❸Opposites. ❷Olympics Roster Spots. Who Will

Home , Bryan Ivie, Craig Buck, Destinee Hooker, Doug Beal, Erik Shoji, Flo Hyman

COLLEGE PREP: A WORKOUT TO EASE THE TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE

APRIL 2016

❸ OPPOSITES. ❷ OLYMPICS ROSTER SPOTS. WHO WILL KARCH CHOOSE? KHALIAKHALIA

LANIERLANIERHeadlines the Girls’ Fab 50 GET TO KNOW ITALY’S MARTA MENEGATTI PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO

INDUSTRY’S #1 MAGAZINE March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | A #USAVolley2016 If you’re serious about volleyball, you need VERT. The most advanced wearable jump technology for players and coaches. Motivate, manage jump load, and most importantly… prevent injuries.

Karch Kiraly Head Coach, USA Women’s National Team

“VERT allows us to track our training loads in a way that’s never been done before. It’s already helping us train SMARTER and better preserve our most precious resource: our ATHLETES and their HEALTH.”

The official Jump Technology of

@VERT I USAVERT.com I 510.629.3665

65 Mayfonk Athletic LLC covered by U.S. Patent nos. 8,253,586, 8,860,584 and other patent(s) pending. Designed for iPhone® 6Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPod touch® (5th Gen), iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad® (3rd and 4th Gen). Apple and the Apple logo are trade marks of Apple Inc registered in the US and other countries.

MARCH/APRIL 2016 Volume 27, Issue 2 VOLLEYBALL MAGAZINE

FEATURES 40

20 BUILD YOUR BASE Five basic moves all high school athletes should master before graduation. By Tony Duckwall

24 X FACTOR High school senior Khalia Lanier brings it to every competition—for Team USA, Arizona Storm, and Xavier Prep High School—and soon she’ll take her talents to USC. By Mike Miazga

28 THE 2016 GIRLS’ FAB 50 AND 25 UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH This year’s group of top high school seniors and outstanding underclassmen. Compiled by Mike Miazga

34 THE CONCUSSION CONVERSATION Athletes in all sports—not just football—are at risk for traumatic brain injuries, and the volleyball community is starting to take notice. By Lisa Wade McCormick

40 KARCH’S BIG DILEMMA The U.S. Women’s National Team features three DEPARTMENTS elite opposites, but the Olympic roster only has 4 FROM OUR COURT room for two. By Jack Hamann 4 CONTRIBUTORS

44 MAKE WAY FOR MARTA 6 SERVE IT UP Italian beach volleyball player Marta Menegatti 12 THE QUICK hopes to make her second Olympic appearance in Rio. 47 REPLAY By Dan D’Arpe Summer 2016 48 MATCH POINT

ON THE COVER

To register or for more information: 1-800-NIKE CAMP USSportsCamps.com PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO FIVB @USSCVolleyballCamps @USSCVolleyball @USSCVolleyball

COVER IMAGE BY All Rights Reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its affiliates, and are under license. 2 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps. ED CHAN VBM FROM OUR COURT

CONCUSSIONS: NOT ONLY IN FOOTBALL

AS I WRITE THIS, the professional football season has just wrapped with the Denver Editor Megan Kaplon Broncos taking home the Super Bowl crown. Although I watched the spectacle on TV [email protected] along with millions of others, I have a hard time not thinking about the dark cloud con- Editorial Director Lee Mergner

cussions and their long-term consequences have cast over this contact-heavy, risky sport. Group Director of Sales & Marketing Kim Rizy But football isn’t the only activity in which concussions can occur. In volleyball, players [email protected]

sustain concussions when balls hit them in the face and when they collide with team- Advertising Sales Manager Michelle Elchaak mates and hit the floor. In this issue, contributor Lisa Wade McCormick explores the im- [email protected]

pact of concussions on volleyball players, coaches, and teams and offers advice on the best Graphic Designer Stephanie Cwalina way to handle the situation when a traumatic brain injury does occur. “The Concussion Conversation” (page 34) is a must-read for athletes, parents, and coaches facing a world of Copy Editor Suzanne Fox increased awareness of concussion risks and consequences. Editorial Advisory Board Gary Sato, Tim Simmons, Sinjin Smith

On a lighter note, we’re thrilled to introduce our cover girl, Khalia Lanier, the top Contributing Writers Dan D’Arpe, Mike Dodd, Tony Duckwall, Jack recruit in the Class of 2016 and headliner of this year’s Girls’ Fab 50 list. Lanier heads Hamann, Lisa Wade McCormick, Mike Miazga to USC after she graduates from Xavier Prep in Phoenix, Arizona, this spring, and if the Behind the scenes of our Contributing Photographers Ed Chan, Megan Stearman, praise her teammates and coaches have heaped on her is any indication, this 6-foot-2 Sherry Harper Wong cover photo shoot. outside hitter will immediately stand out in NCAA competition. Another young talent, Italian beach volleyball player Marta Menegatti, also graces this @vbmagazine issue’s pages. The 25 year old hopes to make her second Olympic appearance this August in Rio, and first-time Volleyball mag contributor Dan D’Arpe’s interview with her on page 44 facebook.com/volleyballmag offers a rare glimpse into the life of a professional beach volleyball player from outside the U.S. Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey C. Wolk volleyballmag.com Developing young talent yourself? Make sure to check out the “Build Your Base” fitness Chief Operating Officer Susan Fitzgerald feature by KIVA’s athletic performance director Tony Duckwall on page 20. He highlights the Vice President, Operations Courtney Carter Vice President, Digital Strategy Heidi Strong five basic movements that set youth athletes up for success in college and beyond. Director, Integrated Production Justin Vuono It’s a jam-packed issue, and we had a blast putting it together for you. Hope you enjoy Art Director Michael O'Leary Operations Manager Laura Finamore it and are able to put some of the advice in these pages to work on the court. Circulation Operations Specialist Nora Frew Controller Peggy Maguire General Staff Accountant Amanda Joyce Staff Accountant Tina McDermott Staff Accountant Heidie Hogan Marketing Analyst Cathy Pearson Megan Kaplon, Editor Technical Product Manager Michael Ma Sales Administrator Cassandra Pettit Production Design Associate Jaron Cote Administrative Assistant Jennifer Hanrahan PLEASE SEND comments/questions/concerns to CONTRIBUTORS [email protected] Customer Service/Subscriptions (877) 252-8141

Corporate Headquarters TONY DUCKWALL DAN D’ARPE Madavor Media, LLC Tony Duckwall is the co-owner Dan D’Arpe is writer who 25 Braintree Hill Office Park | Suite 404 | Braintree, MA | 02184 Tel: (617) 706-9110 | Fax: (617) 536-0102 of EDGE Sports Performance covers a variety of subjects.

in Louisville, Kentucky, and A graduate of Western Volleyball is published bi-monthly by Madavor Media, LLC., 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 404, Braintree, MA, 02184, USA, Tel: 617-706-9110. Jeffrey C. Wolk, the athletic performance Connecticut State University, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer; Susan Fitzgerald, Publisher. SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1 year (9 issues), US $19.99, Canada $24.99, International $39.99, digital only $10. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Volleyball, PO Box 4300, Big Sandy, TX 75755-4300. Subscribers allow 4-6 weeks for change of address to become director at KIVA Volleyball. D’Arpe’s hobbies include effective. Subscriptions ordered are noncancelable and nonrefundable unless otherwise promoted. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights in letters sent to Volleyball will be treated Duckwall’s athletes have signed writing, photography, and as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially. Requests for permission to reprint should be sent to the Permissions and Reprints Department. The title Volleyball is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Contents copyright at 120 different universities and hiking. He enjoys watch- © 2016 by Madavor Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing can be reprinted in whole or in part without permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. won 59 national championships ing hockey, football, and, of in 17 sports. The volleyball course, volleyball. For this athletes he has trained have issue, he interviewed Italian placed on the youth and junior beach volleyball player Marta national teams and the Under Menegatti (page 44). Armour All-American Team. edge-trained.com Thank you for recycling this magazine! FIVB

4 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 5 VBM SERVE IT UP

HANDS UP, ELBOWS OUT Athletes of all ages work on their setting form in Myanmar. This photo won the FIVB Development Committee’s Volleyball Your Way contest, which recognized efforts to promote beach and indoor volleyball around the world Source FIVB

6 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 7 VBM SERVE IT UP

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER Ben Patch, the 2013 Freshman of the Year, has returned to the BYU roster after taking a two-year hiatus to complete his LDS mission. During those two years Patch grew an inch taller and added some height to his vertical, and at press time he ranked fifth in the nation with 4.44 kills per set, leading the 10-2 Cougars with 142 kills. Photo by Ed Chan

8 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 9 VBM SERVE IT UP

SANDCRABBS Brothers Trevor and Taylor Crabb photo- graphed in their home state of Hawaii where they spent the winter training for the 2016 beach volleyball season. Trevor, 26, and Taylor, 24, teamed up last summer taking two third-place finishes on the AVP and winning the NORCECA St. Lucia tournament. Photo by Sherry Harper Wong

10 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 11 04.2016 the Quick RIO OLYMPICS: WHO’S IN AND WHO STILL STANDS A CHANCE?

