Matt Anderson (volleyball)

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Matthew Anderson
File:Matthew Anderson.jpg
Personal information
Full name Matthew John Anderson
Nickname Matt
Nationality American
Born (1987-04-18) April 18, 1987 (age 37)
Buffalo, New York, United States
Hometown West Seneca, New York, United States
Height Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value).
Weight 97.52 kg (215.0 lb)
Spike 360 cm (140 in)
Block 332 cm (131 in)
College(s) Pennsylvania State University
Volleyball information
Position Outside hitter / Opposite
Current club Russia Zenit Kazan
Number 1
Career
Years Teams
2006–2008
2008–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
2012–
United States Penn State Nittany Lions
South Korea Hyundai Capital
Italy Callipo Vibo Valentia
Italy Casa Modena
Russia Zenit Kazan
National team
2007–  United States
Last updated: September 23, 2015

Matthew John Anderson (born April 18, 1987) is an American volleyball player, a member of the United States men's national volleyball team and Russian club Zenit Kazan, a participant of the Olympic Games London 2012, NORCECA Champion 2013, gold medalist of the 2008 Pan American Cup, 2014 World League and 2015 World Cup.

Personal life

Anderson was born in Buffalo, New York to Michael and Nancy Anderson. Father, Michael Anderson, died in January 2010. Has three older sisters, Jennifer, Joelle and Amy and one older brother Joshua. Joelle and Amy both played volleyball in their college years. Has a tattoo on his wrist in honor of his nephew Tristin, who is autistic. Also had a tattoo in honor of his late father. Matt graduated from West Seneca West Senior High School in 2005.

File:Matthew Anderson2.jpg
Anderson during the match Copra Elior PiacenzaCasa Modena on January 29, 2012.

Career

Clubs

In his senior year, he led the West Seneca boys' volleyball team to a 17-0 regular-season record and a Sectional Finals appearance, losing to eventual state champion, Hamburg, in 3 sets. In 2004, the team were the 2004 Division I champions. He played club volleyball for Eden Volleyball Club in Eden, New York. Anderson followed an uncharacteristic growth path in his youth – only reaching his full height (6'10") as a Sophomore at Penn State. His original position was middle – playing that in his Sophomore and Junior seasons of high school. As he became more experienced in the game, he spent more time in the Outside and Right-side for Eden VBC. He ranks amongst the top alumni of the distinguished club to this day.

Anderson finished his career in Penn State with 1,212 kills and 82 aces, both which rank in the top 13 in Penn State history. He had a decorated career, especially in 2008 as he helped lead the Nittany Lions to their second ever NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship against Pepperdine. He was named the NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player for his 29 kill performance against the Waves. Other awards for 2008 include EIVA Player of the Year, AVCA National Player of the Year, AVCA First Team All-America, and All-EIVA First Team.

On July 1, 2008, he announced he would forgo his 2009 senior year at Penn State and signed a professional contract with Hyundai Capital Skywalkers of the Korean league.[1] In his debut season, Anderson helped the Skywalkers claim first in the regular season before losing 3-1 in the championship series. Season 2010–2011 spent in the Italian League as a player of Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia. Then he moved to Casa Modena. Since 2012, he has played for Russian club, Zenit Kazan. With this club, he won a bronze medal in the Russian Championship and CEV Champions League in 2012–2013.[2] In the season 2013–2014, his team won the title of Russian Champion and Anderson was the Most Valuable Player of the Russian League.[3][4]

On October 29, 2014, Anderson suspended his volleyball career. He asked for the termination of the contract with Zenit Kazan because of depression.[5][6] On December 26, 2014 Anderson announced his return to Zenit Kazan, but only in CEV Champions League matches.[7]

National team

In September 2013 USA, including Anderson, achieved title of NORCECA Champion.[8] On July 20, 2014 he was of the team winning the gold medal in the World League 2014.[9]

Sporting achievements

Clubs

CEV Champions League

National championships

National team

Individually

  • 2012 Player of the Year United States
  • 2013 Player of the Year United States
  • 2013 NORCECA Championship – Most Valuable Player
  • 2014 Russian League – Most Valuable Player
  • 2015 FIVB World Cup – Most Valuable Player
  • 2015 Player of the Year United States

References

  1. Anderson to forego senior year; signs professional contract in Korea – gopsusports.cstv.com – 2008-07-01
  2. Zenit KAZAN settles for bronze to celebrate fourth European medal – cev.lu – 2013-03-17
  3. RUS M: Zenit Kazan keeps Matt Anderson – worldofvolley.com – 2014-05-04
  4. Zenit Kazan wins national championship – end.tatar-inform.ru – 2014-04-14
  5. Андерсон решил приостановить карьеру – zenit-kazan.com – 2014-10-29
  6. Matt Anderson terminated contract with Zenit – worldofvolley.com – 2014-10-29
  7. American Anderson to return to Zenit-Kazan – fivb.org – 2014-12-26
  8. U.S. Men Win 2013 NORCECA Championship – teamusa.org – 2013-09-28
  9. USA upset Brazil to claim second World League title – fivb.org – 2014-07-20

External links

Awards
Preceded by Most Valuable Player of
NORCECA Championship

2013
Succeeded by
TBD
Preceded by Most Valuable Player of
FIVB World Cup

2015
Succeeded by
TBD