played as subs tutes.

U.S. players celebrate the victory over China. (FIVB photo)

Clay Stanley hits against Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s block. (FIVB photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 17 18 25 16 BRA 25 25 16 25 Brazil Hands U.S. Men First World Cup Loss KAGOSHIMA, Japan (Nov. 21, 2011) – A strong third set wasn’t enough as the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team suﬀered its first loss of the 2011 World Cup, falling to Brazil 25-17, 25-18, 16-25, 25-16 in Kagoshima, Japan. The four-set loss evened the United States’ record at 1-1 while Brazil, ranked No. 1 in the world, is 2-0. The U.S. Men struggled to defend against Brazil’s hi ers on Monday. Brazil out-a acked the U.S., 48-32, and out-blocked it 16-10. Brazil also had the edge in aces 5-4.

Reid Priddy receives the ball against Brazil. (FIVB photo)

Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led the U.S. Men with 19 points on a match-high 17 kills, one block and one ace. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) added seven points on three a acks and four blocks. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) scored seven points on three spikes, one block and a match-high three aces.

From le , U.S. coaches Alan Knipe, John Speraw and Ron Larsen. (FIVB photo)

The score was ed 12-12 in the first set when Brazil used a 3-0 run to take the first significant lead. The U.S. pulled back to within one at 15-14, but Brazil scored two more straight points and the U.S. did not answer. Brazil led 13-10 in kills, 3-0 in blocks and 1-0 in aces. The score was ed 10-10 in the second set when Brazil used a four-point run to take the lead that it would not give up. Brazil out-a acked the U.S. 17-8 in the set. The U.S. found its blocking and serving in the third set and Anderson and Stanley provided the majority of the offense. With the score ed 4-4, a Brazil error followed by an Anderson kill and Stanley ace gave the U.S. a 7-4 lead. Brazil never got closer than two points. Anderson scored eight points for the U.S., which out-a acked Brazil 10-8 and out-blocked it 6-3. However the comeback came up short. With the U.S. leading 5-4 in the fourth set, Brazil scored on a U.S. serving error and two straight aces to lead 7-5. The U.S. could not put together a run to challenge and Brazil took the match victory. “Brazil served well, and caused problems in the first two sets,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We got something going in third and in the beginning of the fourth set, but ul mately we needed to pass the ball be er. “As aggressive as Brazil was tonight, we need to be able to manage those situa ons where we don’t have good passing. It’s not the match we wanted to play.” Among other U.S. hi ers, outside hi er Reid Priddy had six points on five kills and one block. Ryan Millar (Alpine, Calif.) added five points on two a acks and three stuffs. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) and middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Calif.) each scored one point with an a ack. U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the U.S. in digs with eight and was also credited with three excellent recep ons. Priddy led in recep ons with 11. Thornton, who subs tuted for star ng se er Kevin Hansen (Newport Beach, Calif.) in the second set, was credited with eight assists, as was Hansen. The U.S. kill percent was 36.0 and the hi ng efficiency was 0.124. Brazil’s kill percent was 50.0 and its hi ng efficiency was 0.323. “I thought we came out throughout the whole match a li le nervous, with too much energy, and maybe we lost focus,” said Stanley, the U.S. team captain. “They kept us pressure from the service line, and throughout the match I found myself struggling offensively also. We had a nice rhythm in the third ge ng them in trouble from the service line.”

Clay Stanley serves against Brazil. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. Men huddle before their match against Brazil. (FIVB Photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 18 19 24 RUS 25 25 26 U.S. Men Can’t Stop Russia at World Cup KAGOSHIMA, Japan (Nov. 22, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team fell to a powerful Russian squad 25-18, 25-19, 26-24. The U.S. Men finished the first round of the World cup with a record of 1-2. Russia, which is ranked No. 2 in the world, kept up the pressure on the fourth-ranked U.S. Men, out-a acking the U.S., 43-28 and out-blocking it 14-9. The U.S. led in aces 3-2, and also took advantage of 20 Russia team errors while commi ng 17.

Sean Rooney hits against Russia’s block. (FIVB photo)

Opposite and Team Captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) was the only U.S. player in double figures with 17 points on 12 kills, two blocks and three aces. His kill percent was 66. 7 and his hi ng eﬃciency was 0.667 (12-0-18).

The U.S. Men listen to the Na onal Anthem prior to the match. (FIVB photo)

Stanley’s three aces came in the third set and helped the United States take its first significant lead over Russia. Russia led the first set 16-15 when it put together a four-point run on three kills and a block and the U.S. could not recover. Russia’s lead was 9-8 in the second set when it got a 5-1 run, which the U.S. could not overcome. In the third set, Russia led 12-11 when the U.S. ed the score on a service error. Stanley followed with an ace straight at Russian libero Alexander Solokov. Russia called meout, but Stanley responded with another ace at Solokov. Stanley’s third ace gave the U.S. a 16-12 lead at the second technical meout. The U.S. increased its lead to six at 19-13 before Russia began its comeback. The U.S. eventually took set point at 24-22, but Russia fought it off with a kill and block. Out of system, the U.S. was called for a li to give Russia match point and Russia’s Maxim Mikhaylov ended the match with a kill. “We didn’t have good balance tonight,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “We had lots of success by Clay [Stanley] and not much help, which was similar to last night when we were heavy with Ma [Anderson]. We’d like to work to get balance and consistency; we passed be er tonight and got in posi on a er figh ng, were in posi on to win set three.” Stanley added: “As far as the game goes, we showed up li le late. I thought we struggled from the le side and struggled to get our offense going in the middle of the court. It’s disappoin ng that in third with the lead we had, that we couldn’t finish and con nue the match longer.” Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) was held to seven points on six a acks and a block. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) added six points on four kills and two blocks. Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.), who took over for a struggling Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) in the second set, scored three points on kills. Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.), who started the third set for Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah), scored three points on blocks. Millar scored three points on two a acks and one block. Anderson, the United States’ leading scorer against Brazil on Monday, finished with one point on a kill. U.S. se er Kevin Hansen was credited with 13 assists. The U.S. Men’s kill percent was 36.8 and its hi ng efficiency was 0.132 (28-18-76). Russia’s kill percent was 49.4 and its hi ng efficiency was 0.333 (43-14-87).

The U.S. Men gather a er a great play. (FIVB photo)

U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) was credited with 12 excellent recep ons to lead the U.S. He also had two digs.

Rich Lambourne receives the ball from Russia. (FIVB Photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 25 25 EGY 19 20 20 U.S. Men Get Their Groove Back with Win over Egypt KUMAMOTO, Japan (Nov. 24, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team got its groove back, sweeping Egypt, 25-19, 25-20, 25-20. The U.S. Men gained three points in the World Cup standings and improved their record to 4-4. Team USA went into Thursday’s match in eighth place while Egypt was ninth. The U.S. Men, ranked No. 4 in the world, had suﬀered two straight losses prior to their match against No. 12 Egypt. But the U.S. opened the match with two straight aces from opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) and never looked back.

Clay Stanley signs autographs a er the match. (FIVB photo)

“We had be er distribu on with more players involved today,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “There was good passing, and [Brian] Thornton did a good job ge ng others involved. When Clay [Stanley] serves well it gives a big advantage on blocking and defense.” A er winning the first two sets fairly easily, the U.S. Men and Egypt ba led to a 12-12 e in the third set. However middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored with a kill, then took the serve and got and ace to spark a 4-0 U.S. scoring run. Egypt came back with an a ack, but Priddy used a block and kill to lead 18-13 and put the set and match out of reach. The U.S. Men served the African zone champion out of the arena with an 8-3 lead in aces. It also out-a acked Egypt, 38-36 and out-blocked it 7-4. The U.S. also took advantage of 22 Egyp an team errors, including 19 service errors, while commi ng only 16. Stanley was named the match’s Most Impressive Player with 14 points on his match-high four aces and 10 a acks (hi ng eﬃciency of 0.438). Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) led the U.S. in scoring with 15 points on 14 kills (hi ng eﬃciency of 0.684) and one block.

Ma Anderson hits against Egypt’s block. (FIVB photo)

“We put pressure on them with our serve, and got their passing in some trouble,” Stanley said. “We took advantage of their missed serving, and offensively we were more balanced. We got good numbers from all our hi ers.” Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) contributed eight points on five kills and three blocks. Holmes finished with seven points on three kills, two blocks and two aces. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added six points on five a acks and two blocks. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored one point on a block. He was also credited with 14 assists and set the U.S. team to a kill percent of 54.4 and a hi ng efficiency of 0.456 (37-6-68). Egypt’s kill percent was 50.0 and its hi ng efficiency was 0.361 (36-10-72). Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) added one point with a spike and opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) had one point on an ace.

Reid Priddy and David Lee block against Egypt. (FIVB photo)

Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team with seven digs and also had four excellent recep ons. Anderson finished with six excellent recep ons. Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Thornton at se er and Lambourne at libero. Lotman started the third set for Anderson. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah), outside hi er Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) and Patak played as subs tutes.

Clay Stanley serves against Egypt. (FIVB Photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 39 22 25 21 ITA 41 25 22 25 U.S. Men Suffer Tough Loss to Italy KUMAMOTO, Japan (Nov. 25, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team fought back from a tough first-set loss, but could not overcome Italy, falling 41-39, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21. The lost drops the United States’ record to 2-3 and it sits in eighth place in the standings at the end of the second round. Italy, ranked third in the world, improved to 4-1. The first set was the highest scoring set in World Cup history as the U.S. took set point at 24-23 before Italy came back to score on two kills to take its first set point. The U.S. would fight off two more before taking its second advantage at 28-27. The U.S. took four more set points. But at 33-32, Italy scored on a kill and ace to regain the advantage. Team USA fought Italy off five more mes before Michal Lasko got a kill off the block and Cris an Savani followed with an a ack to give Italy the 41-39 victory. “I thought tonight both teams sided out well; both offenses sided out a high number,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “The first game was a marathon. Both teams had opportuni es, and we’ll look back at opportuni es we had and see what we could do be er.” The second set saw Italy take the first significant lead at 14-11. The U.S. pulled to within one at 22-21, but Italy held it off for the win. In the third set it was the U.S. that took the significant lead at 18-15. Italy pulled to within one at 22-21, but the U.S. a ack held off the Europeans. The U.S. lead 8-4 at the first TTO of the fourth set and con nued to lead 13-10 before Italy ed it at 13-13. The score was s ll ed at 17-17 before Italy scored twice to pull away. Opposite and team captain Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) led the U.S. with 22 points on 20 a acks, one block and one ace. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 20 points on 18 kills, one block and one ace. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) totaled 19 points on 16 spikes, two blocks and one ace.

Reid Priddy hits against Italy. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. out-a acked Italy, 68-65 and the teams were ed on aces 5-5. But Italy won the blocking ba le 13-8 and also scored 30 points off U.S. errors while commi ng 26. “I think this game was won on blocking and Italy blocked be er,” Stanley said. “Italy got some good serves, got in a couple of aces. We relaxed a li le too much on coverage of hi ers, and those li le points cost us the game.” Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored nine points on seven a acks and two blocks. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled eight points on seven spikes and one block. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.), who played as a serving subs tute, score with an ace. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) finished with two points on one block and one ace. He was credited with 30 assists and set the U.S. Men to a kill percent of 53.5 and a hi ng efficiency of 0.394. Italy’s kill percent was 54.2 and its hi ng efficiency was 0.442. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with 15 and also had 13 excellent recep ons. Priddy led in excellent recep ons with 19.

Ma Anderson hits against Italy’s block. (FIVB photo)

U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Thornton at se er and Lambourne at libero. Lotman, Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) and Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) all played as subs tutes.

Clay Stanley blocks against Italy. (FIVB Photo)

USA IRI

1 2 3 4 5 25 27 25 15 25 14 Stanley, U.S. Men Shut Down Iran

FUKUOKA, Japan (Nov. 27, 2011) – Team captain and opposite Clay Stanley scored almost a third of his team’s points as the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team swept Iran, 25-15, 27-25, 25-14 The victory improves the U.S. Men’s record to 3-3 with nine points. Iran falls to 4-2 and also has nine points. Iran, ranked 14th in the world, went into the match in fi h place while the United States, ranked fourth in the world, was in eighth. Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) was named the match’s Most Impressive Player and he dominated for the U.S., scoring 25 points on a match-high 13 kills (68. 4 kill percent; 0.616 hi ng eﬃciency), a match-high seven blocks and a match-high five aces. “We came out well focused and well prepared for the match,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said of Iran. “They forced us to create opportuni es and make opportuni es. Clayton’s play was a big part of today’s match, his serving and spiking. I’m happy to get the three points.” A er all of Sunday’s matches, Stanley was leading all World Cup servers with 17 aces in six matches. He was fourth among all scorers with 102 points. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added 14 points for the U.S. on 12 kills, one block and one ace. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) contributed nine points on seven a acks, one block and one ace. The U.S. out-a acked Iran 39-28, out-blocked it 11-6 and served it oﬀ the court with a 10-1 lead in aces. With the U.S. leading 17-13 in the first set, Anderson scored on a back-row a ack and gave the serve to se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) who led the team to five more points including two aces and kills from Priddy and Stanley. The U.S. reached set point at 24-15 and Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.), subs tu ng at server for David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) scored with an ace to end the set.

Reid Priddy jumps high against Iran. (FIVB photo)

Iran kept things closer in the second set. The U.S. reached set point at 24-21, but Iran scored three mes to e score. A Stanley kill gave the U.S. its fourth set point, but a U.S. service error ed the score again. Finally, Anderson scored and Iran’s a ack a empt went out of bounds to give the U.S. the victory. The U.S. took a 3-0 lead in the third set and never trailed. The U.S. led 22-14 when Stanley used a block and two straight aces to win the match for his team. “We came out with good intensity,” Stanley said. “We didn’t make many mistakes and kept the pressure on.” Among other U.S. scorers, middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored five points on five kills. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) added two points on a kill and a block. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled two points on one kill and one block. Patak’s ace gave him one point. Along with his two points on aces, Thornton was credited with 24 assists and no errors. He set the team to a 50.0 kill percent and a hi ng eﬃciency of 0.333. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) led the team in digs with five. Anderson led in excellent recep ons with 17 and Priddy added 13.

From le , Clay Stanley, Russell Holmes and Ma Anderson block against Iran. (FIVB photo)

Brian Thornton sets for Russell Holmes against Iran. (FIVB Photo)

1 2 3 4 USA 15 20 18 POL 25 25 25 Poland Pushes Past U.S. Men

FUKUOKA, Japan (Nov. 28, 2011) – FIVB World Cup leader Poland made all the right moves on Monday as it defeated the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team 25-15, 25-20, 25-18 in Fukuoka, Japan. With the loss, the U.S. Men, ranked fourth in the world, fall to 3-4 and maintain seventh place in the standings. Poland, ranked eighth in the world, improves to 6-1 and con nues to lead the standings, one point ahead of second-place Russia. Poland’s serve put pressure on the U.S. Men, o en forcing them out of system. Poland led in aces, 7-3. It also led in kills, 43-28 and in blocks, 8-5. “Many mes volleyball is a complex game. It can also be a simple game. They were be er than us in the passing and serving game. We didn’t have any rhythm today,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “They kept the pressure on us from start to finish. We must look at the video and learn from this. I’m disappointed.” U.S. team captain and opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) led the U.S. with 10 points on nine a acks and one block. Outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) added nine points on eight a acks and one block.

David Lee (4) and Reid Priddy (8) block against Poland’s Bartosz Kurek. (FIVB photo)

“They took advantage of their serves and had several aces,” Stanley said of Poland. “They had some great touches and we didn’t. They took us out of our game. We need to watch the video and get be er.” Poland led 16-13 in the first set when Poland went on a 5-0 run, including two aces from scoring leader Zbigniew Bartman, to lead 21-13 and put the set out of reach. The second set stayed closer with the team ed at 11-11 before Poland gained a 13-11 edge. With Poland leading 17-14, a Polish error and Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) ace pulled the U.S. to within one. Poland led 18-17 when it scored on a U.S. service error and viola on to lead by three. Lee came back with a block, but the damage was done and Poland went on to win. In the third set, Poland took a 5-1 lead and by the second technical meout (TTO) was ahead 16-9. With Poland leading 21-13, the U.S. used a 3-0 run to cut the deficit, but Poland came back and scored the final three points of the match. Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) finished with five points on three a acks, one block and one ace. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) scored three points on three a acks. Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) totaled three points on two kills and a block. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) scored two points on one spike and one block. Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) added two points on kills. Thornton, the se er, had two points on aces. Thornton was credited with 13 assists for the U.S. Men, who had a kill percent of 38.4 and hi ng eﬃciency of 0.219. In the oﬃcial sta s cs, the U.S. Men were only credited with three digs, led by Priddy with two. Poland was only credited with four digs.

Poland’s Bartosz Kurek hits against the U.S. triple block of, from le , Reid Priddy, Ma Anderson and Brian Thornton. (FIVB photo)

Anderson led in excellent recep ons with 16. Libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) added seven. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Lee at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Thornton at se er and Lambourne at libero.

U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe gives instruc ons in Fukuoka. (FIVB Photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 39 25 25 JPN 37 16 15 U.S. Men Complete Third Round with Sweep of Japan FUKUOKA, Japan (Nov. 29, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team evened its FIVB World Cup record to 4-4 on Tuesday with a sweep of host Japan, 39-37, 25-16, 25-15 before a nearly full house of 5,200 at the stadium known as Marine Messe. With the victory, the U.S. Men, ranked fourth in the world, remained in seventh place in the World Cup standings, just behind Iran. Japan, ranked 18th, fell to 2-6 and is in ninth. U.S. outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) was named the match’s Most Impressive Player on Tuesday, as he led the U.S. Men with 19 points on a match-high 16 a acks (69.6 kill percent; .565 hi ng eﬃciency), one block and two aces. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii) added 14 points on eight kills (36.4 kill percent) and a match-high six blocks.

The U.S. Men relax with the World Cup mascot following the match. (FIVB photo)

“It was a good thing that we pulled out that first set,” Stanley said. “We had the same situa on against Italy and lost and it took a lot out of us. Our middles played really well. I think we blocked well and covered our hi ers.” The U.S. Men led Japan in a acks, 50-40, in blocks, 14-6 and in aces 5-1. “Our serving and passing were the difference,” U.S. Men’s Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “A lot of mes, that’s what it comes down to. We kept the pressure on with our serving. “It was a huge advantage for us to win the first set like that. This late in the tournament that is really big.” Among other U.S. scorers, outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) scored 12 points on 11 kills (52.4 kill percent; .429 hi ng efficiency) and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) added 11 points on six kills (85.7 kill percent; .857 hi ng efficiency), four blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) totaled eight points on six kills and two blocks. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) compiled two points on two a acks. Se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) scored three points on one kill, one block and one ace. Thornton was credited with 30 assists and set the U.S. Men to a 57.5 kill percent and a .460 hi ng efficiency (50-10-87).

Ma Anderson receives the ball. (FIVB photo)

Brian Thornton (15) a empts a one-handed set for Russell Holmes. (FIVB photo)

U.S. libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) was credited with one dig and six excellent recep ons. As a team, the U.S. was credited with only three digs while Japan was credited with 10. Anderson led the team in excellent recep ons with 24 and one fault. Knipe started Anderson and Priddy at outside hi er, Holmes and Millar at middle blocker, Stanley at opposite, Thornton at se er and Lambourne at libero. Patak, David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) and Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) all played as subs tutes. Japan was led by Tatsuya Fukuzawa and Daisuke Yako, who scored 11 points each. “The first set was the key,” Japan Head Coach Tatsuya Ueta said. “We had both good and bad moments. We could not keep the situa on like we wanted. We have three more games and we will try to do our best”. The U.S. Men had not faced Japan since the 2008 Olympic Games, where the United States won 3-0. Japan qualified for the World Cup as the event host. The United States is now 137-59 against Japan since 1981.

Reid Priddy goes high for the kill as Ryan Millar (9) watches. (FIVB Photo)

1 2 3 4 5 USA 27 25 25 20 15 ARG 29 14 17 25 12 U.S. Men Top Argentina in Five Sets TOKYO, Japan (Dec. 2, 2011) – With an Olympic berth out of reach, U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe made some changes to his lineup and came out with a win over Argen na, 27-29, 25-14, 25-17, 20-25, 15-12. Despite only ge ng two points for the five-set win, the U.S. Men (5-4), ranked fourth in the world, moved ahead of Iran in the World Cup standings into sixth place. Argen na (3-6), ranked ninth in the world, is in eighth. Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) changed up the star ng lineup he has been using for most of the tournament, pu ng outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) in for Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) and using opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) in place of Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii).