QUALIFIED

Argentina Brazil Cuba Egypt Italy Russia USA CEV

WORLD/ASIAN OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT WORLD OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT MAY 28 – JUNE 5 | TOKYO JUNE 4-6 | MEXICO CITY QUALIFIED

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD Men’s Indoor Field Women’s Indoor Field

Argentina Brazil China Russia Serbia USA Cameroon

Australia, Canada, China, France, Iran, Japan, Poland, Venezuela Algeria, Chile, Mexico, Tunisia Four teams qualify—the top three teams and top Asian team. If an Asian team Top team qualifies. ranks within the top three, the next highest-ranking team will also qualify. WORLD/ASIAN OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT WORLD QUALIFICATION TOURNAMENT MAY 14 – JUNE 22 | TOKYO SOMETIME BETWEEN MAY 14 – JUNE 5 | LOCATION TBD

〔 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Columbia, Egypt, Kenya, Puerto Rico Netherlands, Peru, Thailand Top team qualifies. Four teams qualify—the top three teams and top Asian team. If an Asian team ranks within the top three, the next highest-ranking team will also qualify.

12 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 13 CEV 〕 The NCAA’s Sports 04.2016: the Quick Sponsorship webpage lists 58 institutions “OLD 45’S” “CAN'T HOLD US” sponsoring beach Chromeo Macklemore & Ryan volleyball: four in Division GUEST PICKS: Lewis feat. Ray Dalton III, seven in Division II, and 47 in Division I. KATIE HOLLOWAY

Occasionally I like to ask one of our sport’s top athletes to share the songs that motivate him or her “YOU MAKE “PONY” in the gym or at practice. This time, I reached out MY DREAMS Ginuwine to my friend and USA Volleyball star Katie Holloway. COME TRUE” Before you check out her playlist, however, there are Hall & Oates a few things you should know about Katie. Katie lettered in basketball and volleyball in “TAKE “YOU GOT IT (THE high school and played basketball at Cal State ME HOME RIGHT STUFF)” Northridge where she was named to the Big West TONIGHT” New Kids on the Block Freshman Team and twice named Big West Sixth Eddie Money Woman of the Year. Did I mention she did all of this with a prosthetic leg? She’s the only woman to compete with a prosthetic limb in the history “THE “FLOAT ON” of NCAA Division I basketball. After graduating, FIGHTER” Modest Mouse Katie joined the U.S. Women’s National Sitting Gym Class Heroes Volleyball Team, and today she’s a two-time feat. Ryan Tedder Paralympic silver medalist, two-time ParaVolley World Championships silver medalist, and two- time USAV Female Sitting Athlete of the Year. “LATCH” “REMEMBER Here’s a playlist of music that motivates Disclosure feat. THE NAME” Sam Smith Katie on and off the court. Even though I did, I Fort Minor encourage you not to judge her for her New Kids on the Block choice. @DJRoueche

RULES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS CHALLENGE REVIEW The Big Ten and Big 12 conferences experimented with the video review challenge of referee calls in the 2015 season, and now the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Rules Committee has recommended that challenge review become a permanent rule for any school or ERIC BOUSCHER conference that chooses to implement it. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel FIRST-EVER NCAA BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP will now consider the rules committee’s recommendation and make the final decision Gulf Shores, Alabama, will host the inaugural NCAA beach volleyball The Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (previously known as in a conference call on February 25. If national championship. The city, which has been the location of the the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association) has rebranded to challenge review gets the greenlight from AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball National Championship since 2012, incorporate beach volleyball and will include UAB, Florida Atlantic, the oversight panel, the Division I, II, and III will also host the 2017 championship, and the University of Alabama Florida International, Florida State, Georgia State, LSU, South Women’s Volleyball Committees would have at Birmingham will serve as the host institution for both years. Carolina, and Tulane. The CCSA, Pac-12, WCC, and Big West will to decide how to implement the challenge In the first NCAA-sanctioned national championship, eight host their first-ever conference championships this year, while the review rule into the three NCAA women’s teams of five pairs will compete in a double elimination bracket. The ASUN will mark its second conference championship. No automatic volleyball championships. NCAA has not announced any intention to host a pairs tournament. bids to the national championship are being presented to conference The rule would allow three challenges per Wilson, which also sponsors the AVP, will provide the balls for the winners at this time. team per match. Coaches would be able to national championship. challenge net faults, touch on the ball, ball in or out, and foot faults on the serve.

14 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 04.2016: the Quick ASUCLA ASUCLA PHOTOGRAPHY; HECTOR GARCIA-MOLINA PHOTOGRAPHY; From left: Sinjin Smith, Karch Kiraly, Erik Shoji. PAC-12 HONORS CONFERENCE’S ALL-TIME BEST PLAYERS

A panel of current and former Pac-12 men’s volleyball coaches voted PAC-12 ALL-CENTURY MEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM to determine the 16-player All-Century men’s volleyball roster to Dusty Dvorak (USC 1977-80) honor the 100th birthday of the conference. UCLA dominated the Scott Fortune (Stanford 1985-87, 89) list, placing nine players on the roster, including Karch Kiraly, who Bryan Ivie (USC 1988-91) was named Pac-12 Player of the Century. The current U.S. Women’s Celso Kalache (USC 1973-75, 77) National Team head coach was a four-time All-American and led Karch Kiraly (UCLA 1979-82) UCLA to three national championships. UCLA’s Al Scates earned the Mike Lambert (Stanford 1993-95, 97) Coach of the Century designation, boasting a 1,239-290 record in his Ricci Luyties (UCLA 1981-84) 50 years at the helm of the Bruin program. Stein Metzger (UCLA 1993-96) Stanford’s Erik Shoji represents as the youngest player on the ros- Paul Nihipali (UCLA 1994-97) ter, while Ernie Suwara, who played for the 1964 U.S. Olympic team, Jeff Nygaard (UCLA 1992-95) is the oldest. Stanford, USC, and UCLA are the only Pac-12 schools Doug Partie (UCLA 1981-84) that sponsor a men’s volleyball program. Pat Powers (USC 1978-80) Erik Shoji (Stanford 2009-12) Ernie Suwara (UCLA 1965-67) Brandon Taliaferro (UCLA 1997-2000) Asbjorn Volstad (UCLA 1984-87)

REID PRIDDY RETURNS TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Team USA outside hitter Reid Priddy, who was sidelined with an ACL tear in 2014, has returned to professional competition. In late January, Priddy signed with Cucine Lube Banca Marche Civitanova in the Italian SuperLega. Current U.S. Men’s National Team setter Micah Christenson also plays for Lube. DANIELLE TARANTINI DANIELLE PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO

16 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 17 04.2016: the Quick

DALY SANTANA GOES PRO Minnesota’s star outside hitter and reign- ing Big Ten Player of the Year Daly Santana kicked off her professional career by signing with the San Juan Capitalinas. The Puerto Rico native returned home after leading Minnesota to the national semifinals in her senior season and then competing for the Puerto Rican national team in the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament in Lincoln, Nebraska, in early January. Santana made her Capitalinas debut on January 28, in a match against Las Indias de Mayaguez. MINNESOTA ATHLETICS MINNESOTA

Ask the Pro: BRENT HILLIARD

What are the intangible qualities that not black and white, either. However, expe- Brent Hilliard played opposite for Long attract you to a recruit besides her rienced coaches put a lot of stock in these Q Beach State, leading his team to the physical abilities on the court? What can intangible traits, and they have a good idea national championship in 1991 and young players do to improve their chances of of how they fit in the big picture. earning NCAA Player of the Year honors being recruited? The first thing I would recommend a in 1992. The four-time recruit do is contact colleges early so they All-American played Qualities that set certain recruits can start a dialogue. I realize many high professionally in Europe Aapart for us here at the University of school athletes may not enjoy speaking and helped Team USA win San Diego are competitive energy, body with college coaches about recruitment, bronze at the language, communication skills, and a but communication is so important in this Barcelona Olympics in passion for playing. I think these are process, and it gets easier with practice. 1992 before things that every coach values, but each From an athletic standpoint, my best begin- coach might word them a bit differently piece of advice is to be open to change. ning his to fit their individual style. No matter who There are many different styles and philoso- collegiate you’re talking to, these characteristics are phies of teaching volleyball, and I always coaching essential in the make-up of a high-level recommend staying open to feedback from career as the head recruit. every club, high school, and camp coach coach of Cuyamaca For me, it often comes down to intan- you interact with. Junior College gibles when recruiting one particular athlete All you have to do is watch the in 1999. Now the over another. When the difference in two Olympics to see that offense and defense University of San Diego recruits’ on-court play is small, we’ll rely are not universally taught the same way. associate head coach, Hilliard boasts 15 years on character to make the decision. Many I admire players who are willing to fail in with the Torero women’s times when we return from a tournament or the short term when learning a new skill volleyball program, a a campus tour, our coaching staff discusses to improve in the long run. It is so reward- stint that has included these attributes at length. Finding athletes ing to see that breakthrough moment six consecutive NCAA with these qualities is certainly not an exact when a player can finally fit a new skill tournament appearances. science—just as recruiting physical gifts is into her game. USD ATHLETICS USD

➼ Have a question for a volleyball pro? Send it to [email protected]. PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO

