RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Matt Fuerbringer watches intently during warmups, first with hands on hips before he crosses his arms in front for a brief moment and then immediately moves them behind his back. After that, it's a series of gestures to motivate the team — a thumbs-up, high-five, hug and a handshake among them.
The assistant men's volleyball coach for the U.S. Olympic team adjusts his headset well before the first ball is struck, then is right in the huddle during timeouts and hollering from the bench, fingers clasped around a clipboard.
A former standout player in both indoor and on sand, the 42-year-old Fuerbringer has been the reliable, right-hand man for John Speraw as he balances dual coaching roles with the national team and UCLA.