The U.S. Men listen to the Na onal Anthem prior to the match. (FIVB photo)

A er narrowly losing the first set, the United States came back to dominate the second and third sets. Argen na broke away to win the fourth set. The fi h-set ebreaker was ed 9-9 when the U.S. won a joust and an Argen na a ack went long to give the U.S. a two-point lead. Argen na scored on an a ack. The teams traded service errors before the U.S. got a Rooney kill and block from outside hi er Ma Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) to reach match point at 14-11. Argen na came back with a kill, but middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) ended the match with a quick a ack. “Argentina does things with a speedy offense that is different than some other opponents, “ Knipe said. “Evan Patak did well in his blocking assignments today. We were be er today s cking to blocking and defense. Brian Thornton con nued to run a highly efficient offense. We played some guys who haven’t played much, and now we prepare for Cuba.” Anderson earned his second straight Most Impressive Player award, leading all scorers with 25 points on a match-high 20 kills (54.1 kill percent; .486 hi ng efficiency), two blocks and a match-high three aces. Rooney added 16 points on 16 a acks (64.0 kill percent; .480 hi ng efficiency). “Argen na played very well in every sense,” Anderson said. “But we served well, keeping pressure and keeping our serves in. Brian Thornton did good job of se ng, as we have five players in double digits. It didn’t allow them to focus in on one player. I think all around we played really well on a team.”

Libero Rich Lambourne receives the ball. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. out-a acked Argen na 65-57. The North Americans led in blocks 13-7. Argen na led in aces 5-4. Among other U.S. scorers, Patak scored 14 points on nine a acks and a match-high five blocks. Holmes finished with 13 points on eight a acks, four blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) totaled 12 points on 10 a acks and two blocks. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) who played as a subs tute, score one point with a kill, as did se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.). Thornton was credited with 30 assists and set the U.S. to a 56.5 kill percent and a .443 hi ng eﬃciency. The U.S. Men were credited with 29 digs, led by libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.) with 13. Lambourne also had 10 excellent recep ons. Anderson led the team in excellent recep ons with 13. Knipe started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Holmes and Millar at middle blocker, Thornton at se er, Patak at opposite and Lambourne at libero. Priddy, Lotman, Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) and David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) all played as subs tutes.

Head Coach Alan Knipe, right, goes over a play with Paul Lotman. (FIVB photo)

Facundo Conte paced Argen na with 18 points on 17 kills and one ace.

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Sean Rooney prepares to a ack. (FIVB Photo)

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1 2 3 4 5 USA 25 14 25 22 15 CUB 20 25 18 25 10 U.S. Men Battle to Beat Cuba in Five Sets TOKYO, Japan (Dec. 3, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team won its fourth dual of the season against Cuba, 25-20, 14-25, 25-18, 2225, 15-10. The U.S. Men (6-4), ranked fourth in the world, took their second five-set victory of the tournament, but remained in sixth place in the standings while Cuba (6-4), ranked sixth in the world, remained in fi h. Meanwhile, Russia took over the World Cup lead from Poland, which fell to Brazil on Saturday. Russia and Poland will play each other on Sunday for the World Cup tle, although both have secured Olympic qualifying slots. The third qualifying slot will come down to Sunday as Brazil and Italy are ed with 21 points each. Outside hitter Matt Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) led all scorers on Saturday with 25 points on a match-high 22 kills (73.3 kill percent; .733 hi ng eﬃciency), and a team-high three aces. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) won his second Most Impressive Player award of the tournament with 18 points on 11 kills, a match-high six blocks and one ace. Cuba out-a acked the U.S. 62-50, but the U.S. led in blocks, 14-10 and in aces 7-4. The U.S. Men also took advantage of 30 Cuba team errors while commi ng only 23. “There was inconsistency at mes, for us as well, but I’m s ll pleased,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) said. “It’s late in this tournament, and we’ve had back-to-back five-game matches. Our guys did a good job s cking to the game plan, and in the sets where we were successful, I thought we did good job.”

Ma Anderson (1) goes for the kill against Cuba. (FIVB photo)

The U.S. led 8-4 at the first technical meout (TTO) of the first set and never looked back as Cuba could not close the gap. Cuba jumped out to an 8-3 lead in the second set and went on to win easily. The third set was ed at 13-13 when Priddy scored on a kill and block. Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) added a block to put the U.S. ahead 16-13 and the U.S. went on to win. The fourth-set score was ed 19-19 when Cuba used a kill and block to take the lead and then held off the U.S. for the victory. The score was ed 10-10 in the fi h-set ebreaker when the U.S. scored on two straight Cuba hi ng errors. An ace from middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) put the U.S. ahead by three. Cuba came back with a kill, but was called with a net viola on to give the U.S. match point. Priddy ended the match with an a ack off the block. Among other U.S. scorers, Millar had 12 points on seven a acks, three blocks and two aces. Holmes finished with eight points on four kills and four blocks. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) added eight points on six a acks, one block and one ace. Star ng se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) was credited with 48 assists and set the U.S. to a 45.9 kill percent and a hi ng efficiency of .312. Libero Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) led the team in digs with 15 as the U.S. was credited with 31 total. Priddy led the team in excellent recep ons with 21 while Anderson added 12 and Salmon had nine. Wilfredo Leon and Fernando Hernandez each scored 21 points for Cuba. A er the match, Priddy commented on his ba le on the le side against Hernandez. “This whole tour our le side blocking was pre y much non-existent,” Priddy said. “I just wanted to be in good spots and be be er athle cally — and yeah, I think we went back and forth there a bit. [Hernandez] is a fast a acker and a few points went our way.”

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Evan Patak a acks against Cuba. (FIVB photo)

Libero Riley Salmon points out a great play. (FIVB Photo)

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1 2 3 4 5 USA 23 17 19 SRB 25 25 25 U.S. Men Drop Final World Cup Match to Serbia TOKYO, Japan (Dec. 4, 2011) – The U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team ended its 15-day, 11 match 2011 FIVB World Cup campaign with a loss to Serbia, 25-23, 25-17, 25-19. The U.S. Men, ranked fourth in the world, finished the World Cup in sixth place with a 6-5 record. Serbia (5-6), ranked fi h in the world, finishes eighth. Russia won the World Cup with its 3-2 win Sunday over Poland, which finished second. Both teams have qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games despite needing FIVB wild cards to qualify for the World Cup. Brazil clinched third place and the final qualifying slot with a sweep of host Japan on Sunday.

Riley Salmon, le , slaps hands with Russell Holmes. (FIVB photo)

The United States’ next opportunity to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games will be at the NORCECA Con nental Qualifier in May of 2012. Serbia, which qualified for the World Cup as the European zone champion, led the U.S. in kills 41-35, in blocks 11-7 and in aces 5-3. The U.S. was also hurt by 18 team errors while Serbia commi ed 14. With an Olympic berth off the table, U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe (Hun ngton Beach, Calif.) con nued to change his lineup on Sunday, si ng libero Rich Lambourne (Tus n, Calif.), middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) and opposite Clay Stanley (Honolulu, Hawaii). “We gained a lot of informa on in this tournament on ourselves,” Knipe said. “One of the two important goals for us — besides qualifica on — was to figure out exactly what our strength and weaknesses are and what to work on to qualify for the Olympics. “Today is not how we wanted to end our tournament, but Serbia played well, (Ivan) Miljkovic par cularly, he pressured us a lot.” Serbia’s Ivan Miljkovic dominated the match and was named the Most Important Player, leading all scorers with 20 points on 18 a acks and two blocks.

Sean Rooney reaches to receive the ball. (FIVB photo)

Outside hi er Sean Rooney (Wheaton, Ill.) led the U.S. with 10 points on 10 kills (55.6 kill percent; .444 hi ng eﬃciency). Middle blocker David Lee (Alpine, Calif.) added nine points on six a acks (66.7 kill percent; .444 hi ng eﬃciency) and three blocks. Opposite Evan Patak (Pleasanton, Calif.) totaled six points on five kills and one block while Anderson scored six points on six a acks. Outside hi er Reid Priddy (Richmond, Va.) scored five points on three a acks, one block and one ace. Outside hi er Paul Lotman (Lakewood, Calif.) totaled three points on three a acks while middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, Calif.) added three points on two kills and one block. Middle blocker Max Holt (Cincinna , Calif.) scored one point on a block. U.S. se er Brian Thornton (San Clemente, Calif.) was credited with 23 assists. He set the team to a 43.8 kill percent and a .213 hi ng percentage. Libero Riley Salmon (League City, Texas) led the team in digs with eight and in excellent recep ons with 10. Knipe started Anderson and Rooney at outside hi er, Lee and Holmes at middle blocker, Thornton at se er, Patak at opposite and Salmon at libero.

Riley Salmon (10) leads the U.S. Men in shaking hands with Serbia. (FIVB photo)

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Russell Holmes (12) and Brian Thornton (15) block against Serbia. (FIVB Photo)

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2012 U.S. Men’s Player Bios

2012 U.S. Olympic Men’s Volleyball Team

Back row, from le : Assistant Coach Ron Larsen, Team Leader Rob Browning, Assistant Coach John Speraw, Head Coach Alan Knipe, Technical Coordinator Chris Jackson, Athle c Trainer Aaron Brock, Assistant Coach Gary Sato Front row, from le : Brian Thornton, Donald Suxho, Paul Lotman, Russell Holmes, Ma Anderson, Clay Stanley, Sean Rooney, David Lee, David Smith, Reid Priddy, David McKienzie, Rich Lambourne

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No. 1 Ma Anderson Outside Hi er * 6-10 West Seneca, N.Y. College: Penn State Birth Date: April 18, 1987 Joined Team: 2008 PERSONAL: Born Ma hew John Anderson on April 18, 1987, in Buffalo, N.Y.... Mother is Nancy Anderson. Ma hew’s father, Michael Anderson, died in January 2010... Has three older sisters, Jennifer, Joelle and Amy and one older brother Joshua, one brother-in-law Rialdo, two nephews Aedan and Tris n and two nieces, Alexis and Juliana... Sister Joelle played volleyball at the College of Saint Rose... Sister Amy played volleyball and basketball at Hilbert College... Names Oasis as favorite musical entertainer, buffalo wings from Buffalo, N.Y., as favorite food, and Top Gun as favorite movie... Anderson a ended West Seneca West High School (N.Y.) and led the boys volleyball team to a 17-0 regular-season record during his senior season... Squad was the 2004 Division I champions and Ma served as team captain... Ma was a member of the Eden Volleyball Club in Eden, N.Y. ... Ma finished his junior year at Penn State in spring of 2008 where he majored kinesiology... In 2008, Ma le Penn State early to play for the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers, a professional volleyball club in Korea... He con nued to play for the Skywalkers during the winter of 2009. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – FIVB World Cup... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)… London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal (Bronze Medal)… FIVB World League. 2010 – FIVB World Championship. FIVB World League. 2009 – Brazil Tour... FIVB World League. 2008 – America’s Cup... Pan American Cup (Gold Medal). 2007 – FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship. 2006 – NORCECA Men’s Junior Con nental Championship (Silver Medal). 2005 – Four Na on Tournament. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Ma was the team’s leading scorer in World League, finishing with 248 points on 205 kills, 32 blocks and 11 aces. He was fi h among all World League scorers at the end of pool play... Ma was named “Best Spiker” at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament on May 7-12 in Long Beach, Calif. ... He was the team’s leading scorer, finishing with 64 points on 52 kills, four blocks, and eight aces... His hi ng efficiency was 0.585 and his kill percent was 63.4. 2011 – During the winter of 2010-11, Ma played for Pallavolo Modena in Italy’s Serie A League... Ma played in more sets than any other U.S. Men’s player in 2011 and was the team’s leading scorer and eighth overall with 493 points on 420 kills, 39 blocks and 34 aces. His kill percent for the season was 48.7 and his hi ng efficiency was .414. He was third on the team in digs with 125… Ma played in 32 sets of the FIVB World Cup and was the team’s leading scorer with 158 points on 139 kills, five blocks and 14 aces. He was the team leader in a acks and fourth overall. His kill percent was 52.5 and his hi ng efficiency was .479. The U.S. Men finished sixth… Ma was the team’s leading scorer at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship on Sept. 3-11 in Puerto Rico… He finished with 67 points on 57 kills, four blocks and six aces… His hi ng efficiency was 0.468 and his kill percent was 52… Ma was the team’s second-leading scorer at the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal on July 20-24 where the U.S. Men placed third. He finished with 58 points (3.87 per set) on 47 kills (3.13 per set), seven blocks (0.47 per set) and four aces (0.27 per set)… Ma started 52 sets of the 2011 FIVB World League for the U.S. Men and was the team’s leading scorer with 210 points (4.04 per set) on 177 kills (3.40 per set), 23 blocks (0.44 per set) and 10 aces (0.19 per set). The U.S. Men finished seventh at World League. The U.S. Men finished seventh at World League. 2010 – During the winter of 2010-11, Ma played for Tonno Callipo Vibo Valen a in Italy’s Serie A League... Ma finished the season as the U.S. Men’s fi h-leading scorer with 112 points and an average of 3.20 points per set. He had 94 kills on 235 a empts. He was third on the team in aces with eight (0.23 per set)... Ma played in four sets for the U.S. Men at the FIVB World Championship in Italy. He scored seven points on six kills and one ace. The U.S. Men placed sixth… Ma played in 31 sets of the FIVB World League where he tallied 83 kills (2.68 per set) and his 212

total a empts was third on the team. He ranked 31st among the League’s best a ackers and he finished third on the team with 3.06 points per set. He also totaled 95 points, 7 aces (0.14 per set) and 18 digs (0.37 per set). 2009 – During the winter of 2009, Ma played for the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in Korea… Ma had a serious case of pneumonia during the 2009 summer season, but s ll finished sixth on the team in scoring with 71 points in 21 sets (3.38 points per set). He finished the 2009 season averaging 2.9 kills per set with a hi ng percentage of 0.419. A er returning from pneumonia, Ma started four out of five matches during the U.S. Men’s Brazil Tour on Sept. 22-27. The U.S. Men - a group of veterans and newer players - did not win a match. Ma was the high scorer with 10 points in the team’s final match in Brazil... Ma started five World League matches before falling ill with pneumonia and si ng out the rest of the tournament. He finished with 69 points on 58 kills, eight blocks and three aces (21 sets). He was the high scorer with 11 points in the team’s victory on June 26 in China. The team went on to win its pool and finish sixth in the final round. 2008 – Ma played on the U.S. Men’s Team that traveled to Cuiaba, Brazil for the America’s Cup in September. The team finished fi h. Ma scored 44 points on 39 kills and five blocks in three matches (13 sets)... Ma was a member of the U.S. Men’s team that won gold at the 2008 Pan American Cup from June 2-7 in Winnipeg, Manitoba... He scored 29 points on 25 kills, two blocks and two aces during the tournament... Was a member of the U.S. Men’s Training Team that traveled to Japan from May 17-25 to help prepare the Japanese Na onal team for Olympic qualifica on. 2007 – Ma was a star ng outside hi er for the Men’s Junior Na onal Team that finished seventh at the FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship in Rabat, Morocco... He recorded 91 total points for an average of 3.37 points per game, racked up 77 kills (2.85 kills per game) and added four aces, 10 blocks and 32 digs. 2006 – Was a member of the Men’s Junior Na onal Team that finished second at the NORCECA Men’s Junior Con nental Championship and qualified for the 2007 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship. 2005 – Was a member of the U.S. Boys Youth Na onal Team that competed at theCourtesy Four Na of onFIVB Tournament in Cabo Frio, Brazil. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2008 – AVCA Co-Player of the Year with Paul Lotman of Long Beach State His team won the NCAA Na onal Championship with a victory over Pepperdine in the final... Named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament... AVCA All-American first team... EIVA Player of the Year... First Team All-EIVA... Led the Ni any Lions with 5.64 kills per game on .390 hi ng... A two- me EIVA Player of the Week... AVCA Na onal Player of the Week on Feb. 11... Had 15 or more kills in a regular-season match on 18 occasions... Had at least one dig in every match and had 17 matches of four or more digs, also recorded a block in all but two contests. 2007 – AVCA Second Team All-America... First Team AllEIVA... EIVA Championship All-Tournament Team... Averaged 4.35 kills per game as an opposite... Added 33 service aces, good for second on the team and ninth on the all- me singleseason chart... Provided 104 total digs and 69 total blocks, good for averages of 1.02 digs per game and 0.68 blocks per game... Set a new career high and Penn State rally-scoring-era record with 35 kills (on .452 hi ng) in the five-game win at No. 4 UC Santa Barbara (3/12)... also set a new rallyscoring record for a acks in that match with 62... Produced 24 doubledigit kill matches for the season... Had six matches of 20 or more kills and 14 contests of 15 or more kills. 2006 – Second Team All-East... Played in 91 games and all 30 matches... Averaged 2.21 kills per game, 0.16 service aces per game, 1.09 digs per game and 0.62 blocks per game... Ma was one of six Ni any Lions to record more than 200 kills for the season... led the team in kills on six occasions, including a career-high 17 versus Ohio State (2/10).

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Austrian Cup Championship and finished fi h in the CEV Cup... Russell was part of the U.S. Men’s team that traveled to Brazil for five exhibi on matches. The United States did not win a match; but Russell scored 30 points, including seven blocks, in 15 sets played... Russell saw limited playing me in five World League pool play matches. U.S. Men went on to finish sixth. 2008-09 – Played overseas for Austria’s HYPO Tirol in the Middle European Volleyball Zone Associa on, winning the MEVZA Cup and the Austrian Cup.

No. 12 Russell Holmes Middle Blocker * 6-8 Fountain Valley, California College: Brigham Young Birth Date: July 1, 1982 Joined Team: 2009 PERSONAL: Born Russell Kenneth Holmes on July 1, 1982 in Anaheim, Calif. ... Parents are Mark and Tamara (Tami) Holmes... Has a younger brother, Dane, and an older sister, Leah… Russell’s daughter, Sadie Rae, was born in 2007... Russell served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of La er-day Saints to London, England... Started playing volleyball as a junior at Fountain Valley High School with friends… Graduated from Fountain Valley in 2001… Also le ered three years ... In 2001, his Long Beach club team won the Junior Olympics gold medal and he was named an All-American… Named to Volleyball Magazine’s Fab 50 in 2001… He enjoys beach volleyball, surfing and snowboarding… Russell is an Eagle Scout… He graduated from BYU in 2008 with a degree in sociology… His most admired person is his father: “for his pa ence, love, support, integrity and hard work. He is someone I aspire to be like as a father and husband”… His happiest moment in life was witnessing the birth of his daughter. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – FIVB World Cup… London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal (Bronze Medal)... FIVB World League. 2010 – FIVB World Championship... FIVB World League. 2009 – Brazil Tour... FIVB World League. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Russell was the team’s thirdleading World League scorer, finishing with 122 points on 71 a acks, a team-leading 44 blocks and seven aces.... Russell was the fi h-leading scorer for the U.S. Men’s Team at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament on May 7-12 in Long Beach, Calif. He scored 33 points on 21 kills, eight blocks, and four aces... His hi ng efficiency was .714 and his kill percent was 75. 2011 – Russell played the winter of 2011-12 for Jastrzebski Wegiel in Poland... Russell finished the season as the team’s eighth leading scorer with 109 points on 77 a acks, 27 blocks and five aces in 71 sets played. His 27 blocks put him fourth on the team… Russell was the team’s fourth-leading scorer and secondleading blocker at the FIVB World Cup where he finished with 57 points on 38 a acks, 16 blocks and three aces in 29 sets played. The U.S. Men finished sixth… Russell started 15 out of 18 sets at the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal, where the U.S. Men finished third. He scored 32 points on 24 kills, seven blocks and one ace. His hi ng efficiency was 0.512 and his kill percent was 56. Russell started 10 sets and played in 27 during the FIVB World League, where the U.S. Men finished eighth... He finished with 20 points on 15 kills, four blocks and one ace. 2010 – During the winter of 2010-11, Russell played for Vivo/Minas in Brazil’s Superliga... Russell was the U.S. Men’s Team’s fi h-leading scorer in 2010 with 115 points (2.21 points per set) on 70 kills (0.44 hi ng percentage), 38 blocks (0.73 blocks per set) and seven aces (0.13 blocks per set). His 38 blocks was second on the team... Russell played in 25 sets and started 23 at the FIVB World Championship in Italy where the U.S. Men finished sixth. He was the team’s fi h-leading scorer with 46 points on 29 kills, 12 blocks and five aces. He was the team’s third-leading blocker and 29th overall with 12 blocks and 18 faults on 51 a empts for an average of 0.36 blocks per set... Russell played in 27 sets during the FIVB World League. He posted 43 kills (1.52 per set) and his .524 hi ng percentage was the team-high. His 23 stuff blocks (0.47 per set) was good enough for second place among the team’s leaders and 33rd among the League’s best blockers. He tallied a service ace and three digs. He finished the League with 41 points (1.52 per set). 2009 – Played the winter of 200910 for HYPO Tirol Innsbruck in Austria. The team won its second-straight

COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2008 – Started in all 30 matches and all 113 games ... Named AVCA First-Team AllAmerican... Earned All-MPSF First Team accolades... Finished the season fourth in the na on in hi ng percentage at 0.454 and second in the na on averaging 1.52 blocks per game... Awarded MPSF Player of the Week honors on Feb. 19... Recorded two double-doubles on the season... Set new career highs with 19 kills vs. Stanford (Feb. 22), 33 a empts at UC Irvine (Feb. 15), six digs and 11 block assists at UC Irvine (Feb. 16), and three assists three separate mes in the season... Eleven total blocks Feb. 16 ed for the third best mark in school history since adop ng interna onal rules in 2001... 172 total blocks is the second best mark in school history since adop ng interna onal rules and fourth all me... Led the team in hi ng percentage (.454), blocks with 172 total (15 solo and 157 assists) on the season ... Recorded 10 or more kills in 13 matches. 2007 – A second team AVCA All-America honoree for the second straight season... Named to the All-MPSF Second Team... Team captain... Played in all 29 matches, star ng 28... Played in a team-high 99 games during the season... Named Sports Imports/AVCA Na onal Player of the Week Jan. 29 for his performance against Penn State and Loyola-Chicago at the Outrigger Hotels Invita onal in Hawaii... Named the Outrigger Hotels Invita onal Tournament Most Outstanding Player award... Set a BYU season record for block solos with 28, bea ng out the previous record of 22 formerly held by Ryan Millar... Led the team in hi ng percentage (.438), total blocks (144), blocks per game (1.45), block solos (28) and block assists (116)... Led the na on in block solos (28)... Recorded double digits in kills in eight matches... Hit .500 or be er in 11 matches. 2006 – Named to the AVCA All-America Second Team... Earned second-team All-MPSF honors... A Student Athlete Academic Center Scholar Athlete... Started all 27 matches and was the only player on the team to play in all 104 games... Finished sixth in the na on with a .456 hi ng percentage and third in MPSF play at .462... Averaged 1.49 blocks per game, eighth in the na on... Fourth in the MPSF in blocks per game, averaging 1.53 in league play... Had 155 total blocks, ed for second most in a BYU rally scoring season... Had 143 block assists, the fi h most in a BYU season... Recorded double-digit kills 12 mes... Hit .400 or be er 18 mes. 2005 - Played in 30 matches and appeared in 98 games... Started 13 matches... Recorded 107 kills while hi ng .368... Totaled 67 blocks... Had a career-high 14 kills against Penn State on Jan. 6. 2004 - Freshman red shirt the year BYU won the NCAA Na onal Championship.

