Although the team lost to Brazil in the championship match, it brought home only the third medal ever for U.S. women’s indoor volleyball. Previously, the U.S. had won the silver at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and the bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Woodstra was captain of the 1984 team that fell to China in the championship match.
"Serving as Olympic assistant coach is an incredible honor for Sue and for Humboldt State University. Sue's work with the USA squad brings valuable international exposure to HSU," says Dan Collen, HSU Athletics Director.
The U.S., ranked fourth coming into the Olympic Games, earned its way to the final by defeating third-ranked Cuba 25-20, 25-16, 25-17 in the semifinal round at Beijing’s Capital Gymnasium.
To reach the gold medal match, Tayyiba Haneef-Park (Laguna Hills, Calif.) sparked the U.S. victory over Cuba with a team-leading 12 points, providing nine kills and three aces. Logan Tom (Salt Lake City, Utah) added seven kills on 13 attacks, three blocks and an ace. Danielle Scott-Arruda (Baton Rouge, La.), playing in her fourth Olympic Games, charted nine points via six kills on 10 attacks, two aces and a block.