18 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 With so much information about strength de- execution allows athletes to develop the physical velopment available for athletes and coaches, competency that creates proper joint movement, it is important to know what really matters muscular force line production, and body aware- FULL SQUAT when designing a strength program for ju- ness. These are crucial attributes that enhance niors players. These pointers will help athletes performance in the weight room and on the Full squats activate more muscles and develop coordination bet- BUILD build the strength necessary to excel in college court while reducing the risk of injury. ter than any other exercise. When done for a full range of motion, without putting them at risk for injury. squats strengthen the entire lower body, improve hip mobility, and EVERYTHING STARTS WITH increase knee-tendon strength, which helps reduce injuries. REMEMBER, STRENGTH THE BASICS. Remember to keep your knees over your ankles and ankles over TRAINING IS A SKILL. Eager athletes and well-meaning coaches the center of your foot at all times. An external load can be added to Too often, coaches and athletes see setting, often make the mistake of getting too the squat with a barbell on the back of the shoulders (back squat), YOUR serving, blocking, and hitting as skills to be complicated, doing too much, and progress- a barbell on the front of shoulders (front squat), or a kettlebell or developed and strength training as something ing too fast in the weight room. Even if your dumbbell in the hands at chest height (goblet squat). you just kind of do. This ideology could not athletes would love to play volleyball for the be further from the truth. Athletic strength University of Nebraska someday, trying to Stand with your feet hip-width distance apart and toes rela- training is complex. It is a combination of joint mimic its strength program with 15 and 16 1 tively straight. Tighten your core by pulling your bellybutton BASE mobility, joint stability, balance, body awareness, year olds will not get you there. in and relaxing your shoulders down and back. Keeping your weight on your heels, squat down as low as your range of mo- DEVELOP BASIC STRENGTH focus, muscular coordination, and exertion. Instead, high school athletes should focus Treating strength workouts as practices on developing the five basic strength patterns tion will allow. AND PRACTICE KEY turns the weight room into a learning environ- that build the foundation for current successes MOVEMENTS TO PREPARE ment where athletes develop concepts, see the and will be the cornerstone for integration into Pause at the bottom to control forces on the knee, and then push into the ground with your feet to rise back up to a full ATHLETES FOR SUCCESS in-game applications of increased strength, ask collegiate athletics. The five basic strength 2 questions, deal with small failures, and make patterns are the full squat, split squat, hinge, standing position. Repeat. By Tony Duckwall • Photos by Megan Stearman progress. A practice-level focus on excellence of upper body push, and upper body pull.

WATCH KIVA ATHLETES DEMONSTRATE THESE MOVEMENTS AT VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM. SPLIT SQUAT Due to repetitive movements, most athletes have one leg that is stronger than the other. Split squats fix that strength imbalance and strengthen the hip muscles, stabilizing the pelvis against rotational forces. This combo aids performance and protects the knees. Split squats are also the basic pattern that must be mastered before doing the Olympic split jerk, a high-level lift used by some collegiate strength coaches. Add external load with a barbell on the front or back of the shoulders or with a plate held above the head.

Stand with your feet hip-width distance apart, toes straight. 1 With your core tight, take a big step forward with your right foot. Keeping shoulders and hips squared straight ahead, drop down to a deep lunge position and pause. Both knees should be at 90 degree angles.

Keeping your knees in alignment with your ankles, feet straight, 2 and weight through your front heel, push into the ground to straighten both legs. Shoulder and hips should remain square and feet should not have moved. Repeat to the end of the rep count and then perform with the opposite foot forward. PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO

20 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 21 TRAINING PROGRAM DETAILS HINGE The hinge is more commonly called the deadlift. This exercise ââ Before using external loads, master the mechanics of each movement with increases ground-force production in a way that simulates jumping. no added weight. It also develops the posterior chain (backside muscles) and corrects any front-to-back strength imbalances caused by seasonal play. ââ Once the movement has been mastered with bodyweight, perform 3 sets of Deadlifts even correct posture and balance hamstring-to-quadriceps 10-12 reps with a moderate external load in a controlled manner. Take one strength, which is a key part of any ACL-protection strategy. The second to raise the weight and two to three to lower. Rest approximately one hinge develops the strength foundation athletes need to explosively minute between sets. perform Olympic lifts, such as the power clean or snatch, once they enter college. ââ To build offseason strength, perform 3-5 sets of each exercise for 5-8 reps with two minutes rest between. When eight reps becomes easy for all sets, Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend down and grasp the gently increase load. 1 bar with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Position the bar close to your shins. Fully extend your elbows, stick your ââ To build preseason power, perform 5 sets of 3-5 reps, raising the weight chest out, and look straight ahead. in a safe but explosive manner and lowering for a two count. Rest is approximately two minutes between sets. Simultaneously extend your hips and straighten your legs to 2 stand up. Keep your back straight and the bar close to your body. ââ The total body can be trained in this manner in 45 minutes or less, making Squeeze your glutes to complete the movement. Reverse the this program effective and time-efficient. movement, pulling your hips back to return the bar to the ground. ââ Training should be done on 2-3 nonconsecutive days a week.

ââ This program can be used by athletes as young as 9, focusing on bodyweight proficiency to establish a base of fitness and muscular coordination.

UPPER BODY PULL

Just like the upper body push, upper UPPER BODY PUSH body pulls can be performed in a The upper body push can be horizontal, like a push-up, or vertical. horizontal or vertical plane. For volleyball For developing volleyball athletes, I prefer vertical pushing. The players, we prefer the vertical pull, in standing shoulder press develops a strong shoulder structure when this case, pull-ups. Pull-ups are great the arms are extended overhead, which strengthens the blocking for developing upper body strength and muscles and injury-proofs the shoulders. shoulder extension. Most young female This movement also sets the groundwork for learning the jerk athletes will need to use an assistance part of the clean and jerk, which is a mainstay in a lot of collegiate band to perform pull-ups, but the goal strength programs. should be to use thinner and thinner To avoid shoulder pain, shrug your shoulders at the top of bands until the athlete is able to perform the movement. Pressing the bar over your head, locking your bodyweight pull-ups unassisted. elbows, and shrugging your shoulders towards the ceiling prevent shoulder impingement. Grasp a pull-up bar with a shoulder- 1 width grip, palms facing away. Hang Proper overhead press form starts by standing with the bar on to a full extension of the elbow joint. 1 the front of your shoulders. Hands should be slightly wider than collarbones, and elbows should be raised. In a controlled manner, with your 2 elbows making a straight line from Press the bar over your head until your elbows are locked and your wrist to shoulders, pull your 2 even with your ears. Don’t use your legs—keep them straight. body up until your chin is over the Lower the bar to your shoulders and repeat. bar. Lower back to a full extension and repeat.

22 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 23 By Mike Miazga

FACTORARIZONA JUNIORS STANDOUT KHALIA LANIER IS TAKING HER DAD’S ADVICE AND PUTTING THE “EXTRA” IN “EXTRAORDINARY”

ARIZONA STORM CLUB STANDOUT Khalia and Volleyball High School Player of the Lanier’s father knows a thing or two about Year Audriana Fitzmorris for this year’s high-level athletics. top honor. Bob Lanier is an NBA Hall of Famer “She makes everybody around her so who enjoyed an outstanding career with the much better,” said Arizona Storm club direc- Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks, both tor Terri Spann, who coaches Lanier at the of which have since retired his number. 18s level. “Khalia is so athletic. She can do But for Khalia Lanier, one of her father’s whatever you put in front of her. She’s an favorite sayings has stuck with her through amazing athlete.” the years: Put the “extra” in “ordinary” and And she’s not a bad volleyball player, you get “extraordinary.” either. The 6'2" Lanier, who touches 10'6", “I’ve learned from my dad’s experience,” gets it done all over the court. “Khalia is an she said. “The words he has to offer mean a explosive hitter who jumps out of the gym. lot to me. He’s helped me with this journey. But one of her best strengths is ball control,” I’ve always tried to take his advice and learn Spann noted. from it.” Lanier, who has been playing the sport To say the least, Lanier has taken her for five years, said a big adjustment for her father’s words to heart and has done a rather in recent times has been with her confidence good job of putting the extra in ordinary. level. “I used to think about errors and now Lanier has impressive resumes at the I’m starting to get over that,” she said. “Terri high school, club, and international levels has these things she calls the ‘7 Cs,’ which are as an outside hitter. In the fall, she’s things such as confidence, competitiveness, headed to USC to continue her career and compatibility. I focus on as many of those as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2016 as I can. I’ve been working on the mental according to Volleyball’s annual Girls’ Fab aspect of the game and trying to strategize 50 poll, which asks an esteemed panel about who is on the other side of the net. I’ve of Division I college coaches to rank the also been working on taking on more of a top recruits in the class. Lanier, also the leadership role, whether it’s high school, club, 2015-2016 Gatorade National Player of or Team USA. I’m working on everything. the Year, edged Kansas juniors standout Everything can always be improved upon.” PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO

