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Scott Bears Flag at Pan American Games
by Barry Wilner, Associated Press
July 12, 2007
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) - Danielle Scott-Arruda comfortably
switched from English to Portuguese and back Thursday as she discussed
her latest sporting achievement: carrying the U.S. flag in the opening
ceremony at the Pan American Games.
It will be the fourth Pan Ams appearance for Scott-Arruda, a
three-time Olympian married to a Brazilian coach. Being the flagbearer
came as a total surprise.
"I didn't even think about being considered," Scott said in
English,
then again in Portuguese. "We're so into the games and getting ready
to play, I haven't thought about outside things.
"It's such an honor to be nominated to carry our flag into opening
ceremonies. "It never even crossed my mind that I would be elected
to
be flagbearer, but it really means a lot, especially since I was
nominated by the other athletes. It's pretty incredible. I'm really
looking forward to it."
Scott-Arruda, 34, is a 6-foot-2 middle blocker who won a silver medal
at the 1995 Pan Ams and a bronze in the 1999 games. She also
participated in the 1991 Pan Ams, where the Americans finished fifth.
She competed in the last three Olympics and is hoping for one more.
"This is probably my last Pan Ams," she said. "I'd like
to play in the
(Beijing) Olympics and one more year with the national team, then
start a family."
Scott-Arruda, who married Eduardo Arruda on July 15, 2006, is
accustomed to playing in Brazil. She competed in the Brazilian
Superliga this past season with Cimed Macae, and has played
professionally here for four years.
"It's so exciting to be playing in Brazil. The fan base is really
good, so it's a lot of fun to play here," she said. "Brazil
is such a
passionate country, and when you put sports into it, it's an
incredible atmosphere to play in. I'm excited to be playing here with
my U.S. teammates, and I know we're going to have a great time."
She also has played for pro teams in Italy and Japan.
The first Pan Ams flagbearer from a volleyball team, Scott-Arruda
played basketball, ran track and competed in the high jump as well as
volleyball at Long Beach State. She believes that variety allowed her
to develop quicker and last longer in her chosen sport.
"I think it all helps," she said. "It helps you to be
an overall
athlete and makes you more agile and able to adopt whatever skills you
need."
Past U.S. flagbearers at the Pan Ams have included future Olympic
stars Don Schollander, Ann Meyers and Jim Abbott.
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