Courtesy of FIVB

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No. 5 Rich Lambourne Libero * 6-3 Tus n, California College: BYU Birth Date: May 6, 1975 Joined Team: 2000 PERSONAL: Born Richard Edward Lambourne on May 6, 1975 in Louisville, Ky. ... Now calls San Diego, Calif., home... Parents are Paul and Ann Lambourne... Has one brother, Stuart, and two sisters, Gwen and Tracy... Stuart was MVP at Foothills High and played volleyball briefly at BYU... Rich enjoys golf, beach volleyball and tennis... Majored in Japanese at BYU... Following the U.S. Men’s gold medal victory at the Olympic Games, Rich appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s Olympic show and the Bonnie Hunt Show. He was a star on the Hunt show, as Bonnie flirted with him... Rich was badly injured during a bike accident when he was 6. He skinned his shoulder to the bone and mangled the right side of his face. Says of the accident, “I could have been much uglier but due to my loving parents and medical science, I am only mostly una rac ve”... His favorite food is Mexican... Pillars of the Earth is his favorite book... South Park and Family Guy are his favorite television shows... His favorite sports to watch include basketball, golf and football... Notes that he is a “bandwagon guy” when it comes to favorite professional sports teams... Michael Jordan is his favorite athlete... Lists his mom as his most admired person because of her “strength of character, convic on and faith”... Says he is “super sarcas c.” MAJOR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – FIVB World Cup… NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... FIVB World League. 2010 – FIVB World Championship... FIVB World League. 2009 – NORCECA Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... Brazil Tour... 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F (Gold Medal)… FIVB World League. 2008 – America’s Cup... Olympic Games (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League (Gold Medal)... Four Na ons’ Tournament (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifying Championship (Gold Medal). 2007 – FIVB World Cup... NORCECA Con nental Championship (Gold Medal)... Americas’ Cup (Gold Medal)... Pan American Games (Silver Medal)... FIVB World League (Bronze Medal). 2006 – FIVB World Championships... FIVB World League... Pan American Cup (Gold Medal)... Argen na Tour. 2005 – Pacific Northwest Tour vs. Netherlands... USOC Interna onal Sports Invita onal (Silver Medal)... Argen na Tour... Americas’ Cup (Gold Medal)... FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental Championships (Gold Medal)... World Grand Champions Cup (Silver Medal). 2003 – Colorado/Nebraska Tour... Canada Tour... Japan Tour (Training Team)... NORCECA Zone Championships (Gold Medal). 2002 – Louisville Tour. 2001 – Japan Tour... World League... NORCECA Zone Championships. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Rich played in all 60 World League sets. He finished with a total of 75 digs (1.25 digs per set). He finished pool play fourth among all liberos. He was fourth in digs during pool play with an average of 2.02 per set... Rich played in 16 sets of the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament on May 7-12 in Long Beach, Calif., where the U.S. men won gold... Led the team in digs with 38 (2.38 digs per set). 2011 – Rich finished the season as the team’s leading digger with 180 in 107 sets played (1.68 digs per set)… Lambourne competed in 31sets of the FIVB World Cup and finished as the team’s leading digger and seventh overall with 61 digs... Rich played in all 18 sets of the NORCECA Championship in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico where the U.S. Men finished second to Cuba... He was credited with 97 recep ons and 27 digs.... Rich played in all 58 sets of the 2011 FIVB World League where the U.S. Men advanced to the Final Round and finished seventh... He finished pool play ranked third among all liberos... He led the team in digs in pool play with 132 in 214 a empts and an average of 2.93 per set.... In the Final Round, Lambourne led the team in digs with 45 in 13 sets for an average of 3.46 per set... He had 146 recep ons on 248 a empts in pool play... In the final round, Rich had 42 recep ons for an average of 3.23 per set. Rich joined Fart Kielce in Poland in the winter of 2011. 2010 – Finished 2010 having played in 80 sets for the U.S. Men. He finished with 114 digs (1.42 digs per set). He was also credited with one point on a kill... Rich started all 33 of the United States’ sets at the FIVB World Championship in Italy where the U.S. Men finished sixth. Rich finished fi h among all liberos with 199 “excellents” and 39 faults for an average of 6.03 per

set. Rich was the U.S. Men’s leading digger and sixth overall with 76 digs and 30 faults on 115 a empts for an average of 2.30 per set. He was also the team’s leading receiver and ninth overall with 123 excellents and nine faults on 192 a empts for an efficiency percentage of 59.38... Rich played in 45 sets over the course of the FIVB World League Intercon nental Round and led the team with 64 digs (1.31 per set). He also ranked 11th amongst the League’s best in both digs and liberos, where he tallied 150 “excellents”. He averaged 3.06 “excellents” per set. 2009 – Rich finished the season with 137 digs in 71 sets for an average of 1.93 digs per set.... He joined the U.S. Team for the Brazil Tour in which it played five exhibi on matches in Brazil... Rich was the United States’ best digger and second overall a the NORCECA Con nental Championship. He was credited with 40 digs and 23 faults on 85 a empts. He averaged 2.35 digs per set. He was also ranked the third-best libero overall... Rich helped the U.S. win the 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier on Aug. 15-17 in Irvine, Calif. He won Best Digger (0.89 digs per set), Best Receiver (23 excellents and no faults in 29 a empts) and Best Libero (31 excellents and four faults in 64 a empts)… Rich was the United States’ star ng libero in every match but one of the 2009 FIVB World League, where the U.S. Men placed sixth… Rich averaged 1.84 digs per set in pool play and had 94 excellent recep ons on 294 a empts. He was fourth among liberos in the final round with 24 “excellents” on 48 a empts and an average of four per set. 2008 – Played with the U.S. Men’s Team that finished fi h at the America’s Cup in Brazil... Played in every set of the Olympic Games and helped the U.S. Men to the gold medal. He was credited with 64 digs and 147 “excellent” service recep ons on 230 total a empts for a success percentage of 63.91... Played in every set of the FIVB World League and was named best libero of the final round as the U.S. Men won their first World League tle. Finished the final round with 45 digs and 25 faults in 74 total a empts for an average of three digs per set. He was also credited with 76 “excellent” recep ons on 131 a empts for an efficiency percentage of 55... Played in all 15 sets for the U.S. Men at the NORCECA Olympic Qualifier as Team USA won and qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games. Rich was credited with 59 recep ons and 29 digs. He was named Best Libero and Best Receiver of the tournament. 2007 – Rich played in 147 sets for the U.S. Men, which was every set played in the season. He finished the year with 337 digs, averaging 2.29 digs per set... Rich ranked fourth among all liberos at the 2007 World Cup, finishing with 229 “excellent” recep ons in 369 a empts for a success percentage of 59.62. The U.S. Men finished fourth... Rich was the third best digger of the NORCECA Con nental Championship with 25 digs, 22 recep ons and six faults in 53 a empts... Rich was named the Best Libero of the 2007 World League. He finished the final round with an average of 1.79 digs per set and 42 “excellent” recep ons out of 87 a empts. Rich finished second among all World League “receivers” in pool play with a 65.47 efficiency percentage. 2006 – Was the star ng libero for all U.S. matches in 2006 and played 119 sets...Led the team in digs with 264... Helped the team remain undefeated (4-0) during the inaugural Pan American Cup in June and was named the tournament’s best digger. 2005 – Was the team’s star ng libero all season... Played every set of every match (119 sets overall) and led the team in digs with 283... Rich capped the 2005 season as a member of the USA squad that captured the silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in November in Japan... The Americans, who lost to defending Olympic gold medalist Brazil in the first match of the tournament, lost just one set the rest of the way as they defeated Japan (3-1), 2004 Olympic silver medalist Italy (3-0), Egypt (3-0) and China (3-0) en route to their fi h medal in five events this season... Earned “Best Libero” honors as the USA Men stunned the world’s best team when it defeated 2004 Olympic gold medalist Brazil in five sets to win the America’s Cup tournament in Brazil on Aug. 7... Earned a gold medal as Team USA won its second-straight NORCECA Con nental Championship with a four-set victory over Cuba on Sept. 15... The USA Men qualified for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup with the win... Named “Best Receiver” and earned a gold medal in August at the FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament as the USA Men qualified for the 2006 World Championships. 2004 – Was one of six alternates for the 2004 USA Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team. 2003 –Started for the United States in the NORCECA Zone Championships in Mexico as Team USA captured the gold medal and a berth in the 2003 World Cup, the first Olympic qualifier. 2002 – Competed with teammate Erik Sullivan for the star ng libero posi on... Played in one tour during the year (Louisville Tour vs. Australia and Canada)... Played in 29 totals sets during the year and racked up 76 digs (2.62 per set). 2001 – Captured the Best Digger award at the NORCECA Zone Championships in August as the U.S. earned the silver medal... Finished third on the team in digs with 102... Played professionally with the Vienna HotVolleys in Austria. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 1999 – Started at outside hi er on BYU’s first-ever na onal championship team... Played in 82 games and posted 252 kills, 205 digs, 88 blocks and a .348 hi ng percentage. 1998 - Played in 21-of-22 matches... Recorded 150 kills, 133 digs and 78 blocks. 1997 - Ranked fourth na onally with 2.73 digs per game... Named Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on Player of the Week on March 22... Set a career-high with 23 digs against na onally ranked Hawai’i. Courtesy of FIVB

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No. 4 David Lee Middle Blocker * 6-8 Alpine, California College: Long Beach State Birth Date: March 8, 1982 Joined Team: 2003 PERSONAL: Born David Cameron Lee on March 8, 1982 in Alpine, Calif.... Parents are Mac and Robin Lee... Also has two older brothers named Nathan and Mark... David is the tallest member of his immediate family... Played high school volleyball at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon... Played club volleyball for Seaside Volleyball Club... Enjoys listening to reggae and watching volleyball and basketball... Majored in human development... Favorite foods are filet mignon and lobster... Favorite professional team is the Los Angeles Lakers. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: 2012 – FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – FIVB World Cup... NORCECA Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... FIVB World League. 2010 – FIVB World Championship... FIVB World League. 2009 – NORCECA Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F (Gold Medal)… FIVB World League. 2008 – Olympic Games (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League (Gold medal)... NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifying Championship (Gold Medal). 2007 – FIVB World Cup... NORCECA Con nental Championship (Gold Medal)... Pan American Games (Silver Medal)... FIVB World League (Bronze Medal). 2006 – FIVB World League... Pan American Cup (Gold Medal)... Argen na Tour. 2005 – Pacific Northwest Tour vs. Netherlands... USOC Interna onal Sports Invita onal (Silver Medal)... Argen na Tour... America’s Cup (Gold Medal)... FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental - Championships (Gold Medal). 2003 – World University Games (Bronze Medal). INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – David was the team’s sixth-leading scorer at World League, finishing with 89 points on 61 a acks, 22 blocks and six aces... Named Best Blocker at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament on May 7-12 in Long Beach, Calif. ... Finished with 43 points on 30 kills, 11 blocks and two aces at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Qualifica on Tournament... His hi ng efficiency was .784 and his kill percent was 81.1. 2011 – Dave finished the season as the team’s leading blocker with 82 in in 104 sets played (.79 blocks per set). He was fourth on the team in scoring with 230 points (2.21 points per set) on 140 kills, 82 blocks and eight aces. His hi ng percentage for the season was .468… David started 32 sets at the FIVB World Cup and finished with 43 points on 29 a acks and 14 blocks… David started 14 sets at the NORCECA Championship in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where the U.S. Men finished second behind Cuba... He was named the tournament’s best blocker with 16... He finished the tournament with 45 points on 28 kills, 16 blocks and one ace... Davids’ hi ng efficiency was 0.587 and his kill percent was 61... David was one of three players who competed in all 58 sets of the FIVB World League (along with Rich Lambourne and Clay Stanley)… He was the leading blocker for the U.S. Men at the 2011 World League with 52 in 58 sets for an average of 0.90 blocks per set… He finished pool play second among all blockers… Lee finished World League as the United States’ fourth-leading scorer with 142 points on 83 kills (0.462 hi ng efficiency, 53.2 kill percent), 52 blocks and seven aces. 2010 – David played the winter of 2010-11 for Kuzbass Kemerovo in Russia’s Super League... David finished the 2010 season having played in 75 sets, the second most on the team. He finished as the team’s fourth-leading scorer with 150 points on 85 kills (0.36 hi ng percentage), 55 blocks (0.73 blocks per set) and 10 aces (0.13 aces per set). His 55 blocks led the team and his 10 aces put him second... David played in 26 sets of the FIVB World Championship in Italy where the U.S. Men finished sixth. He was the United States’ fourthleading scorer with 48 points on 28 kills, 18 blocks and two aces. His 18 blocks ed him with Clay Stanley as the team’s leading blocker with an average of 0.55 per set. He was 12th among all blockers... David was the only player to play in all 49 sets of pool play for the U.S. Men in the FIVB World League. He finished pool play as the League’s fourth-best blocker with his 40 total stuff blocks and 0.82 blocks per set. He also tallied 58 kills (1.18 per set) and had an a acking percentage of .333. He ranked 32nd on the League’s best

servers list with eight aces (0.16 per set). He finished the League with 106 points and averaged 2.16 points per set. 2009 – David played for Lokomo v Novosibirsk in the Russian Super League during the winter of 2009-10... David was the U.S. Men’s leading blocker in 2009 with 49 stuff blocks in 66 sets for an average of 0.74 per set. He was the team’s third-leading scorer with 176 points on 113 kills, 49 blocks and 14 aces. He had the third most aces on the team... David helped the team to a second-place finish at the 2009 NORCECA Con nental Championship in Puerto Rico... David helped the U.S. Men win the 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier on Aug. 15-17 in Irvine, Calif. … David helped the U.S. Men to a sixth-place finish at World League. He was the leading blocker in the final round, but did not receive the award because the U.S. Men did not play for a medal. He finished with eight blocks and six errors in 26 a empts for an average of 1.33 blocks per set... David was the United States’ leading blocker and fourth overall in the con nental (pool play) round with 30 blocks and 32 errors in 80 a empts and an average of 0.67 blocks per set. 2008 – David played the 2008-09 winter season for Sisley Treviso in Italy’s Serie A League... Finished the 2008 season as the team’s fourth leading scorer with 243 points in 95 sets played (2.56 points per set). Finished as the second-leading blocker with 63 (0.66 per set). Tallied 168 kills and had a hi ng percentage of 0.58... David helped the U.S. Men win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Finished second among all blockers at the Olympics with 33 kill blocks for an average of 1 per set. Finished ninth among all scorers (third among U.S. scorers) with 90 points on 53 kills, 33 blocks and four aces. In the United States’ semifinal match against Russia, David came up big in the fi h set, tallying a kill and block on consecu ve plays to yield a 13-12 advantage. A er Russia ed the set at 13-all, Lee ended the match with a kill and block. He scored four of his 12 points in the final five points of the match.... Finished seventh among all blockers in the World League final round with eight blocks for an average of 0.53 per set as the U.S. Men won their first World League tle. Was 13th among all blockers in pool play with an average of .45 blocks per set... David scored 28 points on 21 kills and seven blocks at the NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifier, which the United States won to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games. 2007 – David moved up from backup to part- me starter (sharing me with Tom Hoff) in 2007 and finished the season second on the team in stuff blocks with 69 for an average of 0.67 blocks per set. He was sixth on the team in scoring with 230 points... David was the United States’ second-leading blocker and third overall at the FIVB World Cup, where the U.S. Men finished fourth. David had 25 blocks, 36 faults and 47 rebounds in 108 a empts and averaged 0.63 blocks per set... David was the top U.S. blocker and fourth overall at the NORCECA Con nental Championship. He was credited with 13 scoring blocks, seven errors and 13 rebounds on 32 a empts. He was the United States’ leading scorer in its NORCECA victory over Barbados, finishing with 12 points on six kills and six blocks... David was the top U.S. blocker and second overall at the Pan American Games where he was credited with 12 blocks for an average of 0.75 per set... David was the United States’ leading blocker and 10th overall in the final round of World League where he was credited with an average of 0.43 per set... Started seven out of 10 World League poolplay matches and played in 10. Did not make the trip to play France in pool play... Was the 13th best blocker among all World League compe tors in pool play with a 0.56 average per set. Was the second-leading U.S. blocker behind Ryan Millar. 2006 – Played in six FIVB World League matches in place of Ryan Millar... Played two matches in the inaugural Pan America Cup in June with a 4-0 record... Helped the team finish 4-1 on the Argen na tour. 2005 – David played just 65 of 119 sets during the year but s ll finished second in total blocks with 59... Also finished second in blocks per set (0.91) and fi h in total points with 162... Scored five points on four kills and one block as the USA Men stunned the world’s best team when it defeated 2004 Olympic gold medalist Brazil in five sets to win the America’s Cup tournament in Brazil on Aug. 7... Named “Best Blocker” and earned a gold medal in August at the FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament as the USA Men qualified for the 2006 World Championships... Led Team USA in scoring with nine points on four kills, four blocks and one ace in a 3-0 win over Barbados on Aug. 25 at the WCQT. 2003 – Scored 20 points as the U.S. Men captured the bronze medal at the World University Games with a 3-2 win over France in Daegu, South Korea. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2004 – Was named a first team AVCA All American. 2003 – Named to the All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on (MPSF) secondteam... Led the team and conference with a .483 hi ng percentage... Recorded a team-high 1.18 blocks per game. 2002 - Appeared in 118 games as a sophomore...Averaged 2.64 kills and 0.95 blocks per game. 2001 – Averaged 1.17 kills and 0.75 blocks per game... Recorded five blocks in a match three mes. Courtesy of FIVB

