NVAPlayersRussell Holmes

Russell Holmes, COO of the NVA has an unbelievably impressive volleyball resume, and we were lucky enough to sit down with him. His accomplishments include; being a member of the USA National who competed in the 2012 Olympics, a champion of the 2014 FIVB World League and the 2015 FIVB World Cup, was named the Club World Championship’s best blocker of 2011/12, and best middle blocker of the Champions League 2015/16. Now the lead player and Team Representative of the Utah Stingers, Russell took some time to share some more about his extraordinary life and career.

 

Q: When/where did you start playing volleyball? Did you play other sports or have other hobbies?

 

Russell: “I started playing volleyball when I was 17 years old as a junior at Fountain Valley Highschool. Before that, I played and tried all other sports but was primarily playing varsity soccer. I had some excellent friends convince me to come to try out for the high school volleyball team, and my love for the sport blossomed from there. Other hobbies I had at the time were photography, skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and music. These are all still things that I love to do when I’m not playing volleyball.”

 

Q: What was your college experience like?

 

“I ended up playing for BYU (Brigham Young University) during my college career. I majored in Sociology with a minor in Communications. I had a very positive experience while playing and studying at BYU. We won the NCAA National Championship in 2004. I enjoyed the friends I made and the people that influenced me along my journey there. During the summers, I’d work as a volleyball coach coaching camps for youth around the nation with Gold Medal Squared.”

 

Q: What were your experiences playing overseas?

 

“I’ve played and lived in 6 different countries during my 10-year professional career: Puerto Rico, Austria, Brazil, Poland, Turkey, and France. I’ve enjoyed living and competing in these places and have grown to love each one’s unique atmosphere. I have been super lucky to have had positive experiences in all the areas I’ve competed in. The things that I have enjoyed most is learning about the different cultures and making friends that I know will last a lifetime.

 

Q: What have you been up to during quarantine?

 

“During quarantine, life hasn’t changed much. I work full time as a project manager for a restoration company, which has remained an essential business throughout this journey. So my day to day routine has remained very much the same. I’ve not only been busy with that but also with playing my part to assist the NVA to continually grow and impact