Troops Challenge Professional Volleyball Athletes
AVP Pros visit our troops abroad
By: Dustin Senger/www.dvids.net, on 06/08/2009
U.S. service members played against national volleyball athletes at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 3. The evening game in the base gymnasium positioned the military installation's best players against four of the nation's top athletes.
The U.S. Association of Volleyball Players, a leading national league hosting summer and winter tournaments, was represented by Brooke Hanson, Ryan Mariano, Jeff Nygaard and Matt Olson. The four athletes played with several service members during a support tour to U.S. military installations in Southwest Asia.
After playing alongside the professionals, the final game divided everyone into two teams: eight military versus four AVP athletes. Two referees sanctioned the game following Federation International de Volleyball rules. The team of four professionals ultimately won 20-3.
"I've always enjoyed playing against people of this caliber – it helps learn something more about the game," said U.S. Army Sgt. Carlos Rodriquez, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He played All-Army Volleyball from 2003 to 2004. "I intend to continue playing once I get situated back in the States again."
"Each national-level player was really easy to talk with," said Rodriquez, who further commented on Nygaard's height. The 6-foot-8 AVP player is a two-time indoor volleyball Olympian. He first competed in AVP beach events with indoor volleyball Olympian John Hyden in 2001, leading to seven appearances during his introductory season.
"I have watched professionals play volleyball in California," said Pfc. Thuc Nguyen, from Boston, Mass., "but I've never played with them before!" Nguyen recalled being part of the Boston Latin High School volleyball team, as well as a participating in a volleyball club in college.
"Each service member thoroughly enjoyed playing with – and against – the professional volleyball players," said Lt. Col. Scott Naelitz, Area Support Group Qatar deputy commander. "Since we regularly promote physical fitness in our deployed environment, this opportunity to compete against Olympic-level athletes is an unforgettable experience for everyone."
The U.S. Association of Volleyball Players, a leading national league hosting summer and winter tournaments, was represented by Brooke Hanson, Ryan Mariano, Jeff Nygaard and Matt Olson. The four athletes played with several service members during a support tour to U.S. military installations in Southwest Asia.
After playing alongside the professionals, the final game divided everyone into two teams: eight military versus four AVP athletes. Two referees sanctioned the game following Federation International de Volleyball rules. The team of four professionals ultimately won 20-3.
"I've always enjoyed playing against people of this caliber – it helps learn something more about the game," said U.S. Army Sgt. Carlos Rodriquez, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He played All-Army Volleyball from 2003 to 2004. "I intend to continue playing once I get situated back in the States again."
"Each national-level player was really easy to talk with," said Rodriquez, who further commented on Nygaard's height. The 6-foot-8 AVP player is a two-time indoor volleyball Olympian. He first competed in AVP beach events with indoor volleyball Olympian John Hyden in 2001, leading to seven appearances during his introductory season.
"I have watched professionals play volleyball in California," said Pfc. Thuc Nguyen, from Boston, Mass., "but I've never played with them before!" Nguyen recalled being part of the Boston Latin High School volleyball team, as well as a participating in a volleyball club in college.
"Each service member thoroughly enjoyed playing with – and against – the professional volleyball players," said Lt. Col. Scott Naelitz, Area Support Group Qatar deputy commander. "Since we regularly promote physical fitness in our deployed environment, this opportunity to compete against Olympic-level athletes is an unforgettable experience for everyone."