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No. 6 Paul Lotman Outside Hi er * 6-7 Lakewood, California College: Long Beach State Birth Date: Nov. 3, 1985 Joined Team: 2008 PERSONAL: Born Paul Michael Lotman on Nov. 3, 1985, in Lakewood, Calif. … Parents are Albert (deceased) and Kathleen Lotman... Has two older brothers, Mark and Steven and an older sister, Shelley… Married wife Jasmine in August, 2011... A ended Los Alamitos High School (1999-2003)… Played for the Surf City club team in Hun ngton Beach… Graduated from Long Beach State in 2008 with a degree in sociology… Chipotle is his favorite food... ”Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown is his favorite book… Favorite movie is Wedding Crashers and Entourage is his favorite TV show… Steve Nash is his favorite professional athlete and the Dallas Mavericks are his favorite team… Listens to hip-hop and house music… Enjoys beach volleyball… Admires his brother for his recovery from drug abuse… Likes to watch college basketball, volleyball, tennis and college football… His fondest sports memory is playing volleyball. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – FIVB World Cup... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal (Bronze Medal)... FIVB World League. 2010 - FIVB World Championship... FIVB World League. 2009 – NORCECA Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... Tour of Brazil... 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League. 2008 – Pan American Cup (Gold Medal). 2007 World University Games (Gold Medal). 2005 – FIVB Men’s U-21 World Championship. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Paul helped the U.S. Men win the silver medal at the FIVB World League primarily as a serving specialist and subs tute. He finished with a total of 10 points on 10 a acks and two aces... Paul finished the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament on May 7-12 in Long Beach, Calif., with 10 points on two kills and four aces. 2011 – Paul played the winter of 201112 for Resovia Rzeszow in Poland and helped the team win the Polish Plus Liga Championship... Paul finished the season as the team’s sixthleading scorer with 130 points on 107 a acks, 10 blocks and 13 aces in 85 sets played… His kill percentage for the season was 48.9 and his hi ng eﬃciency was .411… Paul played in 13 sets of the FIVB World Cup, finishing with seven points on six kills and one ace… Paul played in 13 sets and started 12 at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship in Puerto Rico where the U.S. finished second. Paul finished with 38 points on 27 kills (46.6 kill percent), six blocks and five aces… Paul played in 17 sets of the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal, a 2012 Olympic test event, and started in 14. He finished the tournament with 39 points on 36 kills (50.0 kill percent), one block and two aces… Paul played in 42 sets of the FIVB World League, usually as a serving specialist. He finished World League with 46 points on 38 kills, three blocks and five aces. The U.S. Men finished second in their World League pool and advanced to the Final Round where they finished seventh. 2010 – Paul played for Marmi Lanza Verona in Italy’s Serie A League during the winter of 2010-11... Paul played in 55 sets for the U.S. Men during the 2010 season. He finished eighth on the team in scoring with 72 points on 60 kills (0.324 hi ng percentage), seven blocks (0.18 blocks per set) and five aces (0.09 aces per set). He also had 36 digs (0.65 digs per set), ed for sixth on the team... Paul played in 30 sets during the FIVB World Championship in Italy where the U.S. Men finished sixth. He started nine sets. He finished the tournament with 24 points on 18 kills, five blocks and one ace. He finished the tournament with a kill percentage of 0.53... Paul played in 25 pool play sets for the U.S. Men during the FIVB World League and posted 25 kills (1.71 per set). He tallied four aces (0.08 per set) and three stuﬀ blocks (0.04 per set). His 45 “excellents” ed him for 24th among

the League’s best receivers and third best on the team. He totaled 50 points (.152) in his 25 set appearances. 2009 – Played for the French team Poi ers during the winter of 2009-10.... Finished the 2009 season with 32 points on 22 kills, seven aces and three blocks in 17 sets played... Helped the U.S. Men to the silver medal at the NORCECA Con nental Championship in Puerto Rico... Traveled to Brazil with a U.S. Men’s Team made up of veterans and newcomers for five exhibi on matches on Sept. 22-27. The team did not win a match. Paul was the high scorer in two of the matches with 12 points in each... Helped U.S. Men win the FIVB World Championship Qualifier on Aug. 15-17 in Irvine, Calif. Paul played in six sets and scored 10 points on nine kills and one ace... Helped the U.S. Men to a sixth place finish at World League. 2008 – Played for PAOK in Greece during the winter of 2008-09... Helped U.S. Men win the gold medal at the Pan American Cup in Winnipeg, Canada. 2007 – Helped the U.S. Men win the bronze medal at the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand. 2005 – Played on the USA Junior Na onal Team that finished eighth in the 2005 FIVB Men’s U-21 World Volleyball Championship in Andhra Pradesh, India. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2008 – Named AVCA co-Player of the Year along with Penn State’s Ma Anderson... Named AVCA First Team All-American... Named MPSF Player of the Year... Led 49ers to the semifinals of the NCAA tournament... Averaged a team-best 5.44 kills per game while adding 1.51 digs per contest, all while hi ng 0.326... Paul tallied 20 or more kills 14 mes in the season. He tallied double-figures in kills in 29 of the 30 matches... Paul led the team with 60 service aces, a 49er single-season record. Paul finished second on the 49er career service ace chart with 135 aces. He ranked seventh in career kills (1,408) and ninth in career digs (631). 2007 – Named honorable men on All-MPSF a er averaging 4.51 kills and 1.60 digs per game... Finished first on the team with 496 kills, 176 digs and 34 aces... Was third on the team with 88 blocks... Named the Most Valuable Player of the Ac ve Ankle/Long Beach Guesthouse Classic (March 16-17) a er helping the 49ers to a 2-0 record averaging a .387 hi ng percentage, 4.8 kills, 1.5 digs and 1.4 blocks per game... Named the Sports Imports/AVCA Division I-II Men’s Na onal Player of the Week and the MPSF Player of the Week on March 19... Recorded double digits in kills in 27 matches with seven double-doubles on the season. 2006 – Had a strong first year as a fullme starter... Averaged 2.00 kills, 1.66 digs and 0.72 blocks per game while hi ng .234... Hit double digits in kills seven mes... Career-high 18 kills in win at UC Santa Barbara... Finished ed for second on the team with his 204 total digs ... Second on the team with 30 service aces. 2005 – Played in 23 matches and 64 games on the year ... Averaged 1.23 kills per game while hi ng .238 ... Seventh on the team with 11 service aces and ed for fi h on the squad with 88 digs (1.38 dpg) ... 36 total blocks in 64 games (0.56 bpg) ... Career-high 11 kills in 25 a empts vs. UC Santa Barbara (1/15). 2004 – Redshirt season.

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Courtesy of FIVB

No. 16 Dave McKienzie Opposite * 6-4 Li leton, Colorado College: Long Beach State Birth Date: July 5, 1979 Joined Team: 2001 PERSONAL: Born David W. McKienzie on July 5, 1979 in Denver, Colo.... Parents are William (deceased) and Elvira McKienzie... William played volleyball for the U.S. at the Pan American Games and introduced the sport to his children. He died of cancer in 1997... Dave’s sister, Joy, was an All-American se er on Long Beach State University’s 1993 NCAA na onal championship team and is currently an assistant coach for the UCLA women’s volleyball team... Joy is married to beach volleyball player Ma Fuerbringer... Dave moved from Li leton, Colo., to Southern California to live with Joy and complete his junior and senior years of high school... Dave graduated in 1997 from Hun ngton Beach High School in Hun ngton Beach, Calif.... Played volleyball for three years in high school and earned all-CIF, all-County, all-League, and All-America honors... Graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in communica ons from Long Beach State University... Lists his hobbies as golf, ping pong and poker... A er realizing he was not going to make the 2008 Olympic team, Dave stepped away from the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team to compete overseas and also in beach volleyball. U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe, who had been Dave’s college coach, invited him back to the team to train for the FIVB World Cup at the end of 2011. Dave didn’t make that roster, but returned to the team in 2012 and was named the backup opposite to Clay Stanley for the NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifier. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2007 – Pan American Games (Silver Medal)... FIVB World League (Silver Medal). 2006 - FIVB World Championships...FIVB World League... Pan American Cup (Gold Medal)... Argen na Tour. 2005 - Pacific Northwest Tour vs. Netherlands... USOC Interna onal Sports Invita onal (Silver Medal)... Argen na Tour... America’s Cup (Gold Medal)... FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental Championships (Gold Medal)... World Grand Champions Cup (Silver Medal). 2004 - NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal). 2003 - Canada Tour... Pan American Games (Fourth Place)... NORCECA Zone Championships (Gold Medal). 2002 - Dallas Tour... Six-Na on Tournament (Italy)... Louisville Tour... Bulgaria Tour... Greece Tour... Florida Tour... World Championships. 2001 - Jeep America’s Cup... World University Games.

Ma A. Brown

INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – McKienzie helped the U.S. Men win the Silver Medal at the FIVB World League primarily as a serving specialist and subs tute. He finished with 26 points on 20 a acks, three blocks and three aces... McKienzie finished the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic

Qualifica on Tournament with 17 points on 12 kills and five aces... His hi ng eﬃciency was .857 and his kill percent was 85.7. 2011 – A er several years of playing for overseas club teams, David made the U.S. preliminary roster for the 2011 FIVB World Cup. 2007 – Played in four Pan American Games matches... Played in one World League pool-play match. 2006 – Dave finished the season in second place in team scoring with 332 points and second in kills with 306...Led the U.S. men in scoring in eight out of 11 World Championship matches... His high was 24 points in a five-set loss to France... The U.S. Men finished 10th at the World Championships... led the team in scoring in its final World League match against Serbia & Montenegro... Team USA finished ed for 10th... Helped the team win the inaugural Pan American Cup in June... Led in scoring against Cuba (16) and against the Dominican Republic (15) in the Pan American Cup... Helped the team win the Argen na series 4-1 in June... Led scoring in two Argen na matches. 2005 – Dave led the team in kills per set during the season (3.28) and finished second in kills (249), total points (277) and points per set (3.64)... He capped the 2005 season as a member of the USA squad that captured the silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in November in Japan... The Americans, who lost to defending Olympic gold medalist Brazil in the first match of the tournament, lost just one set the rest of the way as they defeated Japan (3-1), 2004 Olympic silver medalist Italy (3-0), Egypt (3-0) and China (3-0) en route to their fi h medal in five events this season... Scored a team-high-tying 16 points on 16 kills as the USA Men stunned the world’s best team when it defeated 2004 Olympic gold medalist Brazil in five sets to win the America’s Cup tournament in Brazil on Aug. 7... Scored seven points on seven kills as Team USA won its second-straight NORCECA Connental Championship with a four-set victory over Cuba on Sept. 15... The USA Men qualified for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup with the gold-medal win... Also earned a gold medal in August at the FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament as the USA Men qualified for the 2006 World Championships. 2004 – Was one of six alternates for the 2004 USA Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team. Team USA qualified for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, by winning the NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Jan. 10... The men posted a perfect record of 6-0 en route to the gold medal, which included a come-from-behind, 3-2 win over Cuba in the championship match. 2003 – Member of the team that played in the NORCECA Zone Championships in Mexico as Team USA captured the gold medal and a berth in the 2003 World Cup, the first Olympic qualifier. 2002 – Played in 88 of 141 sets during the season... Ranked second in service aces (24), fourth in kills (159), fourth in digs (85) and fi h in total points (196), kills (146) and service aces (20)... Registered 2.23 points per set ... Posted a career-high 21 points on 21 kills in a four-set loss to the Czech Republic on the Dallas Tour on May 27. 2001 – Won a gold medal at the World University Games in Beijing, China... Saw limited ac on as a member of the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team... Finished with 29 kills in 70 a empts for a hi ng percentage of .243... He also had 13 digs and three blocks. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2001 – Named a first-team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Associa on (AVCA)... Named to the AllMountain Pacific Sports Federa on first team... Ranked second in the naon in kill average with a 5.58 kills per game average... Posted 435 kills in 78 games... Recorded 173 digs for an average of 2.22 digs per game. 2000 – Earned first-team AVCA All-America honors... Named to the All-MPSF second team... Played in 91-of-100 games... Led the team with a total of 552 kills for an average of 6.07 kills per game... Had a hi ng percentage of .309... Averaged 2.43 digs per game and 0.82 blocks per game. 1999 – Named a second-team All-American by the AVCA... Named to the All-MPSF third team... Named to the NCAA all-tournament team... Set an NCAA Division I record with 58 kills on March 19 at Brigham Young University... Ended season with 20 or more kills in six of last seven matches. 1998 – was a member of the USA Men’s Junior Na onal Team that competed in Guatemala where he was named “Best Spiker” at the tournament. 1998 - In back-to-back matches had 22 and 23 kills against Penn State (Jan. 22-23)... Had five or more digs in five matches.

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No. 8 Reid Priddy Outside Hi er * 6-5 Richmond, Virginia College: Loyola Marymount Birth Date: Oct. 1, 1977 Joined Team: 2000 PERSONAL: Born William Reid Priddy on Oct. 1, 1977 in Richmond, Va.... Parents are Ken and Sharon Priddy... Also has three sisters: Brooke, Kara and Dylan... Reid married Lindsay Pierce in March 2007. The couple lives in Southern California and has a son, Caden, born in September of 2010... Enjoys wakeboarding, surfing and making humorous videos... Graduated from LMU with a degree in communica on studies in 2000... Was also recruited by Cal State Northridge, USC and UC Santa Barbara... Plays beach volleyball on the AVP tour when he has me away from the na onal team... Reid started playing volleyball a er his family moved from Richmond to Florida where he tried it in a summer-school PE class... When his family later moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1994, he played for Mountain Pointe High School, par cipa ng in the first year of varsity volleyball in the state. As a junior, he led the school to its first state championship in 1995. He graduated from high school in 1996. “Men’s volleyball was such a new sport in our area that there was no example to follow. At the me we would shop at the thri store for our clothes, trying to find the craziest ou it we could. We were very ac ve, playing beach volleyball, wake-boarding, going to the lake and jumping off rocks and stuff like that.”... Reid has an Internet radio show called The NET Live devoted to volleyball, which he hosts with former U.S. Men’s player Kevin Barne . MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – FIVB World Cup... FIVB World League. 2010 –FIVB World Championship... FIVB World League. 2009 – NORCECA Con nental Championship. 2008 – Olympic Games (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Championship (Gold Medal). 2007 – FIVB World Cup... NORCECA Con nental Championship (Gold Medal)... Americas’ Cup (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League (Bronze Medal). 2006 – FIVB World Championships... FIVB World League... Pan American Cup (Gold Medal)... Argen na Tour. 2005 – World Grand Champions Cup (Silver Medal). 2004 – NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal)... Japan Tour ... Houston Series... USA Global Challenge (Gold Medal)... Serbia and Montenegro Tour (Silver Medal)... Olympic Games (Fourth Place). 2003 – Colorado/Nebraska Tour... Canada Tour... Pan American Games (Fourth Place)... NORCECA Zone Championships (Gold Medal)... World Cup (Fourth Place). 2002 – Bulgaria Tour... Greece Tour... Florida Tour... World Championships. 2001 – Japan Tour... World League... World Championship Qualifier... NORCECA Zone Championships... Jeep America’s Cup. 1999 – Pan American Games. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Reid was the team’s fourth-leading scorer in World League, finishing with 94 points on 74 kills, 16 blocks and four aces... Reid was the U.S. Men’s third-leading scorer at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament on May 7-12 in Long Beach, Calif., with 47 points on 35 kills, six blocks and six aces...HIs hi ng efficiency was .400 and his kill percent was 46.7. 2011 – During the 2011-12 winter season, Reid played for Zenit Kazan in the Russian Super League and helped them to the league championshp... Although he only competed in two tournaments for the team, Reid finished the season as the U.S. Men’s third-leading scorer with 311 points on 262 kills, 31 blocks and 18 aces in 88 sets played. His kill percent was 47.7 and his hi ng efficiency was .406... Reid was the U.S. Men’s thirdleading scorer at the FIVB World Cup with 106 points on 86 kills, 13 blocks and seven aces. He was third on the team in digs with 39. The U.S. Men finished sixth… While training for the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship, Reid was elbowed in the face during prac ce while coming down from a block. The injury and its resul ng complica ons required two surgeries and he was not able to play in the tournament… Reid was the United States’ third-leading scorer of the FIVB World League, finishing the tournament with 205 points (3.87 per set) on 176 kills (50.0 kill percent), 18 blocks and 11 aces. He finished World League pool play ninth among all hi ers and was credited with 158 kills on 320 a empts for a success percentage of 49.38. The U.S. Men finished World League second in their pool and advanced to the Final Round where they placed seventh. 2010 – Reid played for Zenit Kazan in Russia’s Superleague during the winter of 2010-11. The team won the league tle... Reid served as the U.S. team captain for the 2010 season... He finished the season as the team’s third leading scorer with 161 points on 136 kills (0.33 hi ng percentage), eight blocks (0.19 blocks per set) and seven aces (0.16 aces per set) in 42 sets played. He was third on the team in kills and fi h in digs with 55 (1.31 digs per set)... He played in 26 sets for the U.S. Men at the FIVB World Championship in Italy where the U.S. Men finished sixth. Reid was the U.S. Men’s second-leading scorer and 21st overall, finishing with 100 points on 84 kills, 11 blocks and five aces. He was the team’s third-leading spiker and 28th overall with 84 kills and 33 faults on 191 a empts for a success percentage of 43.98... He played in 17 sets for

the U.S. men in the FIVB World League and tallied 51 kills. His 3.00 kills per set was the team high and his .382 a acking percentage was good enough for third among the team. He also tallied seven stuff blocks (0.14 per set) and 16 digs (0.33 per set). He finished the League with 51 points and his 3.00 points per set was good enough for a fourth place finish on the squad. 2009 – Reid played the winter of 2009-10 for Lokomo ve Novosibirsk in Russia... Reid took most of the summer of 2009 off from the U.S. Men’s Team and played some beach volleyball on the AVP tour. He returned to the team for the NORCECA Con nental Championship, where he ed with Evan Patak as the team’s leading scorer, finishing with 49 points on 40 kills, six blocks and three aces as the U.S. Men finished second. His hi ng percentage for the tournament was 0.44. 2008 – Reid played the winter of 2008-09 for Lokomo ve Novosibirsk in Russia... Reid helped the U.S. Men win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games. Reid finished fourth among all scorers and second among U.S. scorers with 112 points on 93 kills, 10 blocks and nine aces. His kill efficiency percentage of 30.1 put him 10th among all hi ers. Reid was fi h among servers with an average of 0.27 aces per set. He averaged 1.79 digs per set... Helped the U.S. Men win their first FIVB World League tle. Reid and teammate Clay Stanley ed for second in scoring in the final round behind Serbia’s Ivan Miljkovic. Reid finished the final round with 63 points on 53 kills, six blocks and four aces. Reid was also the team’s leading scorer in pool play with 101 points on 82 kills, 10 blocks and nine aces... Reid helped the U.S. Men qualify for the Olympics by winning the NORCECA qualifying tournament on Jan. 6-11 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Priddy scored 24 points on 19 kills, three aces and two blocks. 2007 – Reid was the United States’ leading scorer in 2007 with 525 points scored in 121 sets for an average of 4.34 points per set. His seasonhigh was the 21 points he scored against Poland in the third-place match at World League. Reid led the team in kills with 421 in 822 a empts. Reid ed Clay Stanley for most aces on the team in 2007 with 29. He was second on the team in digs with an average of 2.1 digs per set and was third in stuff blocks with 65... Reid was the United States’ scoring leader in the World Cup, World League and NORCECA Con nental Championship... Reid finished the World Cup ed for ninth overall with 139 points scored on 112 kills, 15 blocks and 12 aces. Reid was the United States’ leading receiver and second overall at the World Cup with a 71.43 efficiency percentage... Reid finished the NORCECA Championship with 72 points on 63 kills, six aces and three blocks in five matches... He was the leading receiver at the Americas’ Cup tournament with 66 “excellents” and only one fault in 96 a empts. He also had 29 service recep ons... Priddy just missed winning the World League’s Top Scorer award when he was passed by Russia’s Semen Poltavsky in the final match. Priddy finished the World League final round with 61 points scored on 53 kills, four blocks and four serves. He completed pool play as the tournament’s third-leading scorer with 181 points on 143 kills, 24 blocks and 14 kills in 12 matches. 2006 – Led the team in overall scoring in 2006 with 416 and in overall kills with 343. His kill percentage was 48 percent... Also led the team in aces with 26. Was second on the team in scoring blocks with 47... Led the U.S. team in scoring in seven out of 12 World League matches, including 21 points against Serbia & Montenegro... Was one of the overall World League leaders in scoring and hi ng during pool play... Helped the U.S. team go undefeated (4-0) at the inaugural Pan American Cup in June... Reid led the team in scoring on the Argen na tour... Had the high score in the first (18), third (23) and fi h (16) matches in Argen na. 2005 – Reid made his indoor season debut in Japan at the World Grand Champions Cup as the USA Men claimed the silver medal with a record of 4-1... Played in each of the final four matches (eight out of 13 sets) and scored 27 points on 23 kills, two blocks and two service aces... Finished ninth three mes in 10 Associa on of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) tournaments during the year. 2004 – Reid made his first-ever Olympic appearance in Athens, Greece as the U.S. Men finished fourth overall... Reid finished second on the team and 11th overall in total scoring with 86 points on 72 kills, 11 blocks and three service aces...Team USA qualified for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, by winning the NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Jan. 10... Scored a match-high 16 points on 13 kills and three blocks in the championship match. 2003 – Emerged as one of the star ng outside hi ers on the le side... Served as the team captain at the Pan American Games... Ba led an abdominal injury for much of the season but s ll finished third on the team in kills (224) and fourth on the squad in service aces (17). 2002 – Rejoined the team in late July... Played in 58 of a possible 141 sets during the year... Led the team in total points (70), kills (60) and blocks (eight) in six matches at the World Championships... Finished the season first on the team in points per game (2.98) and sixth in total points (173)... Also had 92 kills, 66 digs, 21 blocks and 10 service aces. 2001 – Led the team in kills (258) and digs (184)... Finished second in blocks (41) and was ed for third in service aces (14)...Played professionally for the Vienna Hotvolleys in Austria. 2000 – Was one of four alternates for the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2000 – Earned American Volleyball Coaches Associa on firstteam All-America honors as a senior at Loyola Marymount University. 1999 – Earned AVCA second-team All-America honors for the second-straight season... Also garnered second-team all-Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on (MPSF)honors... Led the team in kills (435), kills per game (5.80) and service aces (35). 1998 – Became the first AllAmerican in school history when he was named to the second-team AVCA All-American team... Led the Lions with 391 kills and in matches with 10-or-more kills (17)... Was second on the team in kills per game (4.83), digs (178) and digs per game (2.20)... Also earned all-MPSF honorable men on accolades. 1997 - Appeared in 18 matches (42 games)... Posted 150 kills, 70 digs and 12 service aces.

