**2001 FIVB World Grand Prix Squads**
**Definition:**
The 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix squads refer to the national women’s volleyball teams that participated in the 2001 edition of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) World Grand Prix. This annual international tournament featured top teams from around the world competing for the prestigious title, with each squad comprising selected players representing their respective countries.
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## 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix Squads
The 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix was the ninth edition of the annual women’s volleyball tournament organized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). Held from July 13 to August 5, 2001, the competition brought together the world’s leading national teams to compete across multiple venues, culminating in a final round hosted in Macau, China. The tournament featured eight national teams, each fielding a squad of players selected by their respective national volleyball federations.
This article provides a detailed overview of the squads that participated in the 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix, including player rosters, coaching staff, and notable athletes. Understanding the composition of these squads offers insight into the competitive landscape of women’s volleyball at the time and highlights the key players who shaped the tournament.
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## Participating Teams
The eight national teams that qualified for the 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix were:
– Brazil
– China
– Cuba
– Germany
– Japan
– Russia
– South Korea
– United States
Each team brought a roster of 12 to 14 players, including specialists in various positions such as setters, outside hitters, middle blockers, opposites, and liberos.
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## Brazil Squad
### Overview
Brazil entered the 2001 World Grand Prix as one of the favorites, boasting a strong lineup with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. The team was known for its dynamic offense and solid defense.
### Head Coach
– Marco Aurélio Motta
### Key Players
– **Sheilla Castro** (Outside Hitter) – Known for her powerful spikes and versatility.
– **Fernanda Venturini** (Setter) – Renowned for her precise ball distribution and leadership on the court.
– **Tandara Caixeta** (Opposite) – A rising star with strong attacking skills.
– **Regiane Bidias** (Middle Blocker) – Provided crucial blocking and quick attacks.
### Full Roster
1. Sheilla Castro
2. Fernanda Venturini
3. Tandara Caixeta
4. Regiane Bidias
5. Virna Dias
6. Ana Moser
7. Érika Coimbra
8. Walewska Oliveira
9. Fofão (Hélia Souza)
10. Jaqueline Carvalho
11. Sassá (Sassá de Oliveira)
12. Fabiana Claudino
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## China Squad
### Overview
China’s squad was characterized by disciplined play and strong technical skills. The team had a history of success in international volleyball and aimed to reclaim the World Grand Prix title.
### Head Coach
– Chen Zhonghe
### Key Players
– **Lang Ping** (Coach and former player, influential in team strategy)
– **Zhou Suhong** (Outside Hitter) – Known for her powerful attacks and blocking.
– **Yang Hao** (Outside Hitter) – A versatile player with strong offensive capabilities.
– **Zhang Yuehong** (Middle Blocker) – Key in defense and quick middle attacks.
### Full Roster
1. Zhou Suhong
2. Yang Hao
3. Zhang Yuehong
4. Feng Kun (Setter)
5. Li Yan
6. Zhao Ruirui
7. Ma Yunwen
8. Wu Dan
9. Sun Yue
10. Zhang Na
11. Zhang Jing
12. Li Shan
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## Cuba Squad
### Overview
Cuba was a dominant force in women’s volleyball during the 1990s and early 2000s, known for their physicality and athleticism. The 2001 squad continued this tradition with a powerful lineup.
### Head Coach
– Luis Felipe Calderón
### Key Players
– **Regla Torres** (Middle Blocker) – One of the greatest volleyball players, known for her blocking and leadership.
– **Mireya Luis** (Outside Hitter) – Famous for her explosive jumping ability and attacking prowess.
– **Taismary Aguero** (Setter/Outside Hitter) – Versatile player with excellent court vision.
– **Yumilka Ruíz** (Opposite) – Strong attacker and scorer.
### Full Roster
1. Regla Torres
2. Mireya Luis
3. Taismary Aguero
4. Yumilka Ruíz
5. Ana Ibis Fernández
6. Mirka Francia
7. Daimí Ramírez
8. Yanelis Santos
9. Zoila Barros
10. Dalila Rodríguez
11. Nancy Carrillo
12. Yusidey Silié
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## Germany Squad
### Overview
Germany’s team was known for its disciplined approach and tactical play. The 2001 squad featured a mix of experienced players and young talents aiming to make an impact on the international stage.
### Head Coach
– Lee Hee-Wan
### Key Players
– **Hanka Pachale** (Outside Hitter) – Key offensive player with strong attacking skills.
– **Katharina Bullin** (Setter) – Responsible for orchestrating the team’s offense.
– **Heike Beier** (Opposite) – Noted for her scoring ability.
