The U.S. men’s volleyball team is gearing up for a show of strength and skill in the Olympics Qualifier. The tournament will begin on September 30 in Tokyo and will become the site of intense competition among the world’s top eight volleyball teams of the world. Interestingly, the formidable lineup in the US team has 10 former Olympians, making it a force to be reckoned with.

One such veteran volleyball star is Matt Anderson, who has been a key player for the U.S. team for more than a decade. His presence on the team has been attributed to a more dynamic playstyle. Anderson consistently delivers powerful spikes and precise serves, but now the 36-year-old is entering the twilight years of his career.

USA volleyball veteran hints at retirement post 2024 Olympics

Matt Anderson is hyped for his return to Tokyo, which was the venue for the tragic end of the team’s bid for gold during the 2020 Olympics. Now, he has taken the leadership role and shaped the team for Olympic glory.

The stakes are high for him as 2024 Paris will be his last elite international volleyball game. The West Seneca native spoke about his plan to retire from the sport in an NBC Sport interview, saying, “Paris 2024 would be a great end to my career”. As a devoted American athlete, he has already represented the country in the Olympics three times in 2012, 2016, 2020.

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He did not want to speak about the “end because then I get emotional”, added Anderson. Instead, he wanted to practice his own motto of “Seek fulfillment, not happiness” and concentrate on the brighter side of things.

His family, including his two children, would be there to cheer for him in the remainder of his competitions. Matt Anderson hopes to capitalize on this support and his extensive experience to lead the team to victory in Paris. But that does not mean that the iconic volleyball star is without a fluttering feeling in his stomach.

Matt Anderson excited for the future

Unveiling his excitement, Anderson said, “It’s always a goosebumps type of honor to play for America. It’s the Olympics. Everyone is excited for it…”. He hopes to bask in the golden glow of Paris and make his country proud.

Furthermore, he appreciates the opportunity to showcase his skills before a global audience who knows the athletes only from their performances in the competitions. But there is more to them that comes out in the behind-the-scenes practice sessions. The Olympics is an excellent way of showcasing the real personalities of the athletes, as the media coverage is often more wholesome.

Read More: 26-Year-Old USA Volleyball Dynamo Stresses the Cruciality for the Make-or-Break 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers

Matt Anderson has reached a crucial juncture in their volleyball career. He has only just begun to write his story on the heavy tomes of the sport all over again. The Olympic victory will be a perfect end to his long and illustrious saga and forge his legacy in golden letters.

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