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No. 2 Sean Rooney Outside Hi er * 6-9 Wheaton, Illinois College: Pepperdine Birth Date: Nov. 13, 1982 Joined Team: 2007 PERSONAL: Born Sean Michael Rooney on Nov. 13, 1982 in Wheaton, Ill.... Parents are Mike and Carol Rooney... Sean also has two sisters, Melissa and Megan... Sean a ended Wheaton-Warrenville South High School. He was the 2001 Illinois State Player of the Year as he led the team to a state championship. He also competed in golf and basketball... He competed in the 1999 Junior Olympics, with the U.S. Junior Na onal Team in 2000, and with the AAU Na onal championship teams in 2000 and 2001, garnering the MVP award in 2001... He graduated from Pepperdine in 2005 with a degree in business administra on... In 2004, Rooney joined the AVP beach volleyball tour. His highest placing was fi h, which he achieved three mes... He was the tallest player on the AVP tour... During the winters of 2006 and 2007, Rooney played for the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in the Korean League. He led the team to two Korean League tles and was named the league’s most valuable player both years. He was considered a sports celebrity in South Korea... In 2007-08, he played for Dinamo-Yantar in Kaliningrad, Russia... In 2008-09 and 2009-10 he played for Fakel Novy Urengoi in Russia... Enjoys the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack Johnson, The Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dave Ma hews and the Coun ng Crows... SportsCenter is his favorite TV show.... Calls his grandfather his role model for “devo ng his life to helping others.” MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal) 2011 – FIVB World Cup.. NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)… FIVB World League. 2010 – FIVB World Championship... FIVB World League. 2009 – NORCECA Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League. 2008 – Olympic Games (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifying Championship (Gold Medal). 2007 – FIVB World Cup... Americas’ Cup (Gold Medal)... Pan American Games (Silver Medal)... FIVB World League (Bronze Medal). 2003 – World University Games (bronze). INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Sean made his fullme return to the U.S. Men’s Team at the FIVB World League and he made the most of the opportunity, finishing as the team’s fourth-leading scorer with 112 points on 68 a acks, 17 blocks and seven aces. He was also credited with 34 digs. The performance helped him land a spot on his second straight Olympic Team. 2011 – Sean struggled with an injured shoulder for much of the season and saw limited playing me… He played in 16 sets and scored 45 points on 43 a acks and two blocks… Sean played in nine sets of the FIVB World Cup. He finished with 31 points on 31 a acks… Sean played in four sets of the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship and started three. He scored 11 points on nine kills and two blocks. The U.S. Men placed second and qualified for the FIVB World Cup… Sean saw limited playing me during the FIVB World League due to an injury. He played in three sets and had three points. The U.S. Men finished second in their pool and advanced to the Final Round where they placed seventh. 2010 – Sean played for Acqua Paradiso Monza Brianza in Italy’s Serie A league during the winter of 2010-11... Sean finished the 2010 season as the team’s second-leading scorer with 198 points (3.25 points per set) on 170 kills (0.27 hi ng percentage), 25 blocks (0.41 blocks per set) and three aces (0.05 aces per set) in 61 sets played. Sean was second on the team in kills. He also had 60 digs (0.98 digs per set), which was fourth best on the team... Sean played in every set of every U.S. match at the FIVB World Championship in Italy, except for a five-set victory over Cameroon, for a total of 28 sets played. The U.S. Men placed sixth at the World Championship. Sean was the United States’ thirdleading scorer and 22nd overall with 99 points on 88 kills and 11 blocks. He led the U.S. in spikes and was 20th overall with 88 kills and 21 faults on 184 a empts for a success percentage of 47.83... Sean played in 33 sets in the FIVB World league and was the teams second best scorer with 104 total points and 3.15 points per set. His 89 kills (2.70 per set) was good enough for 32nd place among the league’s top hi ers. He also tallied 12 stuﬀ blocks (0.24 per set) and his 21(0.43 per set) digs placed him ed for second best on the squad. 2009 – Sean was named USA Volleyball’s Male Player of the Year for 2009. He finished as the team’s leading scorer with 258 points on 224 kills, 22 blocks and 12 aces. His 224 kills were by far the best on the team and his hi ng average was 0.435. Sean also led the team in digs with 80 (1.19 per set)... Sean was the U.S. Men’s third-leading scorer at the NORCECA Con nental Championship in Puerto Rico with 48 points on 40 kills, seven blocks and one ace... Sean was named Best Spiker at the 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F on Aug. 15-17 in Irvine, Calif., as the U.S. won all three matches and qualified for the 2010 World Championship.

Sean finished the compe on with 19 kills and one error on 29 a empts for a success percentage of 65.52... Sean was the United States’ leading scorer in both pool play and the final round of the FIVB World League compe on, where the U.S. Men finished sixth. Sean started every pool play match except the final one against Netherlands. He finished pool play with 167 points on 149 kills, 15 blocks and three aces in 42 sets to put him eighth overall. In the final round, he had 20 points on 17 kills, two blocks and one ace in six sets. 2008 – Sean finished the 2008 season with 167 points (2.98 points per set) and a hi ng percentage of .41. He also finished with 140 kills (2.50 per set) and 20 blocks... Sean helped the U.S. Men win the Olympic gold medal in Beijing. Primarily played as a subs tute and serving specialist... Helped the U.S. Men win their first FIVB World League tle. Led the team in scoring with 20 points in a loss to Bulgaria on June 21...Helped the U.S. Men win the Four Na ons Tournament on May 11-13 in Germany... Sean was named “Best Spiker” of the NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifying tournament on Jan. 6-11 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Sean finished the tournament with 46 points on 43 kills and three blocks. The U.S. Men won the tournament and qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games. 2007 – Sean finished the season as the team’s seventhleading scorer with 151 points. He averaged 2.07 points per set in 73 sets played. His hi ng percentage was 0.444 and he averaged 1.88 kills per set... Sean was named the Most Valuable Player of the U.S. Men’s match against Egypt at the FIVB World Cup. Sean scored 18 points on 15 kills, two blocks and one ace as the United States won in straight sets... Sean was the team’s leading scorer at the Pan American Games and third overall with 64 points on 58 kills, five blocks and one ace in five matches. He was the Pan Am Games’ leading “spiker” with an eﬃciency percentage of 42.11... Traveled to every World League match and started in four. 2003 – Played with the 2003 World University Games team that won a bronze medal in Daegu, Korea. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2005 – By the end of his college career, Sean ranked second na onally among NCAA Division I-II players in points per game with 6.35 while hi ng .395 on the season as he led Pepperdine to the 2005 NCAA na onal championship... He extended his consecu ve double-digit kill match streak to 50 matches, while averaging 1.46 digs and 0.49 aces per game. Rooney totaled 20 or more kills in 14 matches, including two 30-plus kill contests in 2005... Sean tallied season-highs of 44.5 points, 36 kills and seven aces versus Pacific in the season-opening match on Jan. 14. He contributed a double-double of 22 kills and 10 blocks versus Long Beach State on Jan. 27... Sean was a four- me AVCA AllAmerican and only the seventh male student-athlete to achieve such an honor. 2004 – Had a stellar season culmina ng in being named Volleyball Magazine’s Player of the Year... Postseason accolades included being named AVCA first team All-American and Volleyball first team All-American... Tabbed MPSF first team All-Conference... Led the team with 461 kills and hit .406 for the year... Banged out double-digit kills in final 25 matches of the season and 26 of 28 total... Recorded a season-high four service aces twice (Santa Barbara, Northridge) and ended the season with 29 total... Only double-double of the season came against Long Beach State (Feb. 4)... Finished year with 88 total blocks... Hit .667 with 10 kills on 15 swings without an error against Loyola. 2003 – Named First Team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Associa on (AVCA) and by Volleyball Magazine; Sean was also tabbed FirstTeam All-MPSF. As a key component to the Wave’s 24-6 season, Sean led Courtesy of FIVB the team with a total of 480 kills (.354 hi ng percentage) and also led the team in kills per game, with an average of 4.53. Sean also contributed 25 service aces and 83 total blocks on the season. On January 9, 2003, Sean obtained an individual season-high 22 kills in a five-game win over Cal Bap st. Sean also added an individual season-best 12 digs and four service aces in the 5-game decision loss to Lewis in the NCAA Championship semifinals on May 1, 2003... Averaged 4.53 kills, .16 assists, .24 service aces, 1.59 digs and .78 blocks per game. 2002 – Selected the American Volleyball Coaches Associa on (AVCA) and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on (MPSF) “Freshman of the Year”... Helped Pepperdine compile a 29-5 record and advance to the NCAA tle match before losing a fourgame decision to Hawaii... The Waves captured the regular season MPSF tle with a 20-2 mark and won the league’s post-season tournament... A second team AllAmerican selec on by the AVCA and a second team All-MPSF pick as a rookie... Led the Waves with 510 kills, an average of 4.11 a game, and notched an impressive .378 a ack percentage... Posted double-figure kill totals in 31 of the team’s 34 matches... Notched career-best total of 28 kills against UCLA... Recorded 26 service aces, 171 digs and 72 total blocks.

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Na onal Team to a second place finish at the 2004 NORCECA Junior Men’s Volleyball Championship in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

No. 20 David Smith Middle Blocker * 6-7 Saugus, California College: UC Irvine Birth Date: May 15, 1985 Joined Team: 2009 PERSONAL: Born David Smith on May 15, 1985 in Panorama City, Calif… Parents are Rick and Nancy… Has an older brother, Robert, and a younger sister, Kristen… David married wife, Kelli in 2008. Son Cohen was born in May of 2012... David a ended Saugus High School (1999-2003) where he played both volleyball and soccer… Studying civil engineering at UC Irvine… Shredded beef is his favorite food… The Bible is his favorite book… Favorite big screen flick is the Italian Job...Watches The Oﬃce… Favorite bands are Supertones and Switchfoot… Anaheim Angels are his favorite professional team… Enjoys music and golf… Admires his parents for their unwavering support and love… Likes to watch basketball…Winning the 2007 NCAA Division I men’s volleyball na onal championship is his happiest sports memory... David was named the MVP of the 2007 USA Volleyball Adult Open... David was born with mild-to-severe hearing loss. He wears hearing aids to assist him on and oﬀ the court... Played during the 2009-10 winter season for San Sebas an in the Puerto Rican men’s league. Led the league in blocks during the regular season and was named to the All-Star team. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal) 2011 – London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal (Bronze Medal)... Pan American Cup (Silver Medal). 2010 – Pan American Cup (Gold Medal). 2009 – Brazil Tour… 2010 World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F (Gold Medal)… FIVB World League. 2007 – World University Games (bronze medal). 2005 – FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship. 2004 – NORCECA Junior Men’s Volleyball Championship (silver medal).

COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2007 – Named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team…Named first team All-American and first team All-MPSF… Led the na on with a .559 hi ng percentage, a new UCI season record…Hit .567 (61-6-97) in UCI’s five post-season wins… Averaged 2.44 kills per game overall… Hit .573 (199-23-307) against MPSF opponents which led the conference…Topped the squad with a 1.37 blocking average overall (6th na onally) and had a 1.44 mark versus MPSF teams (3rd)… Hit .500 or be er in 23 of the 34 matches this year, including hi ng .800 or above five mes… Recorded a block assist in every match this season, recording seven or more blocks nine mes…UCI career block assists leader with 471 and total blocks leader with 520… Sixth in UCI career solo blocks with 49… Set a UCI season record with 160 block assists. 2006 – Named All-MPSF honorable men on... averaged 2.19 kills per game and owned a .412 hi ng percentage... ranked 16th na onally in hi ng and ranks third best in the UCI season record book... second on the team with a 1.27 blocking average which was 14th in the country... hit .700 or be er six mes, including .769 in the regular season mee ng with Penn State, the eighth best mark in a match at UCI... had 13 block assists versus Long Beach State (4/1) which ed the UCI match record... his 129 block assists was third in the season record book and his 143 total blocks ranked fourth in a season... is ranked fourth in career block assists (301) and total blocks (338). 2005 – Averaged 2.16 kills per game... second on the squad in hi ng percentage at .401, which ranks third on the UCI season list...second on the team with a 0.86 blocking average...recorded kills in double-digits 11 mes. 2004 – Averaged 2.22 kills per game which was fourth on the squad...led the team in hi ng percentage at .369, which ranks ninth in the UCI season records...second on the team with a 1.03 blocking average... had 102 block assists, which is ninth most in a season at UCI... recorded kills in double-digits eight mes... totaled a career-high nine block assists against USC and pounded a career-best 17 kills against

INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – A er not playing much for the top team in 2011, David got his chance in 2012 when he was named to the World League squad. He made the most of the opportunity, star ng several matches, an finishing with 67 points on 43 a acks, 19 blocks and five aces. His perfromance helped him earn a spot on the 2012 Olympic Team. 2011 – David finished the season averaging .59 blocks per set. He also had a kill percentage of 57.8 and a hi ng eﬃciency of .500. He averaged 2.03 points per set... David played in 16 sets and started 10 at the London Volleyball Invita onal where the U.S. Men finished third... He finished with 20 points on 11 kills, six blocks and three aces... Smith started all 16 sets of the Pan American Cup as the U.S. Men finished second to Brazil in Canada... He ed as the United States’ second-leading scorer with 45 points on 26 kills, 13 blocks and six aces... Smith’s 13 blocks led the team and was third among all blockers... His six aces placed him sixth among all servers. 2010 – David played during the winter of 2010-11 for Unicaja Almeria in Spain’s club league... David was on the U.S. Men’s A2 Team that won the Pan American Cup in San Juan, Puerto Rico. David was the team’s fourth-leading scorer and 18th among all scorers with 42 points on 30 kills, nine blocks and three aces. 2009 – David was part of a group of mostly young players who traveled to Brazil on Sept. 22-27 for five friendly matches. The U.S. lost all five... David won the Best Blocker award at the World Championship Qualifier on Aug. 15-17 in Irvine, Calif., as the U.S. Men won the event. David finished with nine blocks and five errors on 22 a empts and an average of one block per set… David was not originally on the roster to play at World League, but was added at the last minute when Riley Salmon couldn’t play. He ended up ge ng playing me in all but two pool play matches and started five sets. He played as a subs tute in two final round matches. 2007 – Played on U.S. Men’s Team that won the bronze medal at the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand. 2005 – Played on the U.S. Men’s Junior Na onal Team that finished eighth in the 2005 FIVB Men’s U-21 World Volleyball Championships in Andhra Pradesh, India. 2004 – Helped the USA Junior

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USA Volleyball/Jose Jimenez

No. 13 Clay Stanley Opposite * 6-9 Honolulu, Hawaii College: Hawaii Birth Date: July 3, 1987 Joined Team: 2008 PERSONAL: Born Clayton Iona Stanley on Jan. 20, 1978 in Honolulu, Hawai’i... Parents are Jon Stanley and Sandra Haine... Has three brothers: Reese Haine, Wil Stanley and Jon Stanley, and two sisters Taeya Stanley and Natasha Haine... His father played on 1968 Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team and is a member of the Volleyball Hall of Fame... His mother played in the IVA for the Denver Comets... Clay’s late step-grandfather, Tom Haine, was also on 1968 Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team... Many members of his family were on hand to see Clay with the Olympic gold medal in 2008 in Beijing, where he was named the MVP of the tournament... Clay did not play volleyball in high school. Kaiser High School in Honolulu did not have a boys’ team when he was there... He played basketball, occupied the goal in water polo and skateboarded... He took up volleyball a er having fun at a Junior Olympics tournament when he was 17... He le the University of Hawaii early to play volleyball in Puerto Rico... Nicknamed “Bird” and “Steam”... Majored in Spanish at Hawai’i... Enjoys surfing and playing video games... Took over as team captain in 2011. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)… FIVB World League. FIVB World League. 2010 –FIVB World Championship... FIVB World League. 2009 – NORCECA Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)... 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League. 2008 – Olympic Games (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental Olympic Qualifying Championship (Gold Medal). 2007 – FIVB World Cup... NORCECA Con nental Championship (Gold Medal)... Americas’ Cup (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League (Bronze Medal). 2006 – FIVB World Championships... FIVB World League. 2005 – NORCECA Con nental Championships (Gold Medal)... World Grand Champions Cup (Silver Medal). 2004 – NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal)... Japan Tour...Houston Series... USA Global Challenge (Gold Medal)... Serbia and Montenegro Tour (Silver Medal)... Olympic Games (Fourth Place). 2003 – Colorado/Nebraska Tour... Canada Tour... NORCECA Zone Championships (Gold Medal)... World Cup (Fourth Place). 2002 – Louisville Tour... Bulgaria Tour... Greece Tour... Florida Tour... World Championships. 2001 – Japan Tour... World League... NORCECA Zone Championships... Jeep America’s Cup. 1999 – World University Games... Pan American Games. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Clay was the second-leading scorer for the U.S. Men at World League, finishing with 218 points on 167 a acks, 27 blocks and 24 aces. He was also credited with 24 digs. Stanley was named Best Server of the Final Round... Named tournament MVP at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament... Team’s second-leading scorer at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament with 61 points on 40 kills, 11 blocks, and 10 aces... His hi ng eﬃciency was .500 and his kill percent was 55.5. 2011 – Clay played the fall of 2011 for Ural Ufa in the Russian Super League. But a er the FIVB World Cup he had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in December and did not return ot Russia... Clay was named the USA Volleyball 2011 Male Indoor Athlete of the Year… He took over as U.S. team captain for the NORCECA Con nental Championship when former captain Reid Priddy could not compete due to injury. Clay con nued as captain at the FIVB World Cup… Clay finished the 2011 season as the team’s second-leading scorer with 373 points in 97 sets played. He led

the team in aces with 53 (.55 aces per set). He was second kills (265/2.73 kills per set), blocks (55/.57 blocks per set) and digs (138/1.42 digs per set)… Clay was the team’s second-leading scorer and 16th overall at the FIVB World Cup with 125 points on 89 kills, 22 blocks and 18 aces, even though he did not play in the team’s final three matches. Clay led the team in aces and finished second overall. He led the team in blocks and was 14th overall. He was second on the team in a acks and 10th overall... Clay suﬀered an ankle injury in the first set of the first match of the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship, but came back to help the United States defeat Cuba in pool play and started against Puerto Rico in the semifinals and Cuba in the final… He ended up scoring 40 points in 13 sets played on 28 successful a acks (44.4 kill percent), five blocks and seven aces. The U.S. Men finished second in the tournament and advanced to the FIVB World Cup… Clay was one of three players to compete in all 58 sets of the FIVB World League. He was the team’s second-leading scorer with 208 points on 152 kills (39.2 kill percent), 28 blocks and 28 aces... He finished pool play first among all servers with 25 aces… The U.S. Men finished second in their pool in World League and advanced to the final round where they placed seventh. 2010 – During the winter of 2010-11, Clay played for Ural Ufa in the Russian Super League... Clay was named the USA Volleyball Men’s Indoor Player of the Year for 2010... Clay finished the season as the team’s leading scorer with 252 points (3.82 points per set) on 191 kills (0.25 hi ng percentage), 28 blocks (0.42 blocks per set) and 33 aces (0.50 aces per set). His kills and aces led the team. He also had 80 digs (1.21 digs per set), which was third best on the team... Clay played every set (33) of every match (9) for the United States at the FIVB World Championship in Italy where the team placed sixth. He was named the tournament’s Best Server, finishing with 23 aces and 36 faults on 155 a empts for an average of 0.70 aces per set. Clay was the United States’ leading scorer at the World Championship and sixth overall, finishing with 150 points on 109 kills, 18 blocks and 23 aces. His 18 blocks ed him for the team lead with David Lee and he was 11th among all blockers with an average of 0.55 blocks per set. Clay was second on the team in digs with 51 and 21 faults in 79 a empts for an average of 1.55 digs per set... Clay played in 33 sets in World League and was the team’s best scorer with 113 points good enough for 31st among league players. He was also the team leader in points per set with 3.42. His 2.76 kills per set was the teams’ second highest and he posted the team-high 91 kills. He tallied 12 aces (0.24 per set) and 10 stuﬀ blocks (0.24 per set) while also pos ng 14 digs (0.35 per set). The U.S. Men p l a c e d second in their World League pool and did not advance to the final round. 2009 – Played for the Russian club team Zenit Kazan during the winters of 2009-10. Clay finished 2009 as the fifth-leading scorer on the t e a m , finishing with 137 points

