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Experience – the main focus in USA’s volleyball for VNL 2023!
Coach John Speraw, leading the U.S. men’s volleyball team, announced the 30-athlete roster for 2023 Volleyball Nations League on May 12th.
Opposites: Matt Anderson (three time Olympian), Kile Ensing, Jake Hanes, Kyle Russel, Francesco Sani
Middle Blockers: David Smith (three time Olympian), Max Holt (two time Olympian), Taylor Averill, Patrick Gasman, Jeff Jendryk, and Tyler Mitchem, Merrick McHenry
Setters: Micah Christianson (two time Olympian), Micah Ma’a, James Shaw, Josh Tuaniga, Quinn Isaacson
Liberos: Erik Shoji (two time Olympian), Mason Briggs and Kyle Dagostino
Outside hitters: Thomas Jaeschke (two time Olympian), Aaron Russell (two time Olympian), T.J. DeFalco (one time Olympian), Garrett Muagututia (one time Olympian), Cody Kessel, Jacob Pasteur, Ethan Champlin, Jordan Ewert, Kyle McCauley, and Brett Wildman
A look back on the past:
In the past several years, the USA Men’s National Volleyball Team has showcased exceptional talent and skill across major competitions, including the Volleyball Nations League (VNL)and Olympic Games. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to relive some of their most memorable moments.
Starting with the VNL, the US Men’s Team has consistently displayed strong performances. In 2021, they participated with a 19-player roster and put up a fierce fight finishing 7th. Fast forward to 2022, the team evolved with a 25-player roster, opening the VNL Preliminary Round in Brasilia, Brazil, before moving on to Sofia, Bulgaria, and Osaka, Japan. The culmination was in Bologna, Italy with the US team losing the dramatic 5 set final against France.
The US Men’s Volleyball Team experienced contrasting outcomes in the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Olympic Games. In Rio 2016, the team fought hard and secured a bronze medal, marking a significant achievement. However, their journey in Tokyo 2021 was fraught with challenges, as they struggled to maintain their previous success. With a final 2-3 record in Pool B play, the US team was eliminated early from the competition, failing to advance to the quarterfinals. Despite the Tokyo setback, the team remains committed to regrouping and aiming for future victories in international championships.
Players to look out for:
Erik Shoji, the dynamic American volleyball player, has been making waves for a while now. In 2022, Shoji achieved the pinnacle of club success by winning the prestigious Champions League title. Building on his bronze medal from the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 World Championship title, Shoji continues to prove himself as an indispensable asset to the US national team. Volleyball enthusiasts around the globe eagerly watch as Shoji takes the court, anticipating more heart-stopping performances and victories in the 2023 VNL.
Micah Christenson, the dynamic American volleyball star, has been making waves in the world of professional volleyball. Born on May 8, 1993, this talented athlete has become an integral part of the US national team, contributing to their success in recent years. Known for his exceptional skills and agility on the court, Micah has been playing for the renowned Zenit Kazan club, showcasing his prowess and versatility in the sport. Over the past two years, he has continued to strengthen his reputation as a force to be reckoned with, elevating his game and inspiring fans and teammates alike. We definitely don’t want to miss out on Micah’s next electrifying performance!
Matt Anderson, an outstanding US volleyball player, continues to make his mark on the international stage. In the past two years, he has showcased his talent in all major competitions. At the Tokyo Olympics, the 34-year-old West Seneca native played a vital role in the US. Alongside his national team commitments, Anderson has been a prominent player for Russian club Zenit Kazan, winning the Russian Superleague after an amazing performance by the opposite.
