Long Beach State University Athletics
Scott Looking for Medal Winning Peformance
8/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 25, 2008
BEIJING - So maybe this time her dreams won't be spiked.
This Olympics thing is old hat for Danielle Scott-Arruda, who has been a member of the US women's volleyball team in three previous Games but has had to walk away empty-handed each time.
"There is not even a word to describe it," said Scott-Arruda, about the possibility of winning an Olympic medal. "But it will be really exciting and humbling. This is my fourth Olympics and I've been going for it, going for it, going for it.
"It would just show to me God's goodness. If you persevere, if you're determined and keep your faith, then things will happen. And if it doesn't, it wasn't in his plan for me."
The Americans scored a 20-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-18, 15-6 victory over Italy in the quarterfinal round of the tournament Tuesday to advance to the semifinals. The Americans will face the undefeated Cubans tonight while China faces Brazil.
The US hopes to avenge a 3-0 loss to the Cubans in pool play. Cuba won three consecutive gold medals before getting a bronze in Athens in 2004. The athletic Cubans are well known for their jumping power and thunderous spikes and are the only team that uses two setter-playing tactics, which also allows setters to be efficient in attacking. While the Americans would still be eligible to play for a bronze, Scott-Arruda knows a victory tonight guarantees at least a silver medal.
"We've met up with Cuba several times," Scott-Arruda said. "They're a very good team. They're a dynamic team. We just have to stay patient. I think we should have good results."
Scott-Arruda was born Oct. 1, 1972, in Baton Rouge, La. Seven of her 11 teammates were born after 1980. The 6-foot-2-inch, 185-pounder is viewed as the big sister and one of the vocal leaders of the team. She is still a star player for the Americans and professionally in Brazil. The former Long Beach State star, a three-time All-American, led Finasa to second place in the Brazilian Superliga during the 2007-08 season.
While a medal will be a first for every American on the women's volleyball team, they want to win one for the 35-year-old Scott-Arruda most of all.
"Gosh, it would be amazing," said outside hitter Tayyiba Haneef-Park. "I went to the same university as her and we were taught when you come in as freshmen that you play for your seniors. That's kind of what she is on this team.
"She's been here. She's done it. But she hasn't gotten that medal. Every day I come here I'm working for her, and I know the other players are doing that also."
Said US outside hitter Logan Tom, "Danielle is one of the players you definitely play for. I was with her in Sydney [in 2000] when I was a [youngster]. I've never seen someone keep such a positive attitude . . . It's an amazing thing.
"If anyone is deserving of it, it's her. She's been here for a long time. She's always believed."
Scott-Arruda's first Olympics was memorable because it was in Atlanta 12 years ago. She has also worn red, white, and blue in Sydney and Athens. Regardless of whether she wins that elusive medal, she has memories for a lifetime.
"I'm just so amazingly blessed," she said. "This doesn't happen for everyone. To make one is a dream, but to make four is beyond that, especially for volleyball. I'm just really grateful for the opportunity."
Scott-Arruda will be 39 when the Games arrive in London in 2012. And if she's still healthy and the Americans are interested in her, she's open-minded about suiting up again.
"I want to win it for everybody," Scott-Arruda said. "It's some people's first Olympics, it's some people's third Olympics. It's my fourth. I think [a medal] will be equally important, equally exciting, and equally emotional for all of us.
"I'm not putting any limitations. I'm playing well. I would like to start a family, but I'll continue to play professionally. We'll see what God has in store for me."
