Aaron Russell

Aaron Russell
Personal information
Full name	Aaron Joseph Russell
Nationality	American
Born	June 7, 1993 Ellicott City, United States
Hometown	Ellicott City, Maryland, United States
Height	2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)
Weight	98 kg (216 lb)
Spike	356 cm (140 in)
Block	337 cm (133 in)
College(s)	Pennsylvania State University
Volleyball information
Position	Outside hitter
Current club	Sir Safety Perugia
Number	2 (National Team), 8 (club)
Career
Years Teams 2011–2015 2015– Penn State Nittany Lions Sir Safety Perugia
National team
2014–  United States
Honours Competitor for  United States Men's volleyball World Cup 2015 Japan World League 2015 Rio de Janeiro
Last updated: 5 Oct 2015

Aaron Russell (born 4 June 1993) is an American volleyball player who plays for the United States men's national volleyball team and Pennsylvania State University club.^[1][2][3] Since autumn 2015, he plays for the Italian club Sir Safety Perugia.^[4]

Career

University

Aaron Russell was originally a middle in freshman year in Pennsylvania State University but later converted to outside hitting in his sophomore year. Aaron made this change because he would hear that a middle blocker was always able to swing away at every ball. However, outsides and opposites would have to play it smart and put in a few roll shots, tips, and even cut the ball around the block. This motivated Aaron to switch to outside because he felt that there would be a more variety of options to do in a play.^[5] Aaron closed off his senior year with a 4.68 kills per set, which ranked second in the nation. Also, he has a 1,519 kills in his career which ranks fourth and 197 aces ranked second both on Penn State all-time.^[6] In 2012 to 2015 Aaron Russell led Penn State to four consecutive NCAA semifinals.^[7]

Personal Life

Aaron Russell is the son of Stewart and Marian Russell and has four siblings, Peter, Samuel, Tim, and Paul.^[8] Stewart, Aaron’s father, trained Aaron on how to play volleyball at a very young age for example on how to pass, which greatly assists him in games today.^[9] Aaron Russell loves listening to music and playing the drums with his guitarist teammate, Sam Holt, to pass the time.^[10] His favorite school subject is nutrition and favorite foods are chocolate chip cookies and Italian food.^[11][12] Aaron Russell favors Kid Cudi as an entertainer and Tim Tebow as an athlete.^[13] An addition, his favorite place to visit is Venice, Italy.^[14]

Sporting achievements

National team

• 2015 FIVB World League
• 2015 FIVB World Cup

Individually

• In 2015 FIVB World Cup won leading scorer in final three matches^[15]
• 2014 U.S. Men's Team youngest athlete achieving gold medal^[16]
• 2014 World Championship Qualifier presented as Best Spiker^[17]

References

1. "Aaron Russell". Team USA. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
2. "Player - Aaron Russell - FIVB Volleyball World League 2015". fivb.com. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
3. "Aaron Russell Bio - Men's Volleyball - Penn State University Official Athletic Site". gopsusports.com. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
4. "Legavolley - News: Block Devils "Stars&Stripes"! Aaron Russell sbarca a Perugia!". legavolley.it. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
5. Patterson, Don. "Above the fray". Volleyball USA.
6. "Penn State player profile". Penn State. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
7. Patterson, Don. "Above the fray". Volleyball USA.
8. "Penn State player profile". Penn State. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
9. Patterson, Don. "Above the fray". Volleyball USA.
10. Patterson, Don. "Above the fray". Volleyball USA.
11. Patterson, Don. "Above the fray". Volleyball USA.
12. "Penn State player profile". Penn State. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
13. "Penn State player profile". Penn State. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
14. Patterson, Don. "Above the fray". Volleyball USA.
15. "Team USA player profile". Team USA. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
16. "Team USA player profile". Team USA. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
17. "Team USA player profile". Team USA. Retrieved 16 February 2016.

External links

• Bio in Centre Daily Times
• FIVB profile