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on 107 kills, 16 aces and 14 blocks in 42 sets. His hi ng percentage was 0.445. His 16 aces put him second on the team... Scored 22 points on 17 kills, four blocks and one ace at the NORCECA Continental Championship as the U.S. Men f i n i s h e d second... Clay helped the U.S. Men win the gold medal at the 2010 FIVB World Qualifier on Aug. 15-17 in Irvine, Calif. ... Clay played in eight World League pool play matches, spli ng me with fellow opposite Evan Patak, and started both final round matches as the U.S. Men won their pool and went on to finish sixth. Clay finished World League pool play with 80 points on 63 kills, five blocks and 12 aces... Clay was the United States’ third leading scorer in the final round with 18 points on 17 kills and one ace. 2008 – Played for the Russian club team Zenit Kazan during the winter of 2008-09. Clay finished the 2008 season as the team’s co-leading scorer with 356 points (3.83 points per set) and as the team leader in service aces with 36 (.39 aces per set). He finished second on the team in kills with 281 (3.02 kills per set) and third on the team in digs with 112 (1.20 digs per set). He had a total of 39 blocks (.42 blocks per set), and a hi ng percentage of 0.42... Clay was named MVP of the Olympic men’s volleyball tournament as the U.S. Men finished with a gold medal. Clay was the top scorer of the tournament with 146 points on 116 kills, 15 blocks and 15 aces. He was also the leading server, averaging 0.45 aces per set. He was the leading scorer in seven out of eight of the United States’ matches. Clay finished fi h among hi ers with an eﬃciency percentage of 32.91... Clay helped the U.S. Men win their first World League tle and was ed with teammate Reid Priddy for second in scoring in the final round. Clay finished with 63 points on 50 kills, eight blocks and five aces. Stanley’s five aces put him fourth among all servers in the final round with an average of 0.33 per set. Clay had 11 aces in pool play to finish seventh overall... Clay was named the top server at the NORCECA Olympic Qualifier as the U.S. Men qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games. Clay finished the qualifier as the top U.S. scorer with 49 points on 33 kills, 10 aces and six blocks. 2007 – Clay played for the Russian club team Zenit Kazan during the winter of 2007-08. Clay finished the 2007 season with 39 aces to e Reid Priddy for the team lead. He was fi h on the team in scoring with 281 points and averaged 2.81 points per set... Clay was the United States’ leading server and fi h overall at the 2007 FIVB World Cup, where the U.S. Men finished fourth. He finished with 13 aces in 91 a empts and had an average of 0.33 aces per set... Clay was named Best Server for the NORCECA Con nental Championship. He was credited with eight aces, 39 serve hits and 15 faults on 62 a empts for an average of 0.47 aces per set. He was also the United States’ second-leading scorer and 13th overall with 59 points on 47 kills, eight aces and four blocks... Clay was the United States’ leading scorer at Americas’ Cup and second

overall with 55 points on kills, six blocks and five aces... Clay was the United States’ leading server, and fourth overall, in the final round of the World League tournament. He was credited with four aces, six faults and 17 serve hits in 27 a empts for an average of 0.29 aces per set. Clay did not rejoin the team for World League un l the matches in France on June 8-9 because his Russian club team (Dynamo Kazan) played in the final of the Russian Superleague, which it won. 2006 – Struggled with a knee injury throughout the season... Was the team’s third-leading scorer in World League matches with 94 points in 12 matches. Led the team in aces in World League play with 16. 2005 – Clay capped the 2005 season as a member of the USA squad that captured the silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in November in Japan... The Americans, who lost to defending Olympic gold medalist Brazil in the first match of the tournament, lost just one set the rest of the way as they defeated Japan (3-1), 2004 Olympic silver medalist Italy (3-0), Egypt (3-0) and China (3-0) en route to their fi h medal in five events this season... He led the United States in scoring in each of the five matches in Japan... Clay blasted 10 kills with two service aces and one block in the win over China and finished third among all scorers with 82 points on 65 kills, nine blocks and eight service aces... Scored a team-high 14 points as Team USA won its second-straight NORCECA Con nental Championship with a four-set victory over Cuba on Sept. 15... The USA Men qualified for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup with the gold-medal win. 2004 – Clay made his first-ever Olympic appearance in Athens, Greece as the USA Men finished fourth overall... Clay led the team and finished fi h overall in scoring with 110 points on 83 kills, 17 aces and 10 blocks... His 17 aces ranked second among all players in the tournament... His father, Jon, was a starter on the 1968 USA Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team... Together, they become the first father-son Olympians in USA Volleyball history... Captured Best Server honors as Team USA qualified for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, by winning the NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Jan. 10... The men posted a perfect record of 6-0 en route to the gold medal, which included a come-from-behind, 3-2 win over Cuba in the championship match. 2003 – Named Most Valuable Player of the NORCECA Zone Championships in September a er leading Team USA to the gold medal and a berth in the 2003 World Cup, the first Olympic qualifier... Led the United States in scoring (and finished 11th overall) at the World Cup with 128 points on 97 kills, 17 service aces and 14 blocks. 2002 – Rejoined the team in June and played an integral part in the team’s success... Played in just 75 of a possible 141 sets during the year but s ll finished the season ranked first on the team in service aces (33), second in points per set (2.88) and third in kills (161) and in total points (216). 2001 – Led the team in service aces (24) and finished second in kills (217)... Tied for third in blocks (20) and added 79 digs while hi ng .294 on the year... A er the Na onal Team season he played professionally for P.A.O.K. in Greece. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2000 – Third-Team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on... Ranked in the Top 15 of the na on with a 5.53 kill average... Led the MPSF in aces and ed team record with 54... Finished career 10th on all- me kill list at Hawaii...Had 39 kills in two games, against then-No.1 Long Beach (Feb. 16) and against then No.4 UCLA... Against Long Beach (Feb. 16) also recorded nine digs and seven blocks... Was moved to middle blocker posi on on April 7, recorded 12 kills and eight blocks, a career-high. 1999 – Recorded a team-high 4.95 kills per game... broke Hawai’i’s single-match kill record with 50 kills against UCLA... MPSF Player of the Week (Apr. 24)... Led the team in kills seven mes... Three matches with more than 30 kills and four with more than 20 kills... Had back-to-back 30-kill matches with 30 against UCSB (March 6) and 32 at Long Beach (March 12). 1998 – Redshirted the 1998 season. 1997 – Played in 22 matches... Recorded 11 kills, two solo blocks and five block assists against USC (April 11)... Had 11 kills in his debut against UC San Diego (Jan. 17)... Had season-high seven digs against Cal State Northridge (March 7).

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No. 7 Donald Suxho Se er * 6-5 Korce, Albania College: USC Birth Date: Feb. 21, 1976 Joined Team: 2001 PERSONAL: Born Donald Suxho on Feb. 21, 1976 in Albania... Donald has a son named Shane... Donald married Eleni Gkortsaniouk in August, 2011 in Ukraine... Donald’s brother, Rando, also played volleyball in Albania... Donald was the star ng se er for the Albanian Na onal Team (1995-96) and junior na onal team (1991-96)... He also played for the Skenderbeu club team from 1991 to 1996 that was coached by his father, Petraq (who was an assistant for the Albanian na onal team and the head coach of the country’s junior na onal team), and the Studen club team that won the 1996 Albanian na onal championship... Donald prepped at Koci Bako High in Korce, Albania. He also played soccer and was a swimmer... Donald came to America in 1996 and lived in Massachuse s while searching for a college... Communica ons major at USC... Enjoys skiing, hiking, swimming, movies and traveling... Says one of the most defining moments in his life is choosing to play volleyball at USC because “I am who I am because of that”... His goals off the court are to “be the best person I can be and give my son a be er life than mine”... Most prized possessions are “my son and my family”... One of his fondest childhood memories is traveling to Bulgaria for the first me... Wants to vaca on in Tahi ... If he won the lo ery, he would buy his “parents all they want, open a savings account for my son” and party around the world with his friends... Says most people would be surprised that he has a big heart... Describes himself as “fun, outgoing and not picky”. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal). NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – FIVB World League. 2010 – FIVB World League. 2009 - 2010 FIVB World Championship Qualifier for NORCECA Group F (Gold Medal)... FIVB World League. 2006 – FIVB World Championships... FIVB World League... Pan American Cup (Gold Medal)... Argen na Tour. 2005 – Pacific Northwest Tour vs. Netherlands... USOC Interna onal Sports Invita onal (Silver Medal)...Argen na Tour... Americas’ Cup (Gold Medal)... FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal)... NORCECA Con nental Championships (Gold Medal)... World Grand Champions Cup (Silver Medal). 2004 – NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (Gold Medal)... Japan Tour... Houston Series... USA Global Challenge (First Place)... Serbia and Montenegro Tour (Second Place)... Olympic Games (Fourth Place). 2003 – Colorado/Nebraska Tour... Canada Tour... Pan American Games (Fourth Place)... NORCECA Zone Championships (Gold Medal)... World Cup (Fourth Place). 2001 – World League... NORCECA Zone Championships. INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Donald was the star ng se er for all the U.S. World League matches and finished second among all se ers in the World League Final Round with 74 assists and an average of 5.29 per set... At the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament on May 7-12 in Long Beach, Calif., Donald was credited with 87 running sets... He averaged 5.44 assists per set... Second on the team with 22 digs (1.47 digs per set). 2011 – During the winter of 2011-12, Donald played for Sisley Belluno in Italy’s Serie A League... Donald played in 10 World League sets and started eight before Brian Thornton took over as the starter... Credited with 67 assists (6.7 assists per set). 2010 – Donald did not play for the U.S. in 2010 a er suffering an injury to his leg in an FIVB World League match against Egypt on June 18 in North Carolina... He played in 13 World League sets and placed 24th among the League’s best se ers, and second on the U.S. team, wth 71 running sets, 181 s ll sets. A running set is defined as a set from a player that puts their hi er against one blocker or none. S ll sets happen when a player sets an a acker and there are two blockers or more. He averaged 1.45 assists per set. He also ed for third among the team with 21 digs (0.43 per set). 2009 – Played for Italy’s Prisma Taranto during the winter of 2009-10... A er taking a season off from the U.S. team and playing professionally in the Middle East, Suxho returned under new head coach Alan Knipe and shared star ng se er du es with Kevin Hansen. He finished the season credited with 174 running sets (assists) and six faults on 780 a empts. He averaged 4.14 running sets per set. He also scored 21 points

on seven kills, nine blocks and five aces in 42 sets... Suxho was named Best Se er at the FIVB World Championship Qualifier, where he finished with 18 running sets and no faults on 80 a empts, averaging 2.0 running sets per set... Suxho helped the U.S. Men win their pool at World League. They went on to finish sixth overall. Suxho was credited with 150 running sets and three faults on 644 a empts in pool play for an average of 3.33 running sets per set. 2007 – In March, Donald par ally ruptured his le Achilles tendon while playing for Acqua Paradiso in Italy. He had surgery in Italy and then returned to the United States for rehab with the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team’s athle c trainer Aaron Brock. 2006 – Started every match at the World Championships...Was the starting U.S. se er in every match of the FIVB World League... Started as se er for the inaugural Pan American Cup, but did not play the en re tournament due to a sprained ankle... Helped the team finish 4-1 in the Argen na series... Finished the season with 42 kills and 15 aces. 2005 – Nominated by USA Volleyball for the 2005 United States Olympic Commi ee (USOC) SportsMan of the Year honor... In his first year as the fullme starter, Donald quarterbacked Team USA to one of its most successful seasons in years...The Americans posted a record of 27-6 and earned five podium placements during the year, including a silver medal at the USOC Interna onal Sports Invita onal (San Diego, Calif.); a gold medal at the America’s Cup (Brazil); a gold medal at the FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament (Puerto Rico); a gold medal at the NORCECA Championships (Canada); and a silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup (Japan)... Suxho led the team in service aces with 25 and helped the Americans post a stellar hi ng percentage of .376 on the season... He also finished third on the team in blocks with 48... He capped his first season as a starter for the USA squad that captured the silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in November in Japan... The Americans, who lost to defending Olympic gold medalist Brazil in the first match of the tournament, lost just one set the rest of the way as they defeated Japan (3-1), 2004 Olympic silver medalist Italy (3-0), Egypt (3-0) Courtesy of FIVB and China (3-0) en route to their fi h medal in five events this season... Started at se er as the USA Men stunned the world’s best team when it defeated 2004 Olympic gold medalist Brazil in five sets to win the America’s Cup tournament in Brazil on Aug. 7... Earned “Best Server” honors as Team USA won its second-straight NORCECA Con nental Championship with a four-set victory over Cuba on Sept. 15... The USA Men qualified for the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup with the gold-medal win... Also earned a gold medal in August at the FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament as the USA Men qualified for the 2006 World Championships. 2004 – Donald made his first Olympic appearance in Athens, Greece as the USA Men finished fourth overall. The U.S. Men were trailing Greece 2 sets to 1 and losing 5-0 in the fourth set when Head Coach Doug Beal brought Suxho in to replace starter Lloy Ball. Suxho helped the U.S. Men come back from a 20-12 deficit to win the fourth set 25-23 and the U.S. went on to win the fi h set 17-15... Team USA qualified for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, by winning the NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Jan. 10... The men posted a perfect record of 6-0 en route to the gold medal, which included a come-from-behind, 3-2 win over Cuba in the championship match... Served as the back-up se er to starter Lloy Ball. 2003 - Started at se er un l the NORCECA Zone Championships in Mexico as Team USA captured the gold medal and a berth in the 2003 World Cup, the first Olympic qualifier... Served as the back-up se er to starter Lloy Ball at the NORCECA championships and World Cup. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2000 – American Volleyball Coaches Associa on (AVCA) Na onal Player of the Year... AVCA First-Team All-American... First-Team All Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on... Asics/Volleyball First-Team All-American... Led the team in assists (2,025) and aces (57) and ranked second in digs (169) and third in blocks (94). 1999 – AVCA First-Team All-American... Asics/Volleyball Second-Team All-American... Second-Team All-MPSF... Set a USC single-season record with 63 aces...Ranked second in the country with a .594 aces-per-game average and No. 7 with 17.6 assists per game. 1998 – Third-team All-MPSF... Played in each of the team’s 99 games...Recorded 1,518 assists, 214 digs, 103 blocks and 95 kills. 1997 – Star ng se er as a freshman... Set an NCAA singlematch record with 129 assists against Ohio State... Posted 1,585 assists, 220 digs, 93 kills and 63 blocks.

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No. 11 Brian Thornton Se er * 6-3 San Clemente, California College: UC Irvine Birth Date: April 22, 1985 Joined Team: 2009 PERSONAL: Born Brian Charles Thornton on April 22, 1985, in San Clemente, Calif. ... Parents are Mike and Colleen Thornton… Has a younger brother and sister… A ended San Clemente High School (2000-03)… Played for the Balboa Bay Club… A UCI/Big West Scholar-Athlete majoring in sociology… Fish and lobster are his favorite foods… Favorite book is “Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger… Favorite movie is Good Will Hun ng… Anaheim Angels are his favorite professional team… Enjoys Entourage, football and college basketball on TV… Admires his brother for his a tude and approach to life… His fondest sports memory is winning an NCAA Division I men’s volleyball na onal championship. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: 2012 – Olympic Games... FIVB World League (silver medal)... NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament (gold medal). 2011 – NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship (Silver Medal)… London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal (Bronze Medal)… FIVB World League. 2009 – Tour of Brazil... Pan American Cup (Gold Medal). 2007 – World University Games (Bronze Medal) INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: 2012 – Brian helped the U.S. Men win the silver medal at the 2012 World League as the backup se er... Brian helped the U.S. men to a gold medal at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament in Long Beach, Calif. 2011 – Brian led all U.S. se ers in 2011 with 514 assists on 1,799 a empts in 99 sets played (according to the FIVB. This does not include the London Invita onal, which did not provide se ng sta s cs). He averaged 5.19 assists per set in 2011. He also scored 33 points on four kills, 15 blocks and 14 aces… Brian started 31 sets at the FIVB World Cup and finished with nine points on five kills and four blocks. The FIVB credited him with 220 assists on 665 a empts… Brian played as a subs tute in the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Championship behind Kevin Hansen and was credited with 11 assists on 18 a empts in two sets… Brian played in 13 sets of the London Volleyball Interna onal Invita onal and started seven, spli ng me with Kevin Hansen. He finished with three points on two aces and one block… When se er Kevin Hansen had to undergo an appendectomy prior to the start of the 2011 season, Brian moved into the backup se er role and traveled with the team to World League where he took over star ng du es from Donald Suxho in the middle of the third match of pool play, which was in Puerto Rico. He started a total of 49 sets and played in 52. In pool play, he was credited with at total of 283 assists for an average of 5.44 per set. He also scored 15 points on two kills, 11 blocks and two aces. The U.S. Men finished second in their pool and advanced to the Final Round where they placed seventh. 2010 – Played the winter of 2010-11 for Chaumont in France’s B League... Was the star ng se er for most matches of the Pan American Cup in San Juan, Puerto Rico where the U.S. Men’s A2 Team won the gold medal... Placed third among all se ers with a 4.94 average running sets (assists) per set and did not receive a single se ng fault for the en re tournament. 2009 – Accompanied a group of veteran and younger players on a five-match tour of Brazil... Played in the 2009 Pan American Cup where the United States won the gold medal in Chiapas, Mexico. 2007

Courtesy of FIVB – A member of the World University Games team that won the bronze medal in Thailand. COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: 2007 – Named to the NCAA All-Tournament team a er recording 110 assists and 15 digs as Irvine defeated IPFW to win the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship…Second team All-America and third team All-MPSF pick… Averaged 13.27 set assists on the season, which ranked fourth na onally and 12.65 versus conference opponents which also ranked fourth… Averaged 1.42 digs and 0.74 blocks per game overall…Guided the Anteaters to .351 team hi ng percentage this year which ranked fourth na onally…Had 12 service aces… UCI’s all- me assists leader (4,662)... Set the UCI season set assist record with 1,645… Named MPSF Player of the Week on Jan. 8…Named MVP of the Elephant Bar Tournament. 2006 – Second team All-American as well as All-MPSF... Second team Asics/Volleyball Magazine All-American... Averaged 13.70 set assists which led the na on... His 1,548 assists rank third in the UCI season record book... Also averaged 1.60 digs and 0.65 blocks per game... His 181 digs rank 10th best in a single season...Had 22 service aces... Fourth all- me in UCI assists (3,017). 2005 – Recorded 1,320 set assists, which is the fourth best single season total in the UCI record books... Averaged 12.57 set assists and 1.38 digs per game... Ranked 11th na onally and fourth in the MPSF in assists... Had 21 service aces on the year... Ranks seventh all- me in assists (1,469)...had a careerhigh 65 assists versus Pacific. 2004 – Averaged 9.31 set assists and 0.69 digs per game.

