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 (2012, 2016), bronze medalist of the 2016 Olympic Games, 2013 NORCECA Champion, a gold medalist of the 2008 Pan American Cup, 2014 World League and 2015 World Cup.
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Personal life
Anderson was born in Buffalo, New York to Michael and Nancy Anderson. His father, Michael Anderson, died in January 2010. He has three older sisters named Jennifer, Joelle and Amy and one older brother named 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.
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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 State 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 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. In the season 2013-2014, his team won the title of Russian Champion and Anderson was the Most Valuable Player of the Russian League.
On October 29, 2014, Anderson suspended his volleyball career. He asked for the termination of the contract with Zenit Kazan because of depression. On December 26, 2014 Anderson announced his return to Zenit Kazan, but only in CEV Champions League matches.
On February 13, 2017, Anderson announced that he had signed a contract to remain with Zenit Kazan for another season.
National team
In September 2013 USA, including Anderson, achieved title of NORCECA Champion. On July 20, 2014 he was of the team winning the gold medal in the World League 2014.
Sporting achievements
Clubs
FIVB Club World Championship
- Betim 2015 - with Zenit Kazan
- Betim 2016 - with Zenit Kazan
CEV Champions League
- 2012/2013 - with Zenit Kazan
- 2014/2015 - with Zenit Kazan
- 2015/2016 - with Zenit Kazan
- 2016/2017 - with Zenit Kazan
National championships
- 2008/2009 South Korean Championship, with Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers
- 2012/2013 Russian Championship, with Zenit Kazan
- 2013/2014 Russian Championship, with Zenit Kazan
- 2015/2016 Russian Championship, with Zenit Kazan
- 2016/2017 Russian Championship, with Zenit Kazan
National trophies
- 2012/2013 Russian SuperCup, with Zenit Kazan
- 2015/2016 Russian SuperCup, with Zenit Kazan
- 2015/2016 Russian Cup, with Zenit Kazan
- 2016/2017 Russian Cup, with Zenit Kazan
National team
- 2008 Pan American Cup
- 2011 NORCECA Championship
- 2012 FIVB World League
- 2013 NORCECA Championship
- 2014 FIVB World League
- 2015 FIVB World League
- 2015 FIVB World Cup
- 2016 Olympic Games
Individual
- 2008 MIVA All-Championship Team
- 2008 NCAA Division - Most Valuable Player
- 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
- 2014 Player of the Year United States
- 2015 FIVB World Cup - Most Valuable Player
- 2015 Player of the Year United States
- 2017 Russian League - The best forward of the Final six
- 2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup - Best Opposite Spiker
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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