Thank you FIVB for this!
Alongside Matt Anderson, Taylor Sander is one of the top scorers on the US volleyball team. Last year, the outside hitter smashed his team to victory in the FIVB Volleyball World League and received the MVP award. The 23-year-old hopes to help USA defend the title and speaks here about the season in progress.
Q: Taylor Sander, what is the situation with your injury? Are you ready to play the FIVB World League Finals?
A: My injury was unfortunate and I am healthy again and strong going into the World League Finals. The coaches and staff allowed me to take time off to get healthy because the injury was with my bone.
Q: How satisfied are you with the performance of the US team and your own contribution in the preliminary round of the FIVB World League?
A: My team and I are satisfied with how the World League went and thought we learned a lot from the teams we played. We gained experience with new players on the court which will benefit us in the future.
Q: How do you rate the US team’s chances of defending their title?
A: I think the chances of us reaching the title match again are high if we play how we want to and know we can play. I think we have a better team than last year.
Q: Could you say some words about the other finalists?
A: I think the favourites in the Finals are for sure Brazil, because they are in their home country with big support. That makes a big difference. I think that Brazil, Italy, Serbia and Poland are very good teams and have proved themselves in the world of volleyball.
Q: How important is this tournament as a test event for the volleyball competition at the Olympic Games in 2016, which will take place at the same venue?
A: Our team’s goal was to qualify for the World League Finals. Not only because we will gain experience in the country and in the arena [where the Olympic tournament will be played] but because it’s a chance to win a medal and compete at the highest level in the world. I can’t wait to taste the energy of the Olympics there, and I know that my team will have that feeling as well.
Q: What are your main goals this year and next year?
A: Our main goals as a team this summer are to win a gold medal at the World League Finals. And then most importantly, trying to win the World Cup and qualify for the Olympics.
Q: Looking back a year: What was it like winning the FIVB World League and receiving the MVP award? Was it your biggest volleyball moment yet?
A: Last year was a special year for me, not only because of the MVP award but because my team and I won the gold medal. Doing that as a team is something way more special then the MVP award.
Q: How do you rate the importance of the FIVB World League?
A: The World league is very important to our sport and I think it’s amazing we have the opportunity to represent our country and play the best teams in the world.
Q: How did you come to volleyball?
A: I chose volleyball as my sport because it is such a technical and creative sport. I love the team aspect and how physical the game is. The energy and love I have for the game is so strong.
Click here to visit the FIVB World League site.
(image: FIVB)