24 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 25 ED CHAN ED Today, Spann sees a completely dif- outside hitters in the world championships ferent player. “[Khalia] used to question by the end of the tournament. Stone said herself and say she didn’t know if she two things stood out about Lanier in that could hit around a big block,” Spann particular environment. said. “I would say, ‘You know, you always “First, she is a consummate team can hit over it.’ Now she can hit over and player,” he said. “She would focus on around the block and also can hit the anything that would impact the team in ball anywhere she wants on the court. a positive way. This might be working on She’s not just a volleyball player. She’s an her own game, problem-solving, talking athlete who plays volleyball.” with teammates and coaches, or making Arizona Storm teammate and setter Katie suggestions. What would be in the best Oleksak (a Colorado State signee) noted interests of the team was always at the Lanier brings another all-important aspect to forefront of her thoughts. the table—a great personality. “The second thing is that when in a com- “She’s our jokester,” Oleksak said. “She’s petitive situation, she would battle. Khalia funny and outgoing and fun to be around in has a very strong competitive streak in her. the gym. Khalia always lightens the mood.” The competition was not just the score- Spann agreed. “Khalia is an amazing board. When passing, she would battle the athlete, but her personality constantly shines server. When hitting, she would battle the on the court. She’s a lot of fun to be around, block. She would compete very hard to win and she puts everybody in a good mood. the individual battles inside a point.” That helps team chemistry. We’ve been part Lanier has enjoyed plenty of success of some successful volleyball teams, and over the last four years at Xavier Khalia has helped us because she’s an amaz- College Prep High School in ing volleyball player and she keeps this group Phoenix (where she has of girls very relaxed and makes sure we’re a 4.21 GPA) and with having fun.” her Arizona Storm A more relaxed and interactive team, club. This past Lanier noted, usually means favorable results fall, Lanier, who in the win-loss column. “I know I definitely won a state title can be intense and get frustrated with my- at Xavier as a self,” she said. “It’s so much easier when you sophomore, was are loose and having fun out there.” part of a 34-7 A major eye-opener for Lanier has been team that made her experience in the USA Volleyball it to the state High Performance pipeline. She most final. She’s won a recently played for the U.S. Girls’ pair of USAV Junior

Youth National Team that competed Nationals titles as well. ED CHAN in the FIVB Women’s U18 World After this club season Championship in Peru in August of last ends, Lanier will turn her year. With Lanier’s help, that team ad- attention to her collegiate career at FIVB vanced to the gold-medal match. USC. But it’s not going to be all volleyball “It’s been very beneficial,” Lanier said for Lanier in Los Angeles. my official visit, I was able to hang out with the same core group of players. Instead, there for losing nationals last year. It’s such a College Prep coach Lamar-Renee Bryant of her USAV experience. “It definitely was “I have a different view on everything,” some of the players and got a really good feel Lanier and the likes of longtime team- great group of girls on and off the court. We said. “If she wants to be an Olympian, she humbling at first seeing people in your age said Lanier, who is considering majoring in for the school.” mates Oleksak, Justine Spann, Lauren love playing with each other, and we have has all the tools to do so. She’s going to have range do the same things you do and have something in the medical field (orthopedic But first, Lanier would like to end her Stivrins, Hannah Combs, Willow such great chemistry, and that is what is go- a great career at USC, and it’s going to be a the same skill set or higher. It’s been nice surgery has crossed her mind as a possible ca- club career on a high note. Last summer, Johnson, Kameryn Hill, and Alyssa ing to set us apart.” lot of fun watching her. Khalia is a true gem. learning from other countries and from girls reer path). “I’m going to college not for it to Arizona Storm came within one victory Chisholm will try to win their third Lanier’s long-term goals include playing She’s a six-rotation outside hitter who is a who play your same position.” be all volleyball. I chose USC over my other of the 17s title, which would have meant GJNC gold medal since their 15s season. in the Olympics one day. Whatever route she dynamic attacker from the front row and the GYNT head coach Jim Stone, who is options because it was the best fit for me they’d be playing this year for a chance “We’re extremely motivated this year,” decides to go, however, there’s little doubt back row. She can handle the ball and play the former women’s coach at Ohio State, academically without volleyball being a part to win four USA Open division titles in Lanier said. “We all have the same common she will have success down the road. good defense. She’s one of those one-in-a- labeled Lanier one of the top-performing of it. I’m excited to play for USC. During a row in successive age divisions with goal. We all want to redeem ourselves out “The sky is the limit for her,” Xavier million players.”

26 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 27 50

GIRLS’FAB Orie Agbaji an esteemed panel of Division Iwomen’s coaches Division of panel esteemed an by on voted and Miazga by Mike Compiled 2016 COLLEGE: OhioState Cleveland CLUB: AcademyVolleyball (Massillon, Ohio) HIGH SCHOOL:Jackson POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'3" BROOKE BAILEY COLLEGE: Nebraska CLUB: Mintonette (Dublin, Ohio) HIGH SCHOOL:Coffman POSITION: OH/S HEIGHT: 6'0" HUNTER ATHERTON COLLEGE: Texas CLUB: ClubNorth (Kansas City, Mo.) HIGH SCHOOL:OakPark POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'3" ORIE AGBAJI Tiffany Clark COLLEGE: Texas CLUB: SanAntonioMagic Antonio, Texas) HIGH SCHOOL:Churchill(San POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'1" BUCKINGHAM ABIGAIL COLLEGE: NorthCarolina CLUB: MetroVBC County (Leesburg,Va.) HIGH SCHOOL:Loudoun POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'3" TAYLOR BORUP COLLEGE: Marquette CLUB: MilwaukeeSting (Wis.) HIGH SCHOOL:Cedarburg POSITION: MB HEIGHT: 6'5" ALLIE BARBER COLLEGE: Michigan CLUB: SportsPerformance Academy (Lisle,Ill.) HIGH SCHOOL:Benet POSITION: L HEIGHT: 5'11" TIFFANY CLARK COLLEGE: NorthCarolina CLUB: MetroVBC (Va.) HIGH SCHOOL:PotomacFalls POSITION: S/OH HEIGHT: 6'5" HOLLY CARLTON COLLEGE: Kansas CLUB: Texas Advantage (Texas) HIGH SCHOOL:DeSoto POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'1" JADA BURSE

PHOTO CREDIT COURTESY SPORTS PERFORMANCE

PHOTO CREDIT COLLEGE: UCLA CLUB: Coast (Calif.) HIGH SCHOOL:LaJolla POSITION: MB HEIGHT: 6'3" MADELEINE GATES COLLEGE: Stanford CLUB: Invasion (Lenexa, Kan.) HIGH SCHOOL:St.James POSITION: MB HEIGHT: 6'6" FITZMORRIS AUDRIANA COLLEGE: Kentucky CLUB: LexingtonUnited (Lexington, Ky.) HIGH SCHOOL:P. L.Dunbar POSITION: MB/OH HEIGHT: 6'2" LEAH EDMOND COLLEGE: Wisconsin CLUB: MilwaukeeSting (Wis.) HIGH SCHOOL:EastTroy POSITION: L/OH HEIGHT: 5'10" M. E.DODGE COLLEGE: USC CLUB: Texas Advantage Texas) Episcopal (FortWorth, HIGH SCHOOL:AllSaints POSITION: MB HEIGHT: 6'3" IMANI DAVIS COLLEGE: Kentucky Academy ofTexas CLUB: AbsoluteVolleyball (Missouri City, Texas) HIGH SCHOOL:RidgePoint POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 5'10" CAITLYN COOPER COLLEGE: Purdue CLUB: NorthernLights HIGH SCHOOL:Edina(Minn.) POSITION: L HEIGHT: 5'9" NATALIE HABEN COLLEGE: Florida CLUB: KIVA (Louisville, Ky.) HIGH SCHOOL:Assumption POSITION: L HEIGHT: 5'7" ALLIE GREGORY COLLEGE: Florida CLUB: AustinJrs. Springs (Texas) HIGH SCHOOL:Dripping POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'3" MORGYN GREER COLLEGE: Stanford CLUB: Invasion (Lenexa, Kan.) HIGH SCHOOL:St.James POSITION: S HEIGHT: 6'1" JENNA GRAY Jenna Gray COLLEGE: Florida CLUB: HoustonSkyline (Texas) HIGH SCHOOL:Columbus POSITION: S HEIGHT: 6'2" CHEYENNE HUSKEY COLLEGE: Stanford CLUB: NorthernKentucky Academy (ParkHills,Ky.) HIGH SCHOOL:NotreDame POSITION: OH/L HEIGHT: 5'8" MORGAN HENTZ COLLEGE: Minnesota CLUB: Invasion (Independence, Mo.) HIGH SCHOOL:Truman POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'0" ALEXIS HART COLLEGE: Wisconsin CLUB: SportsPerformance (Wheaton, Ill.) HIGH SCHOOL:St.Francis POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'1" MOLLY HAGGERTY

COURTESY SPORTS PERFORMANCE PLAYERS INTHECLASS TOP 5 5 4 3 2 1 Regan Pittman Orie Agbaji Lauren Stirvins Audriana Fitzmorris Khalia Lanier Molly Haggerty