– **Susanne Lahme** (Middle Blocker) – Provided blocking and quick attacks.
### Full Roster
1. Hanka Pachale
2. Katharina Bullin
3. Heike Beier
4. Susanne Lahme
5. Christina Schultz
6. Anja Krause
7. Ulrike Jurk
8. Britta Becker
9. Kerstin Tzscherlich
10. Ariane Radfan
11. Grit Naumann
12. Linda Dörendahl
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## Japan Squad
### Overview
Japan’s team was recognized for its speed, defense, and technical precision. The 2001 squad emphasized quick plays and strong teamwork.
### Head Coach
– Shoichi Yanagimoto
### Key Players
– **Yoshie Takeshita** (Setter) – Renowned for her quick sets and leadership.
– **Miki Sasaki** (Outside Hitter) – Key offensive player with consistent performance.
– **Megumi Kurihara** (Opposite) – Known for her attacking skills.
– **Sachiko Sugiyama** (Middle Blocker) – Provided solid blocking and quick attacks.
### Full Roster
1. Yoshie Takeshita
2. Miki Sasaki
3. Megumi Kurihara
4. Sachiko Sugiyama
5. Miyuki Takahashi
6. Yuko Sano
7. Mari Nomura
8. Kaori Inoue
9. Yuka Sakurai
10. Saori Kimura
11. Megumi Itabashi
12. Rie Takaki
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## Russia Squad
### Overview
Russia’s team combined height, power, and experience. The 2001 squad was competitive, featuring several players with international experience.
### Head Coach
– Nikolay Karpol
### Key Players
– **Elena Godina** (Outside Hitter) – Known for her powerful spikes and all-around skills.
– **Irina Kirillova** (Setter) – Veteran player with excellent ball distribution.
– **Natalia Morozova** (Middle Blocker) – Key blocker and attacker.
– **Yelena Vasilevskaya** (Opposite) – Strong offensive presence.
### Full Roster
1. Elena Godina
2. Irina Kirillova
3. Natalia Morozova
4. Yelena Vasilevskaya
5. Marina Sheshenina
6. Olga Fateeva
7. Ekaterina Gamova
8. Yulia Merkulova
9. Tatiana Kosheleva
10. Svetlana Kryuchkova
11. Marina Pankova
12. Lyubov Sokolova
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## South Korea Squad
### Overview
South Korea’s team was known for its speed, defense, and tactical play. The 2001 squad focused on quick attacks and strong reception.
### Head Coach
– Kim Cheol-yong
### Key Players
– **Kim Yeon-koung** (Outside Hitter) – Emerging talent known for her attacking and defensive skills.
– **Lee So-young** (Setter) – Key playmaker for the team.
– **Park Mee-kyung** (Opposite) – Strong offensive player.
– **Kim Hae-ran** (Libero) – Defensive specialist.
### Full Roster
1. Kim Yeon-koung
2. Lee So-young
3. Park Mee-kyung
4. Kim Hae-ran
5. Lee Hyun-jung
6. Kim Se-jin
7. Choi Kwang-hee
8. Kim Mi-jin
9. Park Hae-jung
10. Lee Mi-kyung
11. Kim Ji-young
12. Han Yoo-mi
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## United States Squad
### Overview
The United States team was a strong contender with a balanced roster of experienced players and young athletes. The team emphasized athleticism and versatility.
### Head Coach
– Toshi Yoshida
### Key Players
– **Logan Tom** (Outside Hitter) – Known for her all-around skills and leadership.
– **Kerri Walsh** (Middle Blocker) – Later famous for beach volleyball, contributed strong indoor play.
– **Heather Bown** (Middle Blocker) – Provided blocking and attacking strength.
– **Lindsey Berg** (Setter) – Key playmaker with excellent court vision.
### Full Roster
1. Logan Tom
2. Kerri Walsh
3. Heather Bown
4. Lindsey Berg
5. Danielle Scott
6. Stacy Sykora
7. Tara Cross-Battle
8. Nancy Metcalf
9. Kristin Folkl
10. Liane Sato
11. Jenelle Koester
12. Heather Erickson
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## Conclusion
The 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix showcased some of the best women’s volleyball talent globally, with each squad bringing unique strengths and styles to the competition. The detailed rosters reflect the depth and diversity of players who contributed to the tournament’s high level of play. These squads not only competed for the title but also helped to elevate the profile of women’s volleyball internationally.
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**Meta Description:**
An overview of the national team squads that participated in the 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix, detailing player rosters, coaching staff, and key athletes from the eight competing countries.