Exclusive: The Lotman Interview

Ace on Paul Lotman…

Paul Lotman is one amazing guy on and off the court! He may seem like a quiet guy which intimidates fans but he’s very, vey nice! If you see him and want to take a pic with him, just ask nicely and he will give you this sweet face with a sweet “yes!”. I’ve met him a couple of times and my impressions of him have remained the same.

As long as he keeps his feet on the ground and continues to work hard, then Lotman will for sure have a bright future. No doubt.

Here’s my interview with Paul…

My first birthday in Italy…

To be honest I didn’t do anything exciting for my birthday, I brought some drinks for my team and we had pizza after practice.

My birthday wishes…

1. World peace

2.Volleyball becoming a pro sport in the states so I don’t have to go overseas anymore

3.To be financially stable for the rest of my life

4.Health and happiness for those that need it most

5.To be able see my children grow up

6.To be a good husband

My Club Team…

The club I play for is Marmi Lanza Verona. Max Holt played for this team last season and this year I’m also playing with another American and good friend, Theo Brunner. The city of Verona is amazing, there’s a lot of history here and I highly recommend visiting it. My teammates are all really nice, we have 6 total foreign players who all speak English…which really isn’t helping me learn Italian but I intend to learn as much as I can. I was actually was ready to sign with a club in Germany but the day I was going to sign, Verona gave me a similar offer and it was an easy decision for me since playing in Italy has always been a goal of mine. My jersey # is 9.

Qualities of an Outside Hitter…

I think to be an effective outside hitter you need to be a well-rounded athlete. You need to be very good, but not necessarily great at every facet of the game. Usually there are outside hitters that excel in one area more than others. For instance, I would consider myself more of a ball-control outside as opposed to someone who is a big hitter, a go-to guy for high balls and such. The goal of all outsides is to be as stable and consistent for the team as you can be.

Considering the amount of ball contacts outside hitters get, it is essential to have this state of mind. I think height is important but players like Riley Salmon, Reid Priddy, and Endres Murilo have shown that you can definitely become a world-class outside without being extremely tall.

Volleyball is…

Volleyball is a never-ending challenge. It’s a technical game that challenges you both mentally and physically, a continuous struggle to retain the things you’ve learned as well as discover new aspects of your game that you didn’t know before. Implementing these things isn’t easy but improvement is a slow process and it takes time.

On my day offs…

I enjoy playing video games, whether it be Xbox or PS3…anything that’s fun. I’m also a big fan of HBO and Showtime series like Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, Weeds, and Californication. I also find time to read, usually before bed so I can fall asleep more easily.

Unforgettable Moments…

I think the first time I step on the court at any new level it gives me an rush of excitement that goes unmatched. Meaning, my first match at LBSU, my first match wearing red, white, and blue (junior national team/world university games) and my first match playing for the national team. It’s the feeling of, “ok, time to step up” that really drives me because I know it’s my first opportunity to prove to myself that I belong at that level. The first chance is priceless to me because that’s when volleyball is the most fun.

Life before the National Team…

Before the national team I always thought I would play volleyball until I finished college and then try and find a job like everyone else. I was fortunate enough to go through the USA pipeline and be guided to where I’m at today. I’ve gotten to see a lot of places and experience a lot of different things that I definitely wouldn’t been able to do if I wasn’t on the national team but I consider myself the same person. I know that soon enough my career will be over and I’ll need to move on to a new chapter in my life so I try and keep everything in perspective and stay grounded.

My USA Teammates…

They are good friends, great athletes, and good people.

First Impressions…

Coach Knipe seemed very direct and to the point the first time I met him.  He’s very precise with the way he wants things done and makes sure you listen to him.

Matt Anderson was this scrawny, really tall and lanky kid who had a really good arm. I’ve always been envious of players with such a naturally fast arm swing or “whip” and he definitely had one. I also thought he was pretty cocky too, I was right. Kidding!

Donald Suxho was very friendly the first time I met him in Greece. He seemed like a very cultured person who knew a lot of people in the volleyball community.

I thought of Reid Priddy basically as the American Giba – similar height and physical talent with regards to volleyball.

The Biggest Mistake…

The biggest mistake I’ve made in my life was my diet when I was a teenager. I’ve really learned how to eat right and live healthy in the last several years, which has given me the opportunity to improve my physical performance. It’s made me a much happier person knowing I can always improve in that aspect of my life. Although it’s a constant struggle, it definitely keeps me motivated.

Keeping Myself Fit…

I eat healthy, exercise daily because diets don’t work.

Turn back time…

Guiding Principles…

To be a good person and be happy.

Challenge at the World Champs…

I knew my role going into World Champs and I wanted to help the team out as best I could, whether it be in training preparing for our matches or coming off the bench as a serving sub. I was happy I got to play as much as I did and although it wasn’t the finish we wanted, I contributed everything I had to our team.

London 2012…

I’ve worked hard to continually improve my game to earn the position I’m in for the Olympic roster. My goal is to stay on track and earn a spot for London because I know I can positively contribute to our ultimate goal, a gold medal.

Paul’s Future…

I picture myself doing the same things I do now, being a little better at volleyball, making a little more money, and hopefully living somewhere that I enjoy and being healthy and happy.

A Kid Says…“I want to be like YOU but how?”

I would say thank you but only use me as an example, everyone has to set their own goals and do everything they can to achieve them.

The Challenge being Away from Home…

The time, 8 months, is a long time to spend anywhere away from home. It wears you down and you can get lonely or depressed missing the people you love. But just like anything else, time passes and every day is a new day. Skype/Gmail chat are lifesavers, being able to video chat really helps.

Craziest & Sweetest Acts…

The craziest thing done by fans happened when I was in Greece and had a match against our club’s rival team. The rival fans threw coins, cigarettes, and spit on us during the match. They even shot a flare gun off inside the gym after we won.

One of the nicest gestures from a fan was to include me as a part of their family when I was in France. They knew I didn’t have family there, so they invited me over for dinners and I was really grateful for their generosity.

As the American President…

I have nothing to change for the people. I’d do whatever is most important to the people and not wealthy politicians.

Head To Toe…

Shoe – 14

Shirt-L/XL

Height – 6’7

Weight – 205 lbs.

Ccologne – not telling =P

Favorite shows – the wire/dexter

Dream car – none

Favorite city – San Diego/Vegas!

If Volleyball Never Existed…

I have no idea what I’d be doing.

I Love My…

Family, friends, fiancee, and my son Pablito! (my dog)

My Fans…

Thanks for the continuous support! Ace is awesome for being so active in the volleyball world and should definitely be appreciated for his efforts.

Grazie Mille BB.

(images: Paul Lotman/ video music: Dj Roueche)