FAB 2016

Norene Iosia 50GIRLS’ NORENE IOSIA KAYLIN KORTE BRITTANY MCLEAN KATIE KATHRYN PLUMMER JULIA SCOLES TORREY VAN HEIGHT: 5'10" HEIGHT: 6'1" HEIGHT: 6'1" MYERS HEIGHT: 6'6" HEIGHT: 6'1" WINDEN POSITION: S POSITION: OH POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'8" POSITION: S/Opp. POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'3" HIGH SCHOOL: Redondo HIGH SCHOOL: Morris (Ill.) HIGH SCHOOL: Rosemount POSITION: OH/MB HIGH SCHOOL: Aliso Niguel HIGH SCHOOL: South Iredell POSITION: MB/Opp. Union (Redondo Beach, CLUB: 1st Alliance (Minn.) HIGH SCHOOL: (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) (Statesville, N.C.) HIGH SCHOOL: Vintage Calif.) COLLEGE: Illinois CLUB: Northern Lights Westerville (Ohio) CLUB: Tstreet CLUB: Carolina Jrs. (Napa, Calif.) CLUB: Mizuno Long Beach COLLEGE: Minnesota CLUB: Mintonette COLLEGE: Stanford COLLEGE: North Carolina CLUB: Five Starz COLLEGE: Hawaii RACHAEL KRAMER COLLEGE: COLLEGE: UCLA HEIGHT: 6'8" GIA MILANA Maryland JACKIE QUADE MIA SOKOLOWSKI WILLOW JOHNSON POSITION: MB HEIGHT: 6'2" HEIGHT: 6'1" HEIGHT: 6'4" MACKENZI WELSH HEIGHT: 6'3" HIGH SCHOOL: Desert Vista POSITION: OH KATIE POSITION: OH POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'0" POSITION: Opp. (Phoenix, Ariz.) HIGH SCHOOL: Romeo OLEKSAK SCHOOL HIGH UNION REDONDO COURTESY HIGH SCHOOL: Carroll (Fort HIGH SCHOOL: Tucson POSITION: S HIGH SCHOOL: Notre Dame CLUB: Aspire (Mich.) HEIGHT: 5'9" Wayne, Ind.) Magnet (Tucson, Ariz.) HIGH SCHOOL: Plainfield (Phoenix, Ariz.) COLLEGE: Florida CLUB: Oakland Elite POSITION: S CLUB: Munciana CLUB: Zona East (Plainfield, Ill.) CLUB: Arizona Storm COLLEGE: Maryland HIGH SCHOOL: COLLEGE: Illinois COLLEGE: Florida CLUB: Sports Performance COLLEGE: Oregon KHALIA LANIER Sunnyslope COLLEGE: Michigan HEIGHT: 6'2" KYLIE MILLER (Phoenix, Ariz.) JOLIE RASMUSSEN LAUREN STIVRINS MICHAELA KEEFE POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 5'11" CLUB: Arizona HEIGHT: 6'2" HEIGHT: 6'4" BLAIR WESTERLUND HEIGHT: 6'2" HIGH SCHOOL: Xavier College POSITION: S Storm POSITION: OH POSITION: MB HEIGHT: 6'3" POSITION: OH Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) HIGH SCHOOL: Rancho COLLEGE: HIGH SCHOOL: Canyon Crest HIGH SCHOOL: Chaparral POSITION: MB HIGH SCHOOL: Marymount CLUB: Arizona Storm Cucamonga (Calif.) Colorado State Academy (San Diego, Calif.) (Scottsdale, Ariz.) HIGH SCHOOL: Brentwood (Los Angeles, Calif.) COLLEGE: USC CLUB: Forza1 CLUB: Coast CLUB: Arizona Storm Christian (Austin, Texas) CLUB: Sunshine COLLEGE: UCLA REGAN COLLEGE: Oregon COLLEGE: Nebraska CLUB: Austin Jrs. COLLEGE: Stanford MELANIE MCHENRY PITTMAN COLLEGE: Texas HEIGHT: 6'2" MCKENNA MILLER HEIGHT: 6'5" AUTUMN RONIKA STONE DARRIELLE KING POSITION: OH HEIGHT: 6'1" POSITION: MB ROUNSAVILLE HEIGHT: 6'3" KENDALL WHITE Gia Milana HEIGHT: 6'3" HIGH SCHOOL: Speedway POSITION: OH HIGH SCHOOL: St. HEIGHT: 5'5" POSITION: MB HEIGHT: 5'5" POSITION: MB (Ind.) HIGH SCHOOL: Murrieta Thomas Aquinas POSITION: L HIGH SCHOOL: Valley POSITION: L HIGH SCHOOL: DeSoto CLUB: Circle City Valley (Lancaster, Calif.) (Overland Park, Kan.) HIGH SCHOOL: Dripping Christian (San Jose, Calif.) HIGH SCHOOL: Cathedral (Texas) COLLEGE: Louisville CLUB: Forza1 CLUB: KC Power Springs (Texas) CLUB: Vision (Indianapolis, Ind.) CLUB: Texas Advantage COLLEGE: BYU COLLEGE: Minnesota CLUB: Austin Performance COLLEGE: Oregon CLUB: Munciana COLLEGE: Florida COLLEGE: Texas COLLEGE: Penn State

Ronika Stone PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO MADDIE ELAINE PHOTOGRAPHY Kathryn Plummer

30 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 31 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 31 Regan Pittman 2016 25 UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

PRESLIE ANDERSON | 6'3" | MB | Jr. | CHESNEY MCCLELLAN | 6'4" | MB | Jr. | Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) | Aspire | Cal Bearden (Knoxville, Tenn.) | K2 | Nebraska

BROOKE BOTKIN | 6'2" | OH/S | Jr. | JENNIFER MOSSER | 5'11" | OH | Jr. | Pearland (Texas) | Absolute Volleyball Lakeville South (Lakeville, Minn.) | MN Academy of Texas | USC Select | UCLA

LAUREN FORTE | 6'4" | MB | Jr. | Corona del DANA RETTKE | 6'7" | MB | Jr. | Riverside Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) | Aspire | Cal Brookfield (Riverside, Ill.) | 1st Alliance | Wisconsin PAIGE HAMMONS | 6'2" | OH | Jr. | Sacred Heart (Louisville, Ky.) | KIVA | Florida STEPHANIE SAMEDY | 6'2" | OH/MB | Jr. | East Ridge (Clermont, Fla.) | Top Select | SYDNEY HILLEY | 6'0" | S/OH | Jr. | Minnesota Champlin Park (Champlin, Minn.) | MN Select | Wisconsin LAUREN SANDERS | 6'5" | MB | Jr. | Glacier Peak (Snohomish, Wash.) | Washington KAITLYN HORD | 6'3" | MB | Soph. | Henry Volleyball Academy | Washington Clay (Lexington, Ky.) | Lexington United | Undecided ASHLEY SHOOK | 6'1" | S | Jr. | Plainfield Central (Plainfield, Ill.) | MADISON LILLEY | 5'11" | S | Jr. | Blue Sports Performance | Texas Valley West (Overland Park, Kan.) | KC Power | Kentucky LEXI SUN | 6'2" | OH | Jr. | Santa Fe Christian (Solana Beach, Calif.) | Coast | GRACE LOBERG | 6'2" | OH | Jr. | Texas Geneva (Ill.) | Club Fusion | Wisconsin AYANNA SWAN | 6'2" | OH | Jr. | Mills JASMYN MARTIN | 6'3" | OH | Jr. | Hopkins E. Godwin (Richmond, Va.) | Richmond (Minnetonka, Minn.) | MN Select | Volleyball Club | Ohio State Minnesota JAZZ SWEET | 6'3" | Opp. | Jr. | CAMI MAY | 6'3" | MB | Jr. | Cinco Ranch Shawnee Heights (Tecumseh, Kan.) | (Katy, Texas) | Houston Jrs. | Penn State Topeka Impact | Nebraska

Brie Orr CREDIT PHOTO

32 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 our players. coaching staff, who racked their brains Four concussions. to find out why their players suf- One tough season. fered an unprecedented number of Approximately “It never crossed my concussions this season. mind that I’d have a season “I asked if we had one drill with four concussions,” that was more dangerous than 455 concussions are reported said Damian Elder, head another,” said Amos Mansfield, annually in collegiate coach of the women’s volleyball team at Mercer’s director of sports medi- women’s volleyball. FMercer University. “I think in three prior cine. “Did we run two lines of seasons we had two concussions. You expect players spiking and killing the ball? one a season … but four concussions are Did players have to dodge other balls unheard of.” while they were playing?” Not anymore. Elder said no—none of his play- Not for the Mercer Bear’s volleyball ers had suffered concussions The concussion rate team of Macon, Georgia, which became during practice drills. among women’s “hyper-vigilant” about these traumatic “And none [of the concus- collegiate volleyball players is brain injuries after more than one-third of sions] came from the ground its players suffered concussions during the or running into a player, 2015 season. pole, or table,” said Elder, 3.57 per 10,000 athletic “We erred on the side of caution,” said who didn’t want to identify exposures (games and Elder, who is adamant that everyone in the his injured players for privacy practices combined). volleyball community understand the dan- reasons. “All were caused by ball gers posed by these injuries and the protocols contact to the head.” to follow when a player has a concussion. “If The first concussion happened during a a player got hit near the chest, shoulder, or match on August 29 when an outside hitter head, I was like, ‘You’re out.’ ” went up for a block and the ball smacked Volleyball talked to other coaches, players, into her head. and concussion experts nationwide who “She almost immediately had significant share Elder’s concerns about these brain- symptoms,” Elder said. “She was nauseous changing injuries. and threw up.” Although volleyball has a low incident The next day, another Mercer player rate of concussions—about 455 annually suffered a concussion. This time, the ball by collegiate players—these forceful blows ricocheted into the libero’s head after a that cause the brain to bounce around in dig. “She’s our second best player, and the skull can have severe consequences in she gets injured in the very next match,” the short and long term. Elder said. The “When [concussions] occur, they can But Mercer’s rash of bad luck wasn’t indeed have serious ramifications,” said Dr. over yet. William Briner, chair of USA Volleyball’s In September, the team’s setter suffered Concussion Sports Medicine and Performance a concussion when she went for a dig dur- Commission, “and they may be harder for ing a scrimmage and the ball nailed her Conversation female athletes to recover from. So it’s im- in the head. portant to recognize them.” Although most of the buzz about Veteran high school volleyball coach Liz traumatic brain injuries in athletics Bohl agreed. “Concussions are very serious WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? and should be treated as serious injuries,” A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, revolves around football, volleyball said the varsity coach at Bloomer High blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head athletes are also at risk School in Wisconsin. “[Coaches] have a and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement responsibility to be aware of these injuries. can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, BY LISA WADE MCCORMICK We’re talking about someone’s brain.” stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical Those risks struck a personal and wor- changes in the brain. SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION LIGHTSPRING/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM CREDIT PHOTO risome cord with the members of Mercer’s

