Ask the Olympians

Originally published in VolleyballUSA, Fall 2013 issue

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Matt Anderson

2012 Olympian - Indoor

“I fell in love with volleyball because it gave and still gives me so much joy when playing but it still remains challenging.”

Jordan Larson-Burbach

2012 Olympian and silver medalist – Indoor

“I really love the team aspect of it, like how it is not just an individual (sport). You have to be a collective team in order to win. I love that part of it.”

Christa Harmotto

2012 Olympian and silver medalist – Indoor

“I believe it is one of the ultimate team sports. You really have to know your teammates. It is six people and one ball, so you have to know what balls they are going for or how to push them. There is a pretty big importance on communication in the sport, and knowing your teammates and their tendencies and responsibilities is what makes a successful team in this sport.”

Tom Hoff

Three-time Olympian and 2008 gold medalist – Indoor

“Great question and I am not sure exactly why. I think I love the game because of its strong dependency on working together as a team, along with the high degrees of concentration required both individually and together as a unit.”

Tamari Miyashiro

2012 Olympian and silver medalist – Indoor

“I fell in love with volleyball because I believe it is the ultimate women’s team sport. Volleyball is a cumulative effort towards a common goal. Playing volleyball means being part of something bigger than yourself and I love that about our sport. Essentially if you improve you can help your team be better, which puts a responsibility on you as a teammate.”