Long Beach State University Athletics
Hoff Going for Gold Again
8/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 7, 2008
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There is an old saying about the third time being the charm.
That is certainly the hope of Park Ridge native Tom Hoff, who will be part of the United States men's volleyball team at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China beginning Friday.
Hoff, 35, a 1991 Maine South graduate, will be representing the U.S. for the third time in his illustrious career, having competed in Sydney, Australia in 2000 and in Greece in 2004.
Late last week, Hoff was both excited about the upcoming world competition and reflective about his life in the sport.
"The last few days have been hectic," said Hoff, who was in San Jose, Calif. being processed with the rest of the U.S. Olympians for their journey. "We are very excited about Beijing and our chances to do well.
"We are just coming off a huge win at the World League Games in Rio (de Janeiro). We beat the No. 1 (ranked) team in Brazil and the No. 2 team in Russia. So that really raised our confidence level."
Hoff, a 6-foot-8 middle hitter, began his athletic journey many years ago at Maine South. After first trying basketball and track his freshman and sophomore years, Hoff found his true love with volleyball.
"I recently had a chance to see (former Maine South coach) George Sherman earlier this year when I played in Hoffman Estates (at the Sears Center)."
After graduating from South, Hoff earned a scholarship to Ohio State University where he played on the men's team for two years. But Hoff knew all the top players in the country were in California, so he transferred to Long Beach State University in the fall of 1993.
The move was a good one as Hoff excelled. He reached 1,000 kills in fewer matches than any player in the school's history. Hoff also ranks among the top five in kills, hitting percentage and blocks. He was named first team All-American in both 1995 and 1996.
Following a short time with the Bud Light Pro Beach Volleyball tour, Hoff earned a spot on the U.S. National Team and later on two successive Olympic teams.
"We have been getting ready for four years," Hoff said. "And we just hope that we can peak at the right time in China."
Hoff's parents, Rich and Margaret, who now make their home in Des Plaines, are headed to China to watch their son.
"Tom has had a wonderful career and he has worked very hard," Margaret said. "We will miss the first two (Olympic) games, but we'll be there after that. Hopefully, the team can win a medal."