34 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 35 1. immediately removed from play; Mansfield and his staff never rush athletes CONCUSSION SIGNS 2. evaluated by a trainer or medical with concussions to get back in the game. OBSERVED BY COACHES/ professional; and “We know athletes don’t want to sit TRAINERS 3. removed from play for the day if the out,” Mansfield said. “But concussions concussion is confirmed. are injuries that take time to heal. If we ❚❚ Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall “Our policy is that athletes [with concus- don’t give players time to heal, they’re sions] see a physician within 24 hours of the likely to have more concussions and more ❚❚ Appears dazed or stunned incident,” said Mercer Director of Medicine severe issues.” ❚❚ Forgets an instruction, is confused Mansfield. “We also talk to the players and Some volleyball players who have a history about an assignment or position, their roommates about concussion signs of concussions now include protective head- or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent and symptoms. ” gear in their safety protocols. When players are symptom-free, they Players like Wisconsin high school junior ❚❚ Moves clumsily can start the return-to-play protocols. But Krystina Seibel, who has suffered three ❚❚ Answers questions slowly concussions in basketball and one in vol- ❚❚ Loses consciousness (even briefly) leyball since eighth grade. Krystina said the ❚❚ Shows mood, behavior, or headgear gives her an added sense of security. personality changes “Before I had this [headgear], I was

hesitant; I was scared that I’d get another

concussion,” said the 5'7" Bloomer High School libero and setter. “But this made me CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS feel safer. I wasn’t scared anymore. It gave REPORTED BY PLAYERS me the feeling of having an extra cushion on Ball contact or Wisconsin high school junior Krystina Seibel ❚❚ Headache or “pressure” in head surface contact caused my head.” suffered four concussions playing volleyball and ❚❚ Nausea or vomiting more concussions in basketball and now wears Gamebreaker headgear. Krystina and her parents readily admit women’s volleyball than the Gamebreaker headgear won’t prevent ❚❚ Balance problems, dizziness, player-to-player contact. the scrappy multi-sport athlete from having or double/blurry vision The Bears now had three starters with “The last thing I want to happen is for another concussion. ❚❚ Bothered by light or noise concussions—and they were only three a player who may have a concussion to go “But it helps absorb the impact,” said ❚❚ Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, weeks into the season. “It was like [concus- through the rest of practice and put them- CONCUSSION PROTOCOLS Kevin Seibel, Krystina’s father. or groggy sions] were picking off people crucial to our selves at risk.” Coaches who suspect a player Bohl, who is Krystina’s high school coach, ❚❚ Confusion or concentration or success,” Elder said. Elder said his players also have a has a concussion should take the supports the junior’s decision to wear the memory problems following steps. The concussion curse struck Elder’s heightened understanding of concussions headgear. She also understands the light- ❚❚ Just not “feeling right” or team one more time. During a practice in and are more willing to self-report a pos- Remove the athlete from play. weight helmet won’t stop her player from “feeling down” October, a ball drilled one of the middles in sible head injury. ❶❶ suffering another traumatic blow to the brain. the head as she went for a block. “By our fourth concussion, everyone on ❷ Ensure the player is evaluated by an “But it makes her feel safer,” Bohl said. “By the fourth concussion, it was clear the team was comfortable with someone who ❷appropriate health-care professional. “She’s a player who sacrifices her body for to me [which injuries] might turn into a got hit saying: ‘I don’t want to take a chance’ If the player isn’t sent for immediate sports, and this [headgear] was a good fit for concussion,” Elder said. “The way a player and taking themselves out of a match.” medical attention, a responsible her. She wasn’t so hyper-aware of the pos- There is a higher rate lands, their head movement and manner- Concussion awareness, however, starts early adult must continually observe the sibility of getting another concussion.” of concussions in isms. I’m definitely more educated [about women’s collegiate for all athletes at Mercer—not just those in athlete. Never leave a player with a The NCAA, however, doesn’t allow play- concussions] and aware of the moments that sports than men’s. the increasingly fast-paced sport of volley- suspected concussion alone. ers to wear protective headgear. they may happen.” ball, where balls are hit with tremendous “There is no evidence that this use of Has that increased concussion awareness force and intensity, players dive on the floor, ❸❸Inform the player’s parents or such headgear actually prevents concus- changed his coaching philosophy? and teammates often collide. guardians about the possible sions,” said NCAA spokesman Christopher “I’m not going to change the way I prac- At the beginning of every season, this concussion and give them Radford. “Furthermore, there is some tice, but I’m definitely going to be absolutely Division I school requires all varsity athletes information about the injury. evidence to suggest that when allowed to aware of every single ball that hits a player’s to take a baseline concussion test that wear headgear, athletes will become more Keep the player out of play the day chin, shoulder, or head,” said Elder, whose The overall injury measures their verbal and visual memory, ❹ aggressive in their play, which actually ❹of the injury and until a health- team finished the season 10-19. “Even with a rate was significantly processing speed, and reaction time. increases their risk of injury.” care professional with experience glancing blow, I’m going to stop practice and higher among collegiate If a player suffers a blow to the head—or He added: “There are no available safety in evaluating concussions says the make sure our athletic trainer goes through volleyball players than the coaches or staff notices any signs of a standards to guide the manufacturing and high school players. But athlete is symptom-free and can the [concussion] checklist. concussion—the athlete is: performance of helmets that may be used in the concussion rates were start the return-to-play protocols. about the same. 36 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 37 Krystina Seibel with her Bloomer High School teammates. TIMES CHANGE.

More concussions occur during competition than in practice. PASSION DOESN’T.

The overall rate of concussions appears to be increasing, but some experts wonder if that uptick is due to better reporting.

the sport of volleyball. This is an additional his product and its use in volleyball. “I’m never going to allow any [player that impediment to their adoption.” “Our headgear doesn’t prevent concus- gets hit] near the head to go unchecked or The NAIA doesn’t allow volleyball players sions,” Mike Juels said. “No one can unnoticed,” Elder said. to wear headgear, either. make that claim. It would be misleading. He encourages other volleyball coaches at USA Volleyball says players can wear “a “But we believe our product is reduc- the high school and collegiate levels to follow Jordan Larson foam helmet or headgear,” but that decision ing the risk and severity of [concussions]. his lead. Lloy Ball Present Flo Hyman comes with a warning. And we’ve never had anyone wearing our “I hope coaches lean toward care first— 1983

“The wearing of this type of protec- headgear while playing volleyball say they’ve instead of play first,” he said. “I also hope Karch Kiraly Tara Cross-Battle tive gear does not guarantee to prevent suffered a concussion.” everyone from administrators down under- injury,” said Margie Mara, senior director Mercer’s head coach has already developed a stands that concussions are serious and they of USA Volleyball. strategy for next season to reduce the number shouldn’t test the theory [with concussions] Mike Juels, founder and CEO of of concussions among his players and protect that nothing is wrong. Gamebreaker headgear, however, defends them from the dangers posed by these injuries. “We need to take concussions seriously.” As former coaches and players, we know passion. Since 1976, our passion has pushed us to re-write the old standards for quality, reliability and safety. It challenged us to create the best net systems in the world. Virtually indestructible and made with the lightest, strongest material available, Concussion Advice our systems are guaranteed for life. And when coaches choose Sports Imports, For PLAYERS For PARENTS For COACHES they leave a legacy that will be at the center of championships for years to come. ➤➤ Know the symptoms. ➤➤ Learn the symptoms. ➤➤ Learn to recognize the signs of a To get the right height and the right tension every time, call us at 800-556-3198. concussion. ➤➤ Self-report any signs. ➤➤ Take these injuries seriously. ➤➤ Remove athletes from play if they show ➤➤ Don’t keep playing. You’re not doing ➤➤ Have any signs of concussion signs of a concussion. your team any favors, and you’re immediately evaluated by a trainer or putting your health at risk. doctor. ➤➤ Give athletes time to rest and recover.

