Ahead of Olympic Qualifiers, USA Volleyball Veteran Reflects on Biggest Lesson From Disastrous 2020 Tokyo Campaign

The stage for the biggest volleyball showdown of the year is set. The U.S. men’s team has renewed its vow for global dominance in the sport. After an on-and-on battle against adversities since the ignominious end of the 2020 Tokyo campaign, the team is eager to prove themselves. The shining gold medal and the champion’s podium in Paris are beckoning them with an irresistible allure. They will take their first step towards the glorious Olympic redemption in Tokyo on September 30 during the Olympic Qualifier meet.

The U.S. Men’s Volleyball team has three Olympic gold medals and two bronze medals to their name. Now, with a bold purpose to rewrite history, US volleyball legend Matt Anderson has revealed his game plan hinging on an important lesson gained during the last Olympics.

Volleyball legend Matt Anderson takes lesson from disappointment

Matt Anderson has been a powerhouse of the U.S. men’s volleyball team for the last fifteen years. Recently, he appeared in an interview with a correspondent from NBC Sports to unveil the “biggest lesson” the defeat in 2021 taught him. Anderson expressed his innermost feelings, calling the whole experience “frustrating”. But he also emphasized the importance of finding “joy in the struggle”.

With that statement, he reminded the world that despite hours of relentless practice every day, the ultimate test of an athlete’s character and resilience lies in how they handle defeat. According to the volleyball veteran, an athlete’s career is long and full of interesting moments. Therefore, a player must learn to enjoy the ride rather than allow the results to affect their mood.

To highlight his point, Matt Anderson said, “If I was to rest my career on my last Olympic experience, it’d be pretty heartbreaking but the 15 years now that I’ve been playing for the national team and playing professionally have given me so many great memories.” In that same vein, Anderson emphasized the importance of valuing “small little moments that create joy”.

Many times, in the pursuit of big glory, an athlete often forgets this, but for the volleyball legend, contentment matters more than happiness. He hopes his fellow teammates will take a page out of his book, which will make the team even stronger.

Veteran player pushes U.S. men’s team towards glory

The U.S. men’s volleyball team comprises 10 Olympians with unparalleled levels of experience in the sport. They bring with them years of training and a deep understanding of the game.

However, beyond that, these players know how to handle a setback and not allow it to spoil their future performances. These are crucial learnings that only come with years of competing at the highest level. Each of the veterans has shared their knowledge with the others and the new members of the team, making for a strong unit.

Read More: US Men’s Volleyball Team Gears Up for Olympics Qualifiers With a 78 mph “Rocket” From 26YO Player

Middle blocker Taylor Averill explained the advantage of having these veterans, saying, “We have got a lot of daddies on this team. I have been saying from before. I was really sure…It’s a great environment to push yourself”.

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