COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 6, 2015) – U.S. setter Micah Christenson (Honolulu, Hawaii) has begun his final season with the University of Southern California. The 21-year-old did an interview with the World of Volley web site where he discussed his thoughts about the 2014 season and his plans for the future. The interview was posted on Dec. 31.
Q: Do you think that you are ready to play for a team overseas?
MC: I do think that I'm ready to play for a team overseas after my university career is over this year. Being able to have the international experience of playing with the USA team has helped me prepare for playing professionally overseas and I am excited for that next step in my career.
Micah Christenson blocks against Iran at the USAV Cup.
Q: Which country would be the best choice for you?
MC: I do not know which country would be best for me because I have never played in any pro leagues overseas yet. I have heard good things about a lot of leagues and have talked to my teammates about their experiences so that has helped, but I do not know what would be best for me just yet.
Q: Are you satisfied with the results of U.S. National team?
MC: I was very happy with the results of this past summer’s World League tournament because we won with a relatively new and young team. On the other hand, I think myself along with my teammates and coaching staff was not satisfied with the results of World Championships. We didn't start the tournament playing the type of volleyball we're capable of, and by the end we were playing better but it was too late because we had already lost too many points from the first stage. We know we are capable of being better and look forward to working with each other this summer to improve our play even more as a team.
Q: Do you have some plans for New Year’s Eve?
MC: I will be in California at USC for New Year's Eve as we have a match that night! I wish my family could join me, but I will most likely be with my girlfriend's family in Redondo Beach, California.
Q: What other sport would you compete in if you were not playing yours?
MC: I would absolutely love to play basketball again if I were not playing volleyball. I still go in the gym and shoot around every once in a while and remember the good times I had playing basketball. I was successful when I played in Hawaii in High School and I really enjoyed playing the game. It was my first sport and the first sport I fell in love with and will always have a special place in my heart.
Q: If you could change one rule about volleyball, what would it be?
MC: I would change the process in which players substitute in and out of the match. I think it takes too long and slows the pace of the game down which I believe substitutions shouldn't do.
Q: What is the best compliment you have ever received?
MC: I don't remember one specifically, but I really appreciate compliments that I receive that are commenting on my character and integrity. I really take pride in those things and when people notice that and appreciate about me then I really enjoy that.
RUSSIA
U.S. opposite and outside hitter Matt Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) has announced that he will return to his Russian club team Zenit-Kazan to play in their CEV Champions League matches. Anderson posted the following message to his web site at mattanderson1.com:
I’m Back. After some great relaxation and time spent with my family over the holidays, I have decided the best thing for me as a person and professional volleyball player is to return to competition. So, I am returning to Kazan, Russia on the 5th of January to begin training and preparation for the Champions League. Our last two Champions League pool play matches are the 21st against Olympiakos and on the 27th facing Friedrichshafen.
I want to thank Zenit-Kazan for understanding that I needed a break from competition and look forward to making another run at a Champions League Title.
Thanks All and See you in Russia ! Go Zenit-Kazan
Q: Do you think that you are ready to play for a team overseas?
MC: I do think that I'm ready to play for a team overseas after my university career is over this year. Being able to have the international experience of playing with the USA team has helped me prepare for playing professionally overseas and I am excited for that next step in my career.
Micah Christenson blocks against Iran at the USAV Cup.
Q: Which country would be the best choice for you?
MC: I do not know which country would be best for me because I have never played in any pro leagues overseas yet. I have heard good things about a lot of leagues and have talked to my teammates about their experiences so that has helped, but I do not know what would be best for me just yet.
Q: Are you satisfied with the results of U.S. National team?
MC: I was very happy with the results of this past summer’s World League tournament because we won with a relatively new and young team. On the other hand, I think myself along with my teammates and coaching staff was not satisfied with the results of World Championships. We didn't start the tournament playing the type of volleyball we're capable of, and by the end we were playing better but it was too late because we had already lost too many points from the first stage. We know we are capable of being better and look forward to working with each other this summer to improve our play even more as a team.
Q: Do you have some plans for New Year’s Eve?
MC: I will be in California at USC for New Year's Eve as we have a match that night! I wish my family could join me, but I will most likely be with my girlfriend's family in Redondo Beach, California.
Q: What other sport would you compete in if you were not playing yours?
MC: I would absolutely love to play basketball again if I were not playing volleyball. I still go in the gym and shoot around every once in a while and remember the good times I had playing basketball. I was successful when I played in Hawaii in High School and I really enjoyed playing the game. It was my first sport and the first sport I fell in love with and will always have a special place in my heart.
Q: If you could change one rule about volleyball, what would it be?
MC: I would change the process in which players substitute in and out of the match. I think it takes too long and slows the pace of the game down which I believe substitutions shouldn't do.
Q: What is the best compliment you have ever received?
MC: I don't remember one specifically, but I really appreciate compliments that I receive that are commenting on my character and integrity. I really take pride in those things and when people notice that and appreciate about me then I really enjoy that.
RUSSIA
U.S. opposite and outside hitter Matt Anderson (West Seneca, N.Y.) has announced that he will return to his Russian club team Zenit-Kazan to play in their CEV Champions League matches. Anderson posted the following message to his web site at mattanderson1.com:
I’m Back. After some great relaxation and time spent with my family over the holidays, I have decided the best thing for me as a person and professional volleyball player is to return to competition. So, I am returning to Kazan, Russia on the 5th of January to begin training and preparation for the Champions League. Our last two Champions League pool play matches are the 21st against Olympiakos and on the 27th facing Friedrichshafen.
I want to thank Zenit-Kazan for understanding that I needed a break from competition and look forward to making another run at a Champions League Title.
Thanks All and See you in Russia ! Go Zenit-Kazan
