The papers and announcers will be raving throughout the Games about the Iron Hammer - head coach "Jenny" Lang Ping, who is considered one of the best volleyball players to ever take the court. She led China to the gold medal in 1984 over the Americans, in what was the first Olympic Games China ever competed in. She became a national hero and is known as the Michael Jordan of China, with her wedding televised throughout the country, a postage stamp bearing her photo and mobs of journalists following her wherever she goes.
I, however, am a bit biased. In my opinion, the true coach of Team USA is... my boyfriend Tom! He really is a strategist when it comes to the game and is always thinking one step ahead. He's been with the program longer than any of the other coaches - 6 years - including through the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where they finished fifth. The girls respect him tremendously and turn to him with questions or when they're looking for tips and advice.
It has been a kick for me to learn more about the sport through Tom and to get to know the personalities on the team. I'll admit I've been a bit intimidated by the players on more than one occasion! Imagine 12 of these ladies coming at you at once...
Eek! Okay, they may be intimidating in stature, but they are all extremely nice and welcoming. I'm finally growing used to running into them around the U.S. Olympic Training Complex and not ducking behind a bush! Slowly but surely I've gotten to know them and they've gone out of their way to make me feel at ease among their little family.
The players really think the world of Tom. They treat him with the utmost of respect and high regard. They value his expertise and proficiency in the game. They take their jobs very seriously and are aware and appreciative of everything that he adds to the program. On the other hand, off the court, at times, it's fun to watch them tease him a bit like a brother, or like they would to each other. The age range on the team is around 22-36, and Tom fits right in the middle! As a coach, they treat him as their superior, but as a friend, he fits right in.
The team had 3 exhibition matches against Brazil (ranked No. 1 in the world) in Colorado Springs earlier this summer, and it was the first time I had the chance to watch them in action. They are amazing!
Because Jenny is such a stud in China, and so revered among the people, Tom's team will be an especially huge story at these Olympic Games. The Chinese press literally go crazy for her and she has to have a bodyguard escort her around. The team traveled to China for some games this past March, and after one game the fans rushed the court! It was every player and coach for him/herself as they raced to the locker rooms to get away from the mob!
The format for the volleyball tournament at the Olympic Games is two round robins consisting of 6 teams each. The top 4 teams in each continue on to bracket play, where #1 from group A is matched up against #4 from group B, and so on. In other words, their record in round robin play has a direct effect on their line-ups during the 8-team bracket.
Check your local listings to be sure about the coverage, because local affiliates can move things around sometimes. You can check your cable provider's schedule at NBCOlympics.com.
The format for the volleyball tournament at the Olympic Games is two round robins consisting of 6 teams each. The top 4 teams in each continue on to bracket play, where #1 from group A is matched up against #4 from group B, and so on. In other words, their record in round robin play has a direct effect on their line-ups during the 8-team bracket.
Right now, USA is ranked No. 4 in the world, and the top 6 are really close. The teams to watch will be Brazil, USA, China, Russia, Italy and Cuba.
Here is Team USA's schedule, so you can follow them through the Olympics! I'll also include the latest I've received in terms of NBC and its affiliates' coverage of these matches...
August 9, 10:00 pm
USA vs. Japan
USA vs. Japan
TV: NBC live coverage in U.S. ~ 10:00 am ET Aug. 9
August 11, 12:30 pm
USA vs. Cuba
TV: NBC live coverage in U.S. ~ 12:30-2:00 am ET Aug. 11
August 13, 12:00 pm
USA vs. Venezuela
TV: NBC live coverage in U.S. ~ 12:30-2:00 am ET Aug. 13
August 15, 8:00 pm
USA vs. China
*Predicted to be one of the biggest events of the Olympics!
TV: MSNBC live coverage in U.S. ~ 8:00 am ET Aug. 15
August 17, 12:30 pm
USA vs. Poland
TV: NBC live coverage in U.S. ~ 12:30-2:00 am ET Aug. 17
August 19
Quarterfinals
August 21
Semifinals
August 23
Medal Games
Check your local listings to be sure about the coverage, because local affiliates can move things around sometimes. You can check your cable provider's schedule at NBCOlympics.com.
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