➤➤ Watch out for your teammates. Players ➤➤ Don’t let children talk you out of ➤➤ Pay attention to the physical and who see a teammate struggling should seeking help. It’s not uncommon for emotional side of the athlete’s recovery. immediately alert a coach or trainer. children to say they’re fine—even when Concussions can be stressful for they aren’t. athletes. Their grades can fall, and they might need additional academic support. CREDIT PHOTO

38 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016

Photos provided by LSU SID, USAV, Kirby Lee, Kent Horner and USAV/Jordan Murph. NCAA is a trademark of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. KARCH’S BIG

DILEMMABefore the Rio Olympics in August, women’s national team head coach Karch Kiraly will have to choose which of his three all-star opposites stays home

By Jack Hamann FIVB PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO

40 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 41 Kelly Murphy sat alone. matches of the 2015 NORCECA Continental took a combined 105 swings in back-to- It was just before noon. Murphy was in Championship and all three matches of the back losses to Brazil. Anaheim, where she and other volleyball 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualifier. USA With such a wealth of right-side talent, USA athletes had just completed the first morning went undefeated in both tournaments, and tries to use at least two opposites every set in a of the first training session of the four-year Fawcett was named MVP each time. variation of the traditional 6-1 offense known period known as the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Three world-class opposites. Two avail- as the double-sub. Kiraly pulls the starting op- quad. Although Murphy had been a three- able roster spots for Rio. One delicious posite when she rotates back for what would be time AVCA All-American at Florida and the dilemma for Kiraly and his staff. her second serving rotation and inserts a substi- former Gatorade National High School “Our coaches say all the time that they tute setter. At the same time, the starting setter Player of the Year, she barely knew her fellow have a tough job,” said Olympic veteran setter is taken out for a replacement opposite. The U.S. National Team hopefuls. A tad shy and Courtney Thompson. “I think the oppo- substitute setter and opposite remain in for only a bit overwhelmed, Murphy retreated to the site position, in particular, is making it really three service rotations, giving USA nine straight players’ lounge and ate lunch by herself. tough for them. You can make a case to take rotations with three front-row hitters. “There was such a big group of new any two. You can make a case to start any one.” “Double-sub is one of the most difficult people,” she remembered. “The coaches were “I would not want to be Karch,” said Lowe. jobs on the court,” said Fawcett, “because really focused on starting from the bottom Left-side pin hitters must serve, pass, hit, you’re going in cold, and you have to make and slowly teaching us how they wanted block, and dig. Opposites, on the right, rarely stuff happen immediately. You do your job USA Volleyball to play.” need to pass or dig, and spend three rotations and you sub out after those three rotations. That methodical approach suited Murphy, on the bench. “For opposites,” said Fawcett, End of discussion. Then you wait and do it whose shyness soon slipped away. The 6'2" “the main objective is to be a big hitter.” again for the next set.” left-handed opposite became a national team For USA and other elite programs, Although Murphy, Lowe, and Fawcett Kmainstay, leading the team in scoring dur- that means being the go-to attacker even all say they prefer to start, each is surpris- ing both the 2013 and 2014 international when the setter has to scramble for a bad ingly enthusiastic when called upon to seasons. That second summer, she started pass. “We get a lot of out-of-system balls,” double sub, especially when Thompson is on the first USA team ever to win the FIVB said Lowe. All three opposites have had the setter. “[Courtney and I] have a special Women’s World Championship. With matches in which they’ve averaged more bond,” said Lowe, who served as the dou- From left: Kelly Murphy, Karsta Lowe, Nicole Fawcett. both opposites from the London Olympic than seven attempts per set. Last summer, ble sub with Thompson at the NORCECA roster (Destinee Hooker and Tayyiba Fawcett had 36 swings in four sets against Olympic Qualifier in Lincoln, Nebraska. Haneef-Park) no longer in the USA gym, the Dominican Republic. Lowe had 38 in “It was fun. You get pumped up for a short Teamed with Thompson in Lincoln, Lowe “I’ve become more of an aggressive hitter,” no matter if she’s starting and I’m not, or Murphy’s path to Rio seemed clear. four sets against Russia. In 2014, Murphy time, and you do everything you can.” tallied a combined 22 kills and not a single said Fawcett. “With that comes a higher risk. vice versa. She’s the team sweetheart. But in 2015, at the start of the quad’s third hitting error in 34 attempts (.647) over I’ll make some errors, but I know the payoff “[Nic and I], by the end of last summer, summer, a new right-side hitter walked into less than 10 serving rotations. in the long run. If it comes down and the I feel like we’d bonded. She gives me really the gym. Karsta Lowe, fresh out of UCLA, NICOLE FAWCETT KELLY MURPHY KARSTA LOWE Thompson tends to set her double-sub game is on the line and you need someone to good feedback. If I’m in the game and she’s

was two inches taller, two years younger, and, Birth Year 1986 1989 1993 partner every chance she gets. swing, I’m gonna swing.” not, she’s showing me what I can do better.” like Murphy, a strong southpaw. In her very first “You know that if Courtney says we’re “I would rather have somebody who I “We push each other,” said Fawcett. “We Hometown Zanesfield, OH Wilmington, IL Rancho Santa Fe, CA match wearing a USA uniform, Lowe was the doin’ it, we’re doin’ it,” said Fawcett. “That’s know is gonna take the hardest, best shot have absolutely the most respect for one an- leading scorer with 16 points in a 3-0 sweep of Height 6'4" 6'2" 6'4" always such a big game-changer.” at the ball than someone who’s gonna other. We’re happy for each other. Obviously, China. When USA won the 2015 World Grand Dominant Hand right left left “When you have a threat on the opposite,” act nervous and and play it safe,” said we all want to go to the Olympics. But Prix, Lowe was named the grueling month-long College Penn State Florida UCLA said Thompson, “it just opens everything. Murphy. “Because, more likely, you’re you’ve just got to play as hard as you can, tournament’s Most Valuable Player. She was First Team All-American ’06, ’07, ’08 ’10, ’11 ’14 When our opposites hit fast, it’s really tough gonna lose games by tipping and playing it knowing that choice is up to Karch.” USA’s leading scorer in her rookie year, averag- for opposing middles to help on the block. And safe. We play to win instead of playing not “At the end of the day,” said Murphy, “we NCAA Championship ’07, ’08 N/A ’11 ing 3.28 kills per set. Suddenly, Murphy’s Rio then the middle’s open, and I commit more on to lose.” want Team USA to be the best team in the prospects were no longer a lock. Joined National Team June 2009 April 2013 May 2015 that. Then that opens up the left side.” All three opposites know that one of them world, regardless who is out there on the floor. Last August, the 2015 World Cup in Japan Team USA Caps 129 80 34 All three opposites praise Kiraly for his daily will be at home this August, watching the If we can push each other to get better, and offered the top two finishers the first two Olympics N/A N/A N/A mantra: “Let it rip.” He wants his hitters to Olympics on TV. When Lowe first joined help the team in any way possible, that’s cool. Olympic bids. Head coach Karch Kiraly left World Championships ’14 ’14 N/A stay aggressive, even when a set or match is on the team, she assumed the competition Even if one of us isn’t on the roster, we know Murphy at home, teaming Lowe with veteran the line. “I love that,” says Lowe. “I love that would be cutthroat, both on and off the we played a part in the team’s success. That’s World Cup ’15 N/A ’15 opposite Nicole Fawcett. USA finished third, our team motto is not being scared in pressure court. “It may sound cliché, but that truly very important for our culture as a team. We ’16 (MVP), ’15 (MVP), going 5-0 in matches started by Fawcett (against NORCECA ’13 ’13 (MVP) ’15 situations. Be that clutch player. Know you can does not happen on this team,” she said. all want to be out there, but that’s just not how generally lower-ranked competition), and 4-2 in swing away and people will cover the block. “People who are 100 percent competing it’s gonna be. So we have to find a way to work World Grand Prix ’09, ’10, ’13, ’15 ’13, ’14, ’15 ’15 (MVP) matches started by Lowe (with losses to Serbia It means you can stay in the flow, even when for the same spot are friends, hanging out. together and push each other. I think that Current Pro Club Novara, Italy Argeo, Japan Busto Arsizio, Italy and Russia). Fawcett went on to start all five things get tight.” Kelly’s always treated me with kindness, we’ve done a really good job of that so far.”

