Matt Anderson

American volleyball player and outside hitter who won Olympic bronze in 2016 and is considered one of the most powerful attackers in international volleyball.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1987, Matthew John Anderson emerged from a modest background to become one of America's premier volleyball talents. Standing 6'10" tall, he developed his athletic prowess at Penn State University, where he played for the Nittany Lions from 2006 to 2009 under coach Mark Pavlik. His collegiate career established him as a dominant force, earning multiple All-American honors and helping elevate the program's national profile. Anderson's international breakthrough came remarkably early in his career. At just 21 years old, he contributed to the United States men's volleyball team's historic silver medal performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, marking America's best Olympic volleyball result in decades. He continued representing his country at the highest levels, competing in subsequent Olympic Games and World Championships throughout the 2010s. His consistent presence on the national team roster demonstrated his reliability and skill at the international level. The outside hitter became renowned for his devastating jump serve, which regularly exceeded 70 mph and ranks among the fastest recorded in professional volleyball. This weapon, combined with his powerful attacking ability, made him a feared opponent across global competitions. Anderson's professional career spanned multiple continents, with successful stints in Russia's Superliga, Italy's Serie A1, and Poland's PlusLiga. He played for prestigious clubs including Zenit Kazan, Cucine Lube Civitanova, and ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle, winning domestic championships and competing in European competitions. Anderson's impact extends beyond individual accolades to his role in elevating American men's volleyball on the world stage. His generation helped restore the United States as a consistent medal contender in international competition after years of limited success. His combination of physical dominance, technical skill, and longevity established him as a cornerstone player during a renaissance period for American volleyball, inspiring younger players and contributing to the sport's growing popularity in the United States.

Powerful outside hitter known for exceptional attacking ability and versatility

One of the most dominant outside hitters of his generation with exceptional power and athleticism

• Olympic Silver 2008 (USA)
• World League champion
• NCAA champion
• Olympic Bronze 2016
• FIVB World League 2014