The men’s volleyball for the USA had a very underwhelming Olympic performance in Tokyo over the past summer. While the Americans do not have the oldest roster in the world, the team has gone through two Olympic cycles, which means that the team’s ending is near.  Although they may not all retire from international play at the same time, it will happen eventually, and the United States is fortunate enough to have a fantastic youth volleyball program to develop talent. That being said, they are lined up with all of the replacements for their current starters. Look for some of these players mentioned to potentially play a role in the Paris Olympic cycle.

Torey Defalco (Outside Hitter)

Torey “TJ” Defalco was seen as the golden child for volleyball from a very young age. He was given an opportunity this Olympic cycle and he showed he could play with the best of them. Look for Defalco to be the number one option for the United States in the future, however he is going to need to develop in terms of maturity to be a leader for the team.

Josh Tuaniga (Setter)

Tuaniga has played with Defalco since their days in 14’s for club volleyball and has shown exceptional ability on the court. Micah Christenson, the starter, is the best setter in the world and has at least one more cycle in him. Kawika Shoji, the backup, will either be beat out by Tuaniga in the near future or retire before he can get the chance to start.

Kyle Ensing (Opposite)

Ensing was a shock Olympic roster member for the United States, barely edging out Ben Patch, who had been the locked-in backup opposite. Matt Anderson, the current starter, may not make it all the way to the Paris Olympics in 2024, so look for Ensing to continue to make the right plays when given the chance on the court and become the starter for the next Olympics.

Jeff Jendryk (Middle Blocker)

Jendryk has gotten his opportunities in the Volley Nations League and has performed very well. If not for the United States having two strong middles in Maxwell Holt and David Smith, Jendryk may have gotten his shot at the most recent Olympics.

Mitch Stahl (Middle Blocker)

Stahl was on the Olympic roster in Tokyo and got a good amount of playing time, providing a serious spark for the team while on the court. Look for Stahl to fill in for Smith and Holt at the next Olympics and continue to be a high energy and impact player for years to come.