Danielle Scott is confident about her role with USA 

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland, August 16, 2003.- American Danielle Scott is one of the most seasoned players competing at this year’s edition of the FIVB World Grand Prix and the stellar middle blocker is confident that she can offer encourage and feedback to her younger teammates as the four-week competition is about to start in Poland.

Rating the USA rivals this year, Scott considers Brazil and China the top favorites teams but made it clear that no team can win by rankings or being favorite alone while she expects her side to be competitive in every match.

She also praised the atmosphere that involves the premier annual women’s tournament of FIVB, the opportunity for the cultural exchange that it provides and the opportunity to see friends made through volleyball around the years.

Here is a Q & A with Scott prior to the European leg of the preliminary rounds: 

What does it means for you to be back at the Grand Prix with Team USA? 

The Grand Prix is the biggest annual World tournament.  I am very excited to be one of the members of the USA team competing in this tournament.   

What to expect from your team and you personally? 

This is an opportunity for our team to build from the first tournament of the season.  I expect that we will be very competitive each time we step on the court.  Our goal is to make the final round where we will then reevaluate ourselves and set new goals.  Personally, I will contribute to my team in many ways from my spirit and encouragement, to offering feed back and my performance. 

Do you think there is a favorite team to win this year? 

It is hard to determine one favorite team but I think maybe Brazil, the World Grand Prix defending champions, and China.  But thank God for competition.  No team can win by rankings or being favorites alone.   

Can you be a stabilizing factor for Team USA?   

We have several Olympians on this team and a few new comers.  I hope that my personality and experience will add to our team’s character and help be a stabilizing factor for our team. 

What is your opinion about the atmosphere around the Grand Prix and the opportunity for cultural exchange? 

The atmosphere around the Grand Prix is wonderful.  There is exceptional service from all of the hotels and venues.  One can feel the excitement and curiosity of the locals as we riding on the bus or walking to a near by market...  One definitely has opportunity for cultural exchange though limited due to our training and competition schedule.  I particularly like the opening ceremony where we see some of the culture in the presentation.   

Why is the Grand Prix a competition so special? 

The Grand Prix is a special competition for many reasons.  It is unique in its' format of traveling to four countries in four weeks taking a high level of volleyball all over the world. It is great for measuring one's level relative to other top teams.  It can be used for preparation for other World tournaments.  It is one of few monetary prize winning tournaments. And it is the one tournament that if one qualifies one can count on seeing annually friends that have been developed over the years through volleyball.