Coaches can’t wait for the start of Women’s Pan Am Cup
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, June 30, 2011 – The head coaches of the
12 teams taking part in the X Women’s Pan American Volleyball
Cup are enthusiastic about the start of the competition and most
of them share the common goal of winning a ticket to next year’s
FIVB World Grand Prix.
The coaches made their statements during the press conference
held before the general technical meeting.
Horacio Bastit, Argentina:
“Our preparation has been a good one; my team is young for the
level of this competition but we hope for the best looking for a
ticket to the Gran Prix.”
Jose Roberto Guimaraes, Brazil:
“It’s the first important tournament of the year which is very
vital for the team because we will be facing world class teams
that are looking for the qualification to the Grand Prix.”
Arnd Ludwig, Canada:
“We are happy to be here; we’ve been working hard for the last
two years and we must focus in our game, always giving the best
in all our matches.”
Hugo Jauregui, Chile:
“This is our first time in a Pan American Cup as a result of a
new development plan and profound transformation of Chilean
women’s volleyball. We have high expectations as it’s not usual
to face Norceca’s teams.”
Braulio Godinez, Costa Rica:
“Maybe we are not as prepared as I wish we could, but the team
will make their best effort and hope for the best in the
tournament.”
Juan Gala, Cuba:
“We’re aiming to the Grand Prix’s qualification; we know it will
be difficult but we came here well prepared.”
Marcos Kwiek, Dominican Republic:
“We have been practicing hard to retain our title, but we are
aware that we have strong opponents. To reach our goal, we must
face in each match as if it is a final.”
Mario Herrera, Mexico:
“The level of competition is very high, so Mexico’s main
objective is to qualify to the next round as our team has a
combination of young players with some other experienced ones.”
Luca Cristofani, Peru:
“I’ve just started in May as new head coach of the Peruvian team
so my expectations are not in results but in the progress of the
changes we’ve been working together switching from Asian
techniques to a Western style of game.”
David Aleman, Puerto Rico:
“We are well prepared; our main goal is to recover the space we
lost last year for the Grand Prix and then finish in the best
position as possible.”
Francisco Cruz, Trinidad & Tobago:
“Trinidad & Tobago is a team in development; this is our fourth
tournament in which we have the opportunity to compete against
some of the world’s best which helps us to grow and become
better.”
Hugh McCutcheon, United States:
“The goal is the qualification to the Grand Prix. We are very
excited to play against good opponents to see hoe we’re doing as
a team. It will be a strong competition.” |