42 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 43 MAKE WAY for

By Dan D’Arpe ITALIAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL STAR MARTA MENEGATTI GOT A TASTE OF MartaGOLD AT THE 2015 SOCHI OPEN AND SHE’S HUNGRY FOR MORE IN 2016 When one thinks of sports in Italy, various ball tournament. I earned silver and immedi- VBM: What was it like to win your first gold images come to mind: thousands of avid ately after was selected for the junior national medal at the 2015 Sochi Open in Russia? fans cheering their local soccer teams, skiers team, and I started to play in the European and rushing down the Apennine Mountains at World Youth Championships every summer. MM: Gold in Sochi will no doubt remain breakneck speeds, and surfers diving head- a milestone—not only in the history of long into crisp, blue Mediterranean waters. VBM: This year has been a resounding suc- Italian beach volleyball, but also in the A few years ago, beach volleyball would not cess for you and Viktoria. Gold in Sochi, history of Marta and Viki. The emotion of have been included on such a list, but that is dominance on the leaderboards, and forging a winning gold has been huge. It was such quickly changing. The sport has swept the trail to Rio. What has the year meant to you? an achievement and a way to find ourselves country, due in large part to the efforts of two again after a very difficult and compli- athletes on a mission. Marta Menegatti and MM: Yes, 2015 was for Vicky and me a year of cated period. her partner Viktoria Orsi Toth have domi- tremendous personal and professional achieve- nated the international leaderboards, finding ments. It was our second season together and VBM: Every athlete has their mind on Rio tremendous success on their path to the 2016 also marked the return of my longtime (and right now. How do you stay grounded and Olympics. Recently, Menegatti sat down to always) coach, Lissandro Carvalho. All of us avoid getting overwhelmed by all the antici- talk about the past year, her thoughts on the had a very clear focus: qualify for the Olympic pation and excitement? sport’s growth, and her hopes for the future. Games in Rio de Janeiro. We started out well, earning bronze in the first Grand Slam and MM: Rio is still months away, although VBM: What initially drew you to beach making excellent progress in the Olympic every day goes by quickly. The important volleyball? Qualification. In the middle of the season, thing for us, looking forward, is to [focus] we had a drop in our performance, which, our energies in the right direction—walk- MM: Before playing as a beacher, I was an combined with some of my various injuries, ing step by step without thinking of all the indoor volleyball player, which I started to prevented us from playing in the final leg expectations, especially the ones we have for play at 14 after leaving home to fully commit of the European Championship. Although ourselves. Those are the most dangerous. to practice. I practiced volleyball for 10 years disappointing, we started out again with fresh before giving myself to the sand fully. I was still strength and determination, medaling in the VBM: Volleyball, and beach volleyball in quite young when I was selected to play in the last three tournaments of the year and gather- particular, is prospering all around the Trophy of the Regions, my first beach volley- ing some important points toward Rio. globe. Here in the U.S., beach volley- W44 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 45 Replay From October 1999

Focus Led Kiraly to Greatness By Mike Dodd

You could say we chose this “Replay” article by Mike Dodd, which celebrates the extraor- On the national team, when ROBERT BECK dinary career of Karch Kiraly after he won his 140th title and displaced Sinjin Smith as we were all about 23 or 24, we were a wild the winningest player of all time, in honor of the Pac-12 naming Kiraly its Player of the bunch of guys. I remember taking our first Century (see page 16). But let’s be honest: It’s never a bad time for a Karch throwback. road trip. We flew on this big Japanese air- Meet Marta This glowing tribute from one of Kiraly’s peers, competitors, and former teammates gives liner, and we partied the entire way. When BIRTHDATE: August 16, 1990 a glimpse into the greatest player ever to set foot on the sand—who just happens to be we got to our very first team meeting the HOMETOWN: Ariano Polesine, Rovigo the same guy who will fearlessly lead our women’s national team into battle at the Rio next morning, our coach, Doug Beal, gave us SPONSORS: Red Bull, Mikasa, smart Olympics in August. the player handbook, and we saw that we’d PARTNER: Viktoria Orsi Toth (since July broken every single rule on the flight over. 2013) For a couple of years, we all had a lot of FIRST SENIOR FIVB EVENT: Barcelona Open IF YOU LOOK BACK at the gold medals in could stand here today and say they weren’t fun. But then Karch said, “You know what? 2009 (finished 13th) the Olympics and think about all the guys better because of his presence. I can’t do this anymore.” I guess everybody BEST GRAND SLAM FINISH: Silver, Sao who came up at the same time, we had may- Another trademark of Karch is his ability realizes that at a certain point, even The Paulo 2014 be the greatest single generation of volleyball to come through when it counts. I remember Hov. But Karch realized it sooner than the BEST OPEN FINISH: Gold, Sochi 2015 players of any country. Ever. And Karch is one of the Cuervo Gold Crowns. Karch and rest of us. BEST OLYMPIC FINISH: Fifth, London 2012 (with Greta Cicolari) the crown prince of our generation. Kent were playing Brian Lewis and Mike The thing is, Karch thinks through every-

FIVB The first thing I wonder is how many Whitmarsh in the finals, and they really thing he does, whether it’s cleaning the ga- Open titles he gave up while leading our in- weren’t playing all that well. Whit and Lewy rage or practicing volleyball. Knowing him door team in the ’80s. To put this record in were unconscious, but Karch and Kent were as a player, I can only imagine what his files ball was officially [Viktoria] joined the national team. We start- perspective, that has to be considered. Karch just hanging tough. On one play, Lewy had are like at home, how he does his bills—all recognized at the ed to play together in July 2013, and since has 140, and he’s probably going to get more. a really nice set in transition. It was either those little things that he’s so precise about. collegiate level, and then, we have really made crazy improve- But he left at least a hundred at the gate. for the match or for a 14-11 lead, I can’t re- The only time Karch really shows his the sport is grow- ments, both as individuals and as a team. In my mind, there’s no doubt he’s by far member. Lewy just absolutely ripped it cross emotions is when he talks about Janna ing in Italy as well. the greatest beach player ever. I think he’s court. Against anybody else, that would have and the boys. At tournaments like King of How does it feel to VBM: When you step on the sand, what goes the greatest volleyball player to ever play, in- been it. But Karch got his hands up and the Beach, Karch and I just hang around witness the sport’s through your mind? At such moments, what doors or beach. If you know the history—if made the dig. And it wasn’t so much the dig the pool and play with our kids. His boys, growth in your own does beach volleyball mean to you? you know what’s gone down—you just have that was unbelievable. It was the timing of it. Kristian and Kory, are wonderfully polite, country and to be at that much more respect for him and what I just remember sitting there, watching him and you can see the love and admiration they the forefront of that MM: Before playing, it’s like I transform my- he’s accomplished. make that play and saying: “That’s Karch.” I have for their dad. expansion? self into a warrior. Every challenge for me is How many wins would he have if he’d mean, Lewy hit the ball so hard. But Karch I think this record is big for Karch a battle. Perhaps the most fascinating thing been at the beach full time? You can’t be made the play, and he and Kent went on to because he deserves it. But it’s important FIVB MM: Beach volley- is recognizing what weapons you have on a sure, because Smith and Stokie were a darn win the tournament. to remember that back in the early days of ball has had impres- case by case situation, and realizing when good team and Hov and I were darn good, Making plays like that is more mental beach volleyball, there were many fewer sive growth in [Italy], even compared with MM: Beach volleyball is more than slim and you still haven’t got the right ammunition too. But he’d have a solid 50 more, that’s than physical. Guys like Karch know when tournaments. Ron Von Hagen had 62 Open other European countries such as Germany, athletic bodies on the sand. It is a heavy sport— for the task. If you want to win the battle, for sure. one play is going to decide a match. Jordan victories in an era when you played seven a Holland, Switzerland, and Austria—all of both physically and mentally. It requires an you have to get excited, think, and invent to I think one of the real benchmarks of hits the shot. Magic leads the fast break. It’s summer. What’s greater? I think 62 at that which are further along than us in terms of incredible amount of adjustment—to the wind, find the right solutions. greatness is when a player makes other that one play, that one transition that turns time might be equivalent to 140 now. investment in and popularity [of the sport]. rain, and extreme temperatures. Managing emo- players better. Early on, before he hooked the tide. I have 75 Open wins, and Matt Gage had Being one of the players who did so much tions and staying mentally cool are essential, as VBM: What goals do you have for the future? up with Randy, Sinjin made a lot of very Karch’s ability to focus is almost mind 28. Who deserves a higher ranking in the to raise the awareness of this sport in Italy well as having confidence in your partner. mediocre players look really good. I think I boggling. We call him the computer. A lot of annals of volleyball history? I have it, but it’s makes me proud and pushes me toward a MM: My goal is always the same: to pursue made players a little better, and so did Hov times, he’d sit in the players’ tent for an hour not necessarily fair. relentless pursuit of improvement. VBM: What is your partnership with excellence in both body and mind. The and Stokie. But no one has done that better without moving. Just in his chair, looking But my hat goes off to Karch. It’s been a Viktoria like? result on the court is only a single conse- than Karch. straight ahead. I can’t help but think that privilege to play in this era. It was fun for me VBM: There are still many people that don’t quence, because as my coach says, “If you That goes for indoor, too. Was Craig Buck wasn’t much fun. I mean, he could have been to compete with and against him and fun to view beach volleyball as a serious sport. MM: I met Viki in 2010 when I was playing perform a good preparation, you have fun in better because of Karch Kiraly? No doubt out talking to people, running around, doing watch him play. It’s been 20 years that none How do you respond to that way of thinking? on the World Tour with [Greta Cicolari] and the execution.” about it. Nobody on those gold-medal teams stuff. But that’s the way he has always been. of us will ever forget.

46 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 March/April 2016 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | 47 AAspike151231.pdf 1 12/31/15 8:52 AM

VBM MATCH POINT

CMY

DOWN THE LINE BYU outside hitter Jake Langlois challenges the block set by Long Beach State’s Josh Tuaniga and Taylor Gregory. Langlois had 16 kills in the Cougars’ four-set defeat of the 49ers on January 22.

Photo by Ed Chan CREDIT PHOTO

48 | VOLLEYBALLMAG.COM | March/April 2016 THE ONLY VOLLEYBALLS THE WORLD WILL BE USING.

Official Ball of the FIVB mikasasports.com Follow Us #MikasaWorld

Mikasa_World_4Volleyball_1_16final.indd 1 2/2/16 11:51 AM