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con nue the momentum the U.S. men built in 2008.” “I think Alan will do a great job con nuing the success of the men’s program,” McCutcheon said. “He’s an excellent coach with a lot of collegiate experience that will allow a seamless and successful transi on into the interna onal arena.”

Alan Knipe Head Coach * Fourth Year Home: Hun ngton Beach, Calif. Family: Wife Jennifer and two sons Record with U.S. Men: 52-27

Knipe has a long rela onship with USA Volleyball. Most recently, he served as the head coach for the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team at the 2008 Pan America Cup in Winnipeg, Canada, where it won a gold medal.

Alan Knipe finished his third season as head coach of the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team with a 22-14 record for 2011 and a 52-27 record since star ng as head coach on April 1, 2009. On May 7-12, 2012 he coached the team at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament as it qualified for its eighth-straight Olympic Games with a 5-0 match record. He also helped the U.S. Men to win their 2012 World League pool and advance to the Final Round in Bulgaria where they took the silver medal. Knipe helped the U.S. Men make the World League final round in 2011. The team also won a silver medal at the NORCECA Con nental Championship and bronze at the London Interna onal Invita onal, an Olympic test event.

He was the head coach for the U.S. Men’s Team that won a bronze medal at the 2007 World University Games in Thailand. Knipe has run the Southern California tryouts for USA Volleyball’s high performance department since 1999. He was an assistant coach for the U.S. Boys’ Youth Na onal Team in 1999 and has helped at high performance camps in other years. Knipe played on the U.S. Na onal Team in 1992-93 and competed at World League. When he took his sabba cal, Knipe was in his 17th year with the 49ers men’s volleyball program, including three years as a player (1990-92) and five years as an assistant (1996-2000). In his nine seasons as the head coach of the Long Beach State, Knipe led the 49ers to one NCAA final (2004) and one semifinal appearance (2008) along with six other postseason appearances in nine years.

In his first season with the team, Knipe finished with a 16-6 record, including a victory at the World Championship Qualifier, a secondplace finish at the NORCECA Con nental Championship and a sixth-place finish in the FIVB World League.

He earned 2008 Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on (MPSF) Coach of the Year honors and was also named 2008 Volleyball Magazine Coach of the Year as Long Beach State advanced to the NCAA semifinals behind AVCA co-Player of the Year Paul Lotman.

In 2010, he led the U.S. Men to a 14-7 record, including a sixth place finish at the FIVB World Championship and an eight place in the FIVB World League.

Knipe was named the 2004 AVCA Na onal Coach of the Year when he guided his squad to an appearance in the NCAA Championship match, where it fell to BYU.

To coach the U.S. Men, Knipe, 41, took a leave of absence from Long Beach State, where he has been the head coach for the past nine years. Two of Knipe’s former players – David Lee and Sco Touzinsky – were members of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team that won the gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. Knipe was an assistant coach when U.S. Team Captain Tom Hoﬀ played at Long Beach State.

In the 1994 and 1995 seasons, Knipe served as the head men’s volleyball coach at Golden West College. In his second season, the Rustlers won the California State JC tle and Knipe was named California State Coach of the Year. Knipe played at Long Beach State from 199092, winning the NCAA Championship in 1991 and being named All-America in 1992. Knipe graduated from Long Beach State in 1992 with a degree in communica ons.

“Anyone who gets involved with volleyball sets their sights on being involved with the Olympic team,” Knipe said. “I don’t think that changes from your playing days to your coaching days. “I would not have been able to take this posi on if I did not work at Long Beach State. They were great to work with in making this happen and giving me a leave of absence.” Knipe took over for Hugh McCutcheon, who guided the U.S. Men’s Team to victories at the 2008 FIVB World League and the Beijing Olympics. McCutcheon took over the U.S. Women’s Team in January. “I am very excited to have Alan join the USA Volleyball staﬀ and lead our men’s team toward London in 2012. This is a very big hire,” USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal said. “His experience and success with USAV’s na onal and high performance programs have been outstanding. I look for him to

Knipe played on the Bud Light 4-Man Pro Beach Volleyball Tour and has won seven USA Volleyball Na onal Open Championships with Team Paul Mitchell. In 1995, Knipe played for Spoleto in the Italian Pro League and in 1996 he played for the Zellik Club in Belgium. A graduate of Hun ngton Beach’s Marina High School in 1987, Knipe spent one year at Orange Coast College before transferring to Long Beach State. Knipe lives in Hun ngton Beach, Calif., with his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons, Aidan and Evan.

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Sato’s coaching career has included pro beach championships and he was the head coach for the U.S. beach team at the 2007 Pan American Games.

Dr. Gary Sato

Sato played volleyball at Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College before moving on to UC Santa Barbara, where he was an AllAmerican outside hi er.

Assistant Coach * Fourth Year Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Dr. Gary Sato (Los Angeles) had been involved with the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team for more than 20 years when he rejoined the team as assistant coach under Head Coach Alan Knipe in the summer of 2009. “A er seeing the teams perform so well at the Olympic Games in Beijing, it rekindled the fire in me,” Sato said. “The situa on with the men’s program, being in Anaheim and the women moving there was similar to the circumstances when I first joined the program in 1984 (when both teams were based in San Diego). “I’m excited to be back. I was telling people that USA Volleyball had gone green and they recycled me.” In his first year back as an assistant coach, he helped the team to a 16-6 record, including a victory at the FIVB World Championship Qualifier, a second-place finish at the NORCECA Con nental Championship and a sixth-place in the FIVB World League.

Sato is the eldest of six children known worldwide for their contribu ons to the sport. Brother Eric won the Olympic gold medal with the U.S. Men in 1988 and a bronze in 1992. Sister Liane won the Olympic bronze medal with the U.S. Women in 1992 and also played on the ’88 Olympic team. Brothers Sco (San Diego State) and Glenn (Loyola Marymount) both played college volleyball and Glenn also coached. Sato graduated with a degree in kinesiology from Pepperdine University where he took over the head coaching posi on of the women’s team in 1979 and held it un l 1982. He has also won two NCAA Na onal Championships as an assistant and volunteer coach with Pepperdine’s men’s volleyball teams in 1978 and 2005. From 1989-92 Sato studied at the Southern California University of Health Sciences and graduated as a Doctor of Chiroprac c. Just prior to rejoining the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team in 2009, Sato worked at Sato Chiroprac c along with serving as a coach for the Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Club and as the technical director for the Sinjin Smith Volleyball Academy HAX. Sato has three children: Andrew, Ka e and Malia.

In 2010, he helped the U.S. Men to a 14-7 record, including a sixth place finish at the FIVB World Championship and an eight place in the FIVB World League. He also coached the U.S. Men’s Youth Team, which included his son, Andrew, to a second-place finish at the NORCECA Con nental Championship in Guadalajara, Mexico. In 2011, he helped the U.S. Men to a 26-15 record. The team reached the World League Final Round, took the bronze medal at the London Interna onal Invita onal and won the silver medal at the NORCECA Con nental Championship. On May 7-12, 2012 he helped the team at the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament as it qualified for its eighth-straight Olympic Games with a 5-0 match record. He also helped the U.S. Men to win their 2012 World League pool and advance to the Final Round in Bulgaria where they took the silver medal. Sato first served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s Team from 198488, including the team that won the 1988 Olympic gold medal in Seoul. His brother, Eric, was a player on that team. He was also an assistant for the teams that won the 1986 World Championship and the 1987 Pan American Games. Sato served as head coach for the U.S. Men’s gold-medal win at the 1985 FIVB World Cup in Japan and was voted the Most Valuable Coach of the tournament. In 1992 he returned as assistant coach for the Olympic Team that won the bronze medal.

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Aaron Brock

Chris Jackson

Director, Sports Medicine and Performance to the U.S. Na onal Teams Seventh Year

Technical Coordinator Fourth Year Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Hometown: Storm Lake, Iowa Chris Jackson Jackson (Phoenix, Ariz.) joined the U.S. Men’s Team in 2009 from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where he was an assistant coach for the men’s volleyball team for one year. Prior to his tenure with Grand Ganyon University, Jackson served as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs at University of Southern California, including a part of the 2007 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship na onal semifinalist team. He also served as an assistant coach for the 2008 U.S. Boys’ Youth Na onal Team that won the NORCECA Con nental Championship.

Aaron Brock (Storm Lake, Iowa) completed his sixth year in 2011 as the fullme cer fied athle c trainer for the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team at its headquarters at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim, Calif. In 2009, he added the tle of Director of Sports Medicine and Performance to the U.S. Na onal Teams. In 2008, he helped the U.S. Men’s Team as it won the Olympic gold medal in Beijing and its first FIVB World League tle. Before joining the U.S. Men’s Team in 2006, Aaron worked with the U.S. Water Polo Team at the 2003 Pan American Games and the 2004 Olympic Games. He also has experience with high school and NCAA Division I and Division III sports teams as well as professional football and basketball teams.

“Chris has all the skills required to be great in our technical coordinator posi on,” U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe said. “He is self-mo vated, organized and great with the guys. He has a solid background in Data Project so ware and most importantly, he knows how to grind.” Jackson was on the coaching staﬀ at Phoenix Brophy Prep from 200406, which included a state tle in 2005. His 16-year old group from the Southern California Volleyball Club finished fourth in the na on. Jackson played high school volleyball at Glendale Deer Valley in Arizona. He went on to play at Brigham Young University and was a freshman on its na onal championship team in 2004. He is a 2007 graduate of Arizona State University.

Brock, who was a four-sport high school athlete in Storm Lake, Iowa, went to the University of Iowa for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Brock is married and has a son who was born in 2006. He lives with his family in Southern California. Brock’s day starts around 8 a.m. when he writes up rehabilita on and treatment protocols. He also gets the players ready for prac ce with taping and stretching exercises. Once prac ce starts, he runs a 15-minute injury-preven on session that includes core abdominal and back exercises and propriocep on exercises for ankle and knee stability. Finally, there are shoulder exercises to generate strength and wake up the muscles. Players who can’t prac ce due to injury will go to the athle c training room and do rehab. Brock monitors prac ce in case there is an injury. A er prac ce, Brock runs a stretching session. Then it’s me for more treatments for the athletes who are playing and prac cing while injured.

122

Ron Larsen

John Speraw Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach

Hometown: Irvine, Calif.

Hometown: Lafaye e, Calif.

John Speraw has had a busy and successful year in 2012. On May 6, he led the U.S. Irvine men’s volleyball team to its third NCAA Men’s Volleyball Na onal Championship. Less than 24 hours later, he was on the court as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team as it prepared for the NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifica on Tournament. On June 5, it was announced that he would be the new men’s volleyball coach at his alma mater, UCLA. Speraw (Irvine, Calif.) first joined the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team as an assistant coach in April of 2007, agreeing to help the team as long as he could remain head coach of the men’s volleyball team at Irvine, where he had coached for five years. A few weeks later, Speraw led the Anteaters to the 2007 NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship, defea ng IPFW in the final, 3-1. The Anteaters ended the season 29-5 overall, the most wins in school history. As an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s Na onal Team, Speraw was on the floor when the team won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Speraw’s posi on became even more important when Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon had to leave the team for its first three matches a er McCutcheon’s father-in-law was killed and his mother-in-law was gravely injured by an a acker while sightseeing in Beijing, China. Speraw and the rest of McCutcheon’s staﬀ helped carry the team to victories in those three matches and then five more to win the Olympic tle. Speraw also served as assistant coach as the U.S. Men won its first World League tle in 2008 and qualified for the Olympic Games at the NORCECA Con nental Qualifier in January of 2008. A er 2008, Speraw worked with the U.S. Men’s Team on an as-needed basis before rejoining the team for the 2012 season. Speraw has extensive interna onal coaching experience. He was the head coach of the USA Junior Na onal Team, which won a silver medal at the NORCECA Junior Men’s Con nental Volleyball Championship in 2005. He served as an assistant for the Youth Na onal Team (1998 and 2001), the World University Games Team (1997 and 1999) and the Pan American Games Team (1999).

Ron Larsen (Lafaye e, Calif.) returned to the U.S. Men’s Na onal Volleyball Team for its 2012 season. He has served as the head coach for the women’s volleyball team at UC Riverside in California since 2009. Larsen served as the top assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s Team under Hugh McCutcheon from 2005-08. Larsen took over for McCutcheon as head coach at the 2008 Olympic Games a er McCutcheon’s father-in-law was killed and his motherin-law was seriously injured by an a acker while sightseeing in Beijing, China. Larsen coached the U.S. Men’s Team to three pool play victories against Venezuela (Aug. 10; 25-18, 25-18, 22-25, 21-25, 15-10), Italy (Aug. 12; 24-26, 25-22, 25-15, 25-21) and Bulgaria (Aug. 14; (27-29, 25-21, 25-14, 26-24) before McCutcheon returned to the team, which went on to win the Olympic gold medal for the first me since 1988. In 2007, Larsen served as the head coach for the U.S. Men’s Team that won the silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Larsen, the 2004 Mountain Pacific Sports Federa on (MPSF) Coach of the Year, completed six seasons as the UCSD head coach. Larsen came to UCSD in 2000—in the school’s final year of NCAA Division III aﬃlia on—and led the Tritons to one of the most memorable seasons in the program’s history. UCSD won the Molten Division III Men’s Volleyball Invita onal Championship that season and recorded the most wins (nine) for a Triton team in 10 seasons. That year he also led the team to its first MPSF victory in three seasons. Compe ng as the only Division II team and the only non-scholarship program in the na on’s toughest men’s volleyball conference, the Tritons have con nued to make strides in mee ng the formidable challenge. The 2004 season saw UCSD go 8-21 overall and 4-18 in the MPSF. The season included wins against No. 11 Penn State, No. 9 UC Irvine and No. 7 UC Santa Barbara. The win over the Gauchos marked two program firsts: defea ng UCSB and giving the Tritons four victories in the MPSF, the most in school history. Larsen came to UCSD from the University of Rutgers-Newark. A veteran of seven seasons at the New Jersey university, Larsen has coaching roots in the University of California (UC) system.

In 2008, Speraw received a Pillar Award, which showcases outstanding achievement in ethical leadership at the12th Annual Ethics in America Awards. Speraw was also named to OC METRO Business Magazine’s 18th annual list of the Ho est 25 Business People of Orange County and was tabbed No. 16 in the Daily Pilot’s 2007 Top 103 Most Influen al People in the Newport/Costa Mesa Area. Speraw was also one of their Most Influen al People and the Sports Newsmaker of the Year in 2006. In 2011, he was given the U.S. Olympic Achievement Award, an honor that recognizes the colleges and universi es whose coaches and studentathletes have won Olympic medals in the past two Olympic Games.

His coaching career began at the University of California- Berkeley, where he led the Bears’ men’s volleyball team to a record of 102-29 at the club level. He coached at Cal from 1980-84 and again from 1987-89. He also served as an assistant coach of the women’s volleyball team at St. Mary’s College from 1987-88 before moving on to the University of California, Davis in 1989.

Prior to UCI, Speraw served in various roles with the UCLA volleyball program for 12 years. He played middle blocker for the Bruins from 1990-95 and was a member of two na onal championship teams. He was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team in 1995 when he had 11 kills and eight blocks in the championship victory over Penn State.

Larsen served as head men’s and women’s coach at Rutgers-Newark from 199399, compiling a record of 97-80 in men’s volleyball and 111-79 with the women’s team. The men’s team was consistently ranked in the na on’s top 15.

Speraw became a volunteer assistant coach with the Bruins before assuming a fullme assistant’s posi on in 1998. He graduated from UCLA in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in microbiology and molecular gene cs. Speraw is also the co-author of the book Exercise for Your Muscle Type: The Smart Way to Get Fit.

At Davis, he served as assistant coach of the women’s team for four seasons and as head coach of the men’s team from 1991-93, leading the Aggies to a 65-31 record and a fi h-place finish at the 1993 na onal club volleyball tournament.

Larsen was named New Jersey Athle c Conference Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1998 and Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Associa on (EIVA) Coach of the Year in 1998. Larsen’s coaching experience also includes the 1995 USA Olympic Fes val, where he served as head coach of the North Men’s Team and led his squad to a silver medal. He also coached the 1996 USA Boys Youth Na onal Team, featuring the na on’s top 18 high school players.

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All-Time U.S. Men’s Indoor Volleyball Olympians 1964 (Tokyo) 9th Place Mike Bright Barry Brown Keith Erickson William Griebenow Richard Hammer Jacob Highland Ron Lang Charles Nelson Mike O’Hara Ernie Suwara John Taylor Pete Velasco, Jr. Head Coach: Harry Wilson Assistant Coach: Burt DeGroot 1968 (Mexico City) 7th Place John Alstrom Mike Bright Wink Davenport Smi y Duke Tom Haine John Henn Butch May Danny Pa erson Larry Rundle Jon Stanley Rudy Suwara Pete Velasco, Jr. Head Coach: Jim Coleman Assistant Coach: John Lowell Trainer: Joe Abrahams 1984 (Los Angeles) Gold Medal Aldis Berzins Craig Buck Rich Duwelius Dusty Dvorak Karch Kiraly Chris Marlowe Pat Powers Steve Salmons Dave Saunders Paul Sunderland Steve Timmons Marc Waldie Head Coach: Doug Beal Assistant Coach: Bill Neville Assistant Coach: Tony Crabbe Team Manager: Mark Miller 1988 (Seoul) Gold Medal Craig Buck Bob Ctvrtlik Sco Fortune Karch Kiraly Ricci Luy es Doug Par e Jon Root Eric Sato Dave Saunders Jeﬀ Stork Troy Tanner Steve Timmons Head Coach: Marv Dunphy Assistant Coach: Gary Sato Assistant Coach: Jim Coleman Team Manager: Gary Moy

1992 (Barcelona) Bronze Medal Nick Becker Carlos Briceno Bob Ctvrtlik Sco Fortune Dan Greenbaum Brent Hilliard Bryan Ivie Doug Par e Bob Samuelson Eric Sato Jeff Stork Steve Timmons Head Coach: Fred Sturm Assistant Coach: John Cook Assistant Coach: Gary Sato Team Manager: Kevin Ring 1996 (Atlanta) 9th Place Lloy Ball Bob Ctvrtlik Sco Fortune John Hyden Bryan Ivie Mike Lambert Dan Landry Jeff Nygaard Tom Sorensen Jeff Stork Ethan Wa s Bre Winslow Head Coach: Fred Sturm Assistant Coach: Rudy Suwara Assistant Coach: Rod Wilde Team Manager: Eric Daly 2000 (Sydney) 11th Place Lloy Ball Kevin Barne Tom Hoff John Hyden Mike Lambert Dan Landry Chip McCaw Ryan Millar Jeff Nygaard George Roumain Erik Sullivan Andy Wi Head Coach: Doug Beal Assistant Coach: Marv Dunphy Assistant Coach: Rod Wilde Team Leader: Jim Coleman

124

2004 (Athens) 4th Place Lloy Ball Kevin Barne Brook Billings Phil Eatherton Gabe Gardner Tom Hoﬀ Ryan Millar Reid Priddy Riley Salmon Clay Stanley Erik Sullivan Donald Suxho Head Coach: Doug Beal Assistant Coach: Hugh McCutcheon Assistant Coach: Rob Browning Assistant Coach: Carl McGown Team Consultant: Marv Dunphy Team Leader: Al Monaco Trainer: Nick Metskas 2008 (Beijing) Gold Medal Lloy Ball Gabe Gardner Kevin Hansen Tom Hoﬀ Rich Lambourne David Lee Ryan Millar Reid Priddy Sean Rooney Riley Salmon Clay Stanley Sco Touzinsky Head Coach: Hugh McCutcheon Assistant Coach: John Speraw Assistant Coach: Ron Larsen Technical Consultant: Marv Dunphy Technical Consultant: Carl McGown Technical Coach: Jamie Morrison Team Doctor: Chris Koutures Athle c Trainer: Aaron Brock

