Nov. 3

Yesterday was a good day. With a victory last night over a very strong team from Cuba, we finish our first pool 5-0 and prepare for the road ahead. Both literally and figuratively.

Later today we will pack our bags and get on a bus for a four-hour ride to our next destination, the beautiful city of Nagoya. But as expected, the road gets harder the farther you travel here in the World Championship. Joining us in Nagoya for our next pool of opponents will be four very good teams. We will need to play our best to compete against Czech Republic, Italy, Netherlands and finally the World No. 1 ranked team Brazil. Our team is very excited to get through the pool here in Matsumoto without a loss. We have enjoyed the hospitality of this beautiful city and gracious people.

In addition to our happiness with a hard fought victory last night, the team had another celebration planned as yesterday Karch Kiraly turned the Big 5-0 too! So we lured him into a last minute meeting room where the whole team surprised him with a cake and a loud off-key singing of Happy Birthday! Knowing Karch, he would have much rather been home with his family on this special day, but we did what we could to celebrate with him until then. You all know Karch as the great (arguably the greatest) volleyball player he was, but it has been our great privilege to get to know Karch the man. Our country has been blessed with many great sports legends and Karch ranks right up there as one of our all time best for what he has done on the court. But those great accomplishments only pale by comparison to the quality of the man he is. USA Volleyball is lucky to have him on our team. I am lucky to call him friend.

So now its off the Nagoya. I will update you all from there. Stay tuned. And as always, go USA!