USA Volleyball has chosen the PERFECT coach for their Men’s National Team!
He’s none other than JOHN SPERAW!
After accepting the position as the new coach to succeed Alan Knipe, Coach JS has released this statement in an article released by USAV yesterday:
“Now that I’ve been at UCLA for almost a full season, it is apparent that (coaching both teams) is doable. The support and resources at UCLA are beyond what I have imagined. I have two great assistant coaches (at UCLA) in Brad Keller and Andrea Becker and an amazing staff. I am excited to take on this new role with USA Volleyball. I am honored to have been selected to coach this elite group of talented U.S. players and I appreciate UCLA’s support in allowing me to pursue this tremendous opportunity.”
The USAV family was of course so happy with the news! One of the well wishers is USAV President Doug Beal:
“I am very happy that John has accepted our offer to be the U.S. Men’s head coach. He’s the right person for the job for this quad at this time. He’s a terrifically talented coach who has had a remarkable level of success at the college level. He knows the current U.S. Men’s player pool very well from his experiences over the last two quads. He has mentored under both Hugh McCutcheon and Alan Knipe.”
2008 Olympic gold medalist Clay Stanley:
“I am surprised and pleased that John Speraw will be the new U.S. Men’s head coach. He is obviously a great choice for the job, having served as an assistant coach for two Olympics. I know the players will be excited to work with him and his staff.”
2008 Olympic gold medalist Rich Lambourne:
“I’m extremely excited to work with coach Speraw and his staff. He brings almost a decade of experience and familiarity with the international game and with the USA Volleyball culture. I look forward to his guidance and tutelage as I know of his tireless work ethic and wealth of teaching ability.”
2008 Olympic gold medalist Reid Priddy:
“John has experience in the international game, has relationships with the current national team players and has direct exposure to the next generation of players, which are a few of the many reasons that make John a good fit to take charge of the national team.”
Coach JS and Team USA have 2 major tournaments to focus on this year, the 2013 World League and the 2013 Pan American Cup.
In case you didn’t know, the 41 year old acted as the assistant coach for two Olympics (2008, 2012).
He played for the UCLA Bruins men’s volleyball team in college as a middle blocker and won 2 NCAA National Championships.
Coach Speraw’s individual honors and awards include:
-Only individual in men’s volleyball history to win an NCAA Championship as a head coach, assistant coach & player NCAA Champion, UC Irvine Head Coach 2012, 2009, 2007
-MPSF Coach of the Year, 2006
-U.S. National Indoor Team Assistant Coach, Gold Medal, 2008 Beijing Olympics
-NCAA Champion, player 1995
Click here to read the full press release.
(image: volleyballmag.com)
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