USA All-Time Versus Interna onal Compe Overall Country Record 1981 Argen na 40-8 0-0 Australia 17-1 0-0 Bahamas 1-0 0-0 Barbados 9-0 0-0 Brazil 62-74 7-5 Bulgaria 22-13 0-0 Cameroon 2-0 0-0 Canada 93-34 7-0 Chile 2-0 0-0 China 43-12 0-0 Costa Rica 2-0 0-0 Cuba 73-69 1-2 Cuba “B” 0-3 0-0 Czech “B” 1-0 0-0 Czech Rep. 20-5 0-0 Denmark 3-0 0-0 Domin. Rep. 13-0 1-0 Egypt 12-0 0-0 Finland 13-1 0-0 France 37-16 0-0 Germany 17-5 0-0 Great Britain 1-0 0-0 Greece 12-8 0-0 Guatemala 6-0 1-0 Hai 4-0 0-0 Honduras 1-0 0-0 India 1-0 0-0 Iran 1-0 0-0 Iraq 1-0 0-0 Italy 23-39 0-0 Jamaica 1-0 0-0 Japan 136-59 3-6 Korea 45-7 0-0 Libya 1-0 0-0 Mexico 25-0 1-0 Neth. Ant. 2-0 0-0 Netherlands 24-31 0-0 Panama 7-0 1-0 Poland 33-16 0-0 Portugal 3-0 0-0 Puerto Rico 28-1 0-0 Romania 1-0 0-0 Russia 56-44 0-0 Russia “B” 1-0 0-0 Serbia/Mont. 10-12 0-0 Slovakia 1-0 0-0 Slovenia 4-0 0-0 Spain 16-5 0-0 Sweden 10-4 0-0 Thailand 1-0 0-0 Trinidad & Tob. 1-0 0-0 Tunisia 8-0 0-0 Ukraine 1-1 0-0 Venezuela 11-3 0-0 Virgin Is. 2-0 0-0 Total 945-466 22-13 1981

1982 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-0 8-1 1-0 3-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 4-2 0-0 11-4 6-1 1-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-3 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 47-16 1982

1983 2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2 4-0 0-0 8-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-6 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-4 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 11-2 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 44-16 1983

1984 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 7-8 4-0 0-0 2-2 0-0 5-0 0-0 5-7 0-0 1-0 5-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 8-0 4-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-1 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 55-18 1984

1985 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-1 6-0 0-0 4-3 0-0 1-0 0-0 9-4 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 8-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 3-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 8-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 56-11 1985

1986 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 9-5 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 6-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 12-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 47-9 1986

1987 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 11-3 0-0 0-0 5-0 0-0 6-0 0-0 6-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 6-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 49-9 1987

1988 1989 1990 1991 2-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-0 1-0 1-4 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 2-2 5-1 0-5 5-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 2-1 0-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 14-0 0-3 0-7 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-2 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 5-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-1 1-2 5-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-5 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 8-0 8-1 3-4 6-6 11-0 1-0 1-0 3-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 3-7 0-2 4-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 9-3 8-1 3-3 2-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-1 5-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 64-8 39-19 21-37 29-23 1988 1989 1990 1991

1992 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 4-5 0-0 3-1 0-0 1-8 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 2-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-1 0-0 7-7 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 26-31 1992

1993 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-12 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-5 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 2-2 0-0 0-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-4 0-0 3-9 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 18-38 1993

1994 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 6-4 0-0 3-2 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2 0-0 5-4 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2 0-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 27-26 1994

1995 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-5 0-4 0-0 6-0 0-0 2-3 0-0 4-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 7-3 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 3-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 36-27 1995

125

1996 1997 1998 1999 1-0 0-0 5-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 3-1 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 2-2 1-2 2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 7-1 3-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 6-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-2 0-2 4-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 1-2 2-1 0-0 2-2 1-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2 3-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 8-0 4-4 4-1 6-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 2-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-1 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-2 0-0 0-1 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 28-8 11-8 47-19 32-15 1996 1997 1998 1999

2000 2-1 4-0 0-0 0-0 4-4 2-1 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-0 4-2 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 4-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 28-18 2000

2001 1-1 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-5 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-4 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 15-17 2001

2002 0-0 4-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-1 0-0 3-1 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 1-1 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 19-17 2002

2003 2004 2005 2006 0-0 2-0 5-1 4-1 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-2 2-0 1-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-0 2-0 0-1 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 2-0 2-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 3-1 1-0 4-0 5-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 2-3 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 1-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 23-6 20-9 27-6 18-14 2003 2004 2005 2006

on 2007 2008 2009 3-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 2-1 2-0 0-0 1-0 2-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 3-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 3-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-0 1-0 3-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-1 0-0 0-0 2-0 1-1 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-1 2-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 4-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 33-8 29-5 16-6 2007 2008 2009

2010 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 4-0 3-1 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 14-7 2010

2011 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 2-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 2-2 0-0 6-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 20-10 2011

Interna onal Volleyball Fact Sheet Introduc on: Volleyball has major interna onal compe ons every year and, at its highest level, is a physically demanding sport played by some of the world’s most elite athletes. Of course, volleyball is also a popular recrea onal ac vity enjoyed by more than 38 million persons in the United States (more than any team sport but basketball) and more than 800 million persons globally, making it the world’s most popular par cipant sport. This fact sheet is designed to provide more understanding about interna onal volleyball and its major compe ons, including the Olympic Games.

• World Cup included for two years - 50 percent reduc on the second year. • Senior Con nental Championships included for two years - 50 percent reduc on the second year; points are also granted for the qualifica on matches to the best non-qualified teams. • Men’s World League / Women’s World Grand Prix included for one year. Top 40 teams in the FIVB World Ranking:

Interna onal Governing Body: The interna onal governing body for volleyball is the Federa on Interna onale de Volleyball (FIVB), headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The FIVB is the world’s largest sports federa on, with more than 200 member na ons. Under the direc on of its president, Dr. Ruben Acosta of Mexico, the FIVB oversees the administra on of volleyball throughout the world and is responsible for producing several major events, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, World League and World Grand Prix. Na onal Governing Body: The na onal governing body (NGB) for volleyball in the United States is USA Volleyball, formerly known as the United States Volleyball Associa on. Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is responsible for the administra on of all forms of volleyball in the United States, including producing the annual USA Open Volleyball Championships, Junior Olympic Championships and the USA Outdoor Na onal Championships. As mandated by the 1978 Amateur Sports Act, USA Volleyball is responsible to the U.S. Olympic Commi ee (USOC) and the FIVB for training and nomina ng the teams which represent the United States in the Olympic Games and other important volleyball compe ons worldwide. Major Compe ons: The four major events on the interna onal volleyball calendar are the Olympic Games (men and women, indoor and beach), World Championships (men and women, indoor and beach), World Cup (men and women, indoor), World League (men, indoor) and World Grand Prix (women, indoor). All events are conducted quadrennially, with the excep ons of the annual World League/Grand Prix and the biennial Beach World Championships. World Rankings: Following the decision of the FIVB Board of Administra on, a new system of point a ribu on based on a new scale has been implemented for the FIVB World Ranking of Volleyball Na onal Teams. The following compe ons are now included: • Senior World Championships included for four years - 25 percent reduc on each year. Points are also granted for the qualifica on matches, to the best non-qualified teams. • Olympic Games included for four years - 25 percent reduc on each year. Points are also granted for the qualifica on matches, to the best non-qualified teams.

Women (Points) - as of 1/4/2012 1. USA (245) 2. Brazil (217.5) 3. Japan (197.25) 4. Italy (190.75) 5. China (169) 6. Serbia (145) 7. Russia (131.25) 8. Germany (108.25) 9. Dominican Republic (72.75) 10. Cuba (69) 11. Turkey (64.25) 12. Thailand (62) 13. Korea (56.25) 14. Poland (55.75) 15. Kenya (50.75) 16. Algeria (47.25) 17. Peru (42.5) 18. Argen na (40) 19. Puerto Rico (33.5) 20. Netherlands (30.25) 21. Egypt (28) 22. Canada (25.75) 23T. Czech Republic (23.75) 23T. Kazakhstan (23.75) 25. Senegal (23.5) 26. Colombia (22.5) 27. Mexico (20.25) 28T. Costa Rica (20) 28T. Chinese Taipei (20) 30. Cameroon (19) 31. Uruguay (18.25) 32. Croa a (17.25) 33. Tunisia (16) 34. Trinidad & Tobago (15.75) 35. Romania (14.5) 36. Azerbaijan (14.25) 37. Chile (13.75) 38T. Belgium (12.25) 38T. Belarus (12.25) 40T. Spain (10.5) 40T. France (10.5)

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Men (Points) as of 1/4/2012 1. Brazil (252.5) 2. Russia (234.5) 3. Italy (191) 4. Poland (182) 5. Cuba (160.25) 6. USA (148) 7. Serbia (136.25) 8. Argen na (121.75) 9. Bulgaria (88.75) 10. China (57.25) 11. Egypt (55) 12. Iran (50.25) 13. Germany (46.5) 14. Cameroon (45.25) 15. Japan (41) 16. Venezuela (40.75) 17. Puerto Rico (38.5) 18T. Canada (37.25) 18T. Tunisia (37.25) 20. Korea (36.5) 21. France (35.75) 22. Australia (33.5) 23T. Mexico (33) 23T. Czech Republic (33) 25. Algeria (26.25) 26. Slovakia (25.25) 27T. Finland (24.75) 27T. Colombia (24.75) 29. Spain (24.25) 30. India (19.75) 31. Chile (18.75) 32. Morocco (17) 33. Trinidad & Tobago (16.25) 34. Portugal (15.5) 35. Congo (14) 36T. Estonia (12.75) 36T. Netherlands (12.75) 36T. Slovenia (12.75) 36T. South Africa (12.75) 40. Romania (12.25)

Interna onal Volleyball Fact Sheet Olympic Games: Volleyball made its debut in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. Twelve teams in both the men’s and women’s draw earn the right to compete:

Past World Champions (Women) 1952: Soviet Union (USA, DNP) 1956: Soviet Union (USA, ninth) 1960: Soviet Union (USA, sixth) 1962: Japan (USA, DNP) 1966: Japan (USA, second) 1970: Soviet Union (USA, 11th) 1974: Japan (USA, 12th) 1978: Cuba (USA, fi h) 1982: China (USA, third) 1986: China (USA, 10th) 1990: Soviet Union (USA, third) 1994: Cuba (USA, sixth) 1998: Cuba (USA, 13th) 2002: Italy (USA, second) 2006: Russia (USA, ninth) 2010: Russia (USA, fourth)

Past Olympic Champions (Men) 1964: Soviet Union (USA, ninth) 1968: Soviet Union (USA, seventh) 1972: Japan, (USA, DNQ) 1976: Poland (USA, DNQ) 1980: Soviet Union (USA, DNQ) 1984: USA 1988: USA 1992: Brazil (USA, third) 1996: Netherlands (USA, ninth) 2000: Yugoslavia (USA, 11th) 2004: Brazil (USA, fourth) 2008: USA Past Olympic Champions (Women) 1964: Japan (USA, fi h) 1968: Soviet Union (USA, eighth) 1972: Soviet Union (USA, DNQ) 1976: Japan (USA, DNQ) 1980: Soviet Union (USA, DNP) 1984: China (USA, second) 1988: Soviet Union (USA, seventh) 1992: Cuba (USA, third) 1996: Cuba (USA, seventh) 2000: Cuba (USA, fourth) 2004: China (USA, fi h) 2008: Brazil (USA, second)

World Cup: The World Cup is held every four years, in the year prior to the Olympic Games. Though originally held at various sites, it has been hosted by Japan since 1977. Prior to 1991, the World Cup took place in the year immediately following the Olympics. The 12 berths in the World Cup for men and women are gained in the following manner:

World Championships: The World Championships are held every four years in the second year a er the Olympics. The site, usually separate for the men’s and women’s compe ons, is determined by the FIVB based on bids received from interested ci es. The 24 berths for the men and women are gained in the following manner (2006 informa on is provided in parenthesis where available): • Host country • Defending World Champions • FIVB determined the appropriate number of qualificaon spots for each con nent/zone based on performance at the 2002 World Championships and the number of teams registered for the 2006 World Championships. Each con nent/zone played a World Championships Qualifica on Tournament in early 2002. Past World Champions (Men) 1949: Soviet Union (USA, DNP) 1952: Soviet Union (USA, DNP) 1956: Czechoslovakia (USA, sixth) 1960: Soviet Union (USA, seventh) 1962: Soviet Union (USA, DNP) 1966: Czechoslovakia (USA, 11th) 1970: East Germany (USA, 18th) 1974: Not held 1978: Soviet Union (USA, 19th) 1982: Soviet Union (USA, 13th) 1986: USA 1990: Italy (USA, 13th) 1994: Italy (USA, third) 1998: Italy (USA, ninth) 2002: Brazil (USA, ninth)

2006: Brazil (USA, 10th) 2010: Brazil (USA, sixth)

• Host country (Japan- Men and Women) • Defending World Cup champion • Winners of the five zone championships • The highest-placed team (of each zone) not qualified for the Olympic Games in accordance with the ranking of the zone championships. Past World Cup Champions (Men) 1965: Soviet Union (USA, DNP) 1969: East Germany (USA, DNP) 1973: Soviet Union (USA, seventh) 1977: Soviet Union (USA, 10th) 1981: Soviet Union (USA, DNQ) 1985: USA 1989: Cuba (USA, fourth) 1991: Soviet Union (USA, third) 1995: Italy (USA, fourth) 1999: Russia (USA, fourth) 2003: Brazil (USA, fourth) 2007: Brazil (USA, fourth) 2011: Russia (USA, sixth) Past World Cup Champions (Women) 1973: Soviet Union (USA, sixth) 1977: Japan (USA, seventh) 1981: China (USA, fourth) 1985: China (USA, DNQ) 1989: Cuba (USA, DNQ) 1991: Cuba (USA, fourth) 1995: Cuba (USA, seventh) 1999: Cuba (USA, ninth) 2003: China (USA, third) 2007: Italy (USA, third) 2011: Italy (USA, second)

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Interna onal Volleyball Fact Sheet Zone Championships: The volleyball world is divided into five interna onal zones.The United States is in the NORCECA (North America Central America Caribbean) Zone, with championships held every other year at various sites. The other zones are Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The frequency of zone championships compe on varies in each of the five sec ons. Any na on in a par cular zone may par cipate in its zone championships whenever such a compe on is conducted. Past NORCECA Champions (Men) 1969: Cuba (USA, third) 1971: Cuba (USA, second) 1973: USA 1975: Cuba (USA, third) 1977: Cuba (USA, fi h) 1979: Cuba (USA, fi h) 1981: Cuba (USA, second) 1983: USA 1985: USA 1987: Cuba (USA, second) 1989: Cuba (USA, third) 1991: Cuba (USA, second) 1993: Cuba (USA, second) 1995: Cuba (USA, second) 1997: Cuba (USA, second) 1999: USA 2001: Cuba (USA, second) 2003: USA 2005: USA 2007: USA 2009: Cuba (USA, second) 2011: Cuba (USA, second) Past NORCECA Champions (Women) 1969: Mexico (USA, bronze) 1971: Mexico (USA, DNP) 1973: Cuba (USA, third) 1975: Cuba (USA, second) 1977: Cuba (USA, third) 1979: Cuba (USA, second) 1981: USA 1983: USA 1985: Cuba (USA, second) 1987: Cuba (USA, second) 1989: Cuba (USA, third) 1991: Cuba (USA, second) 1993: Cuba (USA, second) 1995: Cuba (USA, second) 1997: Cuba (USA, second) 1999: Cuba (USA, second) 2001: USA 2003: USA 2005: USA 2007: Cuba (USA, second) 2009: Dominican Republic (USA, fourth) 2011: USA

World League and World Grand Prix: The World League features the top 12 men’s volleyball teams in the world in compe on for a total purse that has grown to $15 million since the inaugural season in 1990. Teams are divided into three, four-team pools and each country playing the other teams in their pool four mes (twice at home, twice on the road). The winner and runner-up in each pool advance to a seeded playoff round. The regular season is usually played in May and June with playoffs in early July. The World Grand Prix is the women’s counterpart to the World League, and offers a total purse of $2 million to its 12-team field. Teams play in different four-team pools each weekend, at roundrobin tournaments hosted by ci es throughout Asia. The three teams with the best records join the host country for the Grand Prix Finals. The regular season is played in August and earlySeptember with playoffs in mid-September. World League Champions 1990: Italy (USA, fourth in pool) 1991: Italy (USA, third in pool) 1992: Italy (USA, first in pool, third overall) 1993: Brazil (USA, fi h in pool) 1994: Italy (USA, fourth in pool) 1995: Italy (USA, fourth in pool) 1996: Netherlands (USA, DNP) 1997: Italy (USA, DNP) 1998: Cuba (USA, DNP) 1999: Italy (USA, DNP) 2000: Italy (USA, first in pool, sixth overall) 2001: Brazil (USA, third in pool, ed-ninth overall) 2002: Russia (USA, DNP) 2003: Brazil (USA, DNP) 2004: Brazil (USA, DNP) 2005: Brazil (USA, DNP) 2006: Brazil (USA, third in pool) 2007: Brazil (USA, third in finals) 2008: USA 2009: Brazil (USA, sixth) 2010: Brazil (USA, eighth) World Grand Prix Champions 1993: Cuba (USA, seventh regular season) 1994: Brazil (USA, fi h regular season) 1995: USA 1996: Brazil (USA, fi h) 1997: Russia (USA, eighth) 1998: Brazil (USA, eighth) 1999: Russia (USA, DNP) 2000: Cuba (USA, sixth) 2001: USA 2002: Russia (USA, sixth) 2003: China (USA, third) 2004: Brazil (USA, third) 2005: Brazil (USA, eighth) 2006: Brazil (USA, seventh) 2007: Netherlands (USA, eighth final, seventh preliminary) 2008: Brazil (USA, fourth) 2009: Brazil (USA, ninth) 2010: USA 2011: USA 2012: USA

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USA Volleyball – 2012 Fact Sheet Name: USA Volleyball Loca on: Colorado Springs, Colo. Founded: 1928 Membership: Approximately 275,000 Mission: USA Volleyball is the Na onal Governing Body (NGB) for all disciplines of volleyball in the United States and is oﬃcially recognized by the Federa on Interna onale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the United States Olympic Commi ee (USOC). As mandated by the Amateur Sports Act, USA Volleyball is responsible for the growth of the sport in America at the grassroots and most elite levels. USA Volleyball is the parent organiza on of the USA Na onal Teams. Chief Execu ve Oﬃcer: Doug Beal Head Coach USA Women: Hugh McCutcheon (Fourth Year with Women’s Team) Head Coach USA Men: Alan Knipe (Fourth Year with Men’s Team) Major 2012 Na onal Team Events: Senior Women’s Volleyball FIVB World Grand Prix (June 8-July 1, Various Countries) Pan American Cup (July 11-21, Mexico) U.S. versus Bulgaria (July 14, 16, 18 - Anaheim/Los Angeles, Calif.) Olympic Games (July 27-Aug. 13, London)

Senior Men’s Volleyball U.S. versus Argen na (April 27 and April 29, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) NORCECA Men’s Con nental Olympic Qualifier (May 7-12, Long Beach, Calif.) FIVB World League (May 18-July 8, Various Countries) Pan American Cup (July 7-15, Dominican Republic) Olympic Games (July 27-Aug. 13, London)

Indoor High Performance and USAV Juniors (Youth and Junior) Beach Indoor High Performance and USAV Juniors (Youth and Junior) FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour (various countries) NORCECA Girls’ Youth Championship (June 26-July 1, Dominican Republic) NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour (various countries) USAV Girls’ Junior Na onal Championships (June 28-July 7, Columbus, Ohio) Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series (various stops in United States) NORCECA Boys’ Youth Championship (July 2-7, Mexico) FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch Youth World Championships (July 11-14, Cyprus) USAV Boys’ Junior Na onal Championships (July 1-8, Dallas, Texas) FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch Junior World Championsihps (Aug. 29-Sept. 2, Canada) USAV High Performance Championships (July 24-28, Des Moines, Iowa) U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball (Sept. 14-16, Manha an Beach, Calif.) NORCECA Women’s Junior Championship (Aug. 21-26, Nicaragua) NORCECA Men’s Junior Championship (Aug. 27-Sept. 1, Colorado Springs, Colo.) Other Events NCVF Collegiate Club Championships (April 5-7, Kansas City, Mo.) USAV Beach Collegiate Challenge (April 14-15, Hermosa Beach, Calif.) USA Volleyball Open Na onal Championships (May 26-June 2, Salt Lake City, Utah) USA Beach Junior Tour (various loca ons) About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organiza on recognized by the United States Olympic Commi ee (USOC) and the Federa on Interna onal de Volleyball (FIVB) as the Na onal Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 275,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs na onwide. With an annual budget in excess of $17 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior na onal team programs, youth and junior na onal teams, na onal championship events, coaching educa on and cer fica on programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradi on of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Con nental Championship tles. USA Volleyball is commi ed to and works toward opportunity for all to par cipate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportuni es at all levels of the game. For more informa on please visit www.usavolleyball.org. Other: USA Volleyball consists of 40 regional volleyball associa ons which manage grassroots playing opportuni es for the USA Volleyball membership and is aﬃliated with 36 member organiza ons (i.e. NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, YMCA) that provide playing opportuni es at a variety of levels.

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4065 Sinton Road, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Phone: 719-228-6800 130