I think Hancock will be starter at least until they give up on her during the tournament
If Hancock is the starter....
I'm taking the JLP route and taking my talents to China
I think Hancock will be starter at least until they give up on her during the tournament
If Hancock is the starter....
I'm taking the JLP route and taking my talents to China
Display MoreThe olympic roster was announced.... NO CARLINI
1 Micha Hancock (S, 5-11, Edmond, Okla., Penn State Univ.)
2 Jordyn Poulter (S, 6-2, Aurora, Colo., Univ. of Illinois)
4 Justine Wong Orantes (L, 5-6, Cypress, Calif., Univ. of Nebraska)
10 Jordan Larson (OH, 6-2, Hooper, Neb., Univ. of Nebraska)
11 Annie Drews (OPP, 6-4, Elkhart, Ind., Purdue Univ.)
12 Jordan Thompson (OPP, 6-4, Edina, Minn., Univ. of Cincinnati)
14 Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (OH, 6-3, Champaign, Ill., Univ. of Illinois)
15 Kim Hill (OH, 6-4, Portland, Ore., Pepperdine, Univ.)
16 Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson (M, 6-3, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Stanford Univ.)
22 Haleigh Washington (M, 6-3, Colorado Springs, Colo., Penn State Univ.)
23 Kelsey Robinson (OH, 6-2, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Univ. of Nebraska)
24 Chiaka Ogbogu (M, 6-2, Coppell, Texas, Univ. of Texas)
USA's Olympic roster from 2016 Rio compared to 2021 Tokyo:
Setters: Alisha Glass, Carli Lloyd, Courtney Thompson Micha Hancock, Jordyn Poulter
Opps: Kelly Murphy, Karsta Lowe, Annie Drews, Jordan Thompson
OHs: Jordan Larson, Kimberly Hill, Kelsey Robinson, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley
MBs: Foluke Akinradewo, Christa Harmotto, Rachael Adams Haleigh Washington, Chiaka Ogbogu
Libero: Kayla Banwarth, Justine Wong Orantes
Only 4 players left from the last OG, however, it looks like almost every position got an upgrade! Larson and Hill's performance drop in 5 years of course but addition of MBH and Robinson's solid performances would make it up the difference
Usa has coaches for each position? I think larson should be part of coaching staff after retirement or maybe a coach replacement of kk.
Here's an interview with Karch, talking VNL and Tokyo
Talked a lot about performance and playing as a team. They have to out-team their opponents.
Experience played a large part in selection (Kim Hill). Experience is really important to have, but also needs a blend of youth (new Olympians)
About the setters: Really tough decision. All bring different strengths to the game. They could only bring two (that's the plan). Mentioned Poulter's exceptional season in Italy. They "over-performed and didnt have any stars" (lol poor Alexa Gray). Mentioned Hancock's season, playing with Washington and her serve.
JWO has the libero role, Krob wasn't considered there.
VNL results must be taken with a huge grain of salt.
The USA can't fly or bus to countries to play friendlies. They had to use the VNL as preparation and its their only way to get competition.
Doesn't think the US is playing their best volleyball, but that is okay. They don't want to peak before Tokyo.
They plan on leaving for Tokyo on July 17.
He wants to be pushed in the VNL... but no one is doing that (resting starters, not good teams, etc)
Said JWO was the most impressive so far in the VNL. Earned the right to be the libero. Talked about her communication and being "easy to play with". She elevates the players around her.
He's especially excited to play Japan and Turkey this week.
He wants to be pushed in the VNL... but no one is doing that (resting starters, not good teams, etc)
awkward...
also guess that means Brazil isn't a good team
awkward...
also guess that means Brazil isn't a good team
He mentioned Brazil. He said they didnt have all of their starters (im assuming he meant Natalia and Carol)
He said Canada would be a good test... but they cant pass
He mentioned Brazil. He said they didnt have all of their starters (im assuming he meant Natalia and Carol)
OK, fair enough. I do think Natalia would be ready come Tokyo (well she better be lol)
He said Canada would be a good test... but they cant pass
could've instructed his team to serve easy... but IDK if these things backfire or not
He's especially excited to play Japan and Turkey this week.
I am not
I am not
It'll be fun USA-Turkey VNL matches usually are
He mentioned Brazil. He said they didnt have all of their starters (im assuming he meant Natalia and Carol)
He said Canada would be a good test... but they cant pass
When we start getting bad results, we blame our "B team"... But that ship has already sailed... I think no one realized that we are with our best team now
When we start getting bad results, we blame our "B team"... But that ship has already sailed... I think no one realized that we are with our best team now
Brazil looked better against us when Gattaz + Mayany played (and Bia was off ). I don't think Carol played at all.
I think Natalia is a needed addition.
His comments about Poulter really make me think she'll be the starter. And Hancock is there for the doub sub.
His comments about Poulter really make me think she'll be the starter. And Hancock is there for the doub sub.
Nah Hancock will be the starter
Nah Hancock will be the starter
100% NO WAY Hancock will be starting in Tokyo.
Even Carlini would be a better starter.
She is there mainly for double sub and service sub for the MBs IMO.
Poulter will be the starter. Im quite sure about it. Hancock will be there for double sub with Thompson.
I see he's changed his opinion on Yuan. From "forget about the no.1" to "one of the best MBs in the world"
I see he's changed his opinion on Yuan. From "forget about the no.1" to "one of the best MBs in the world"
really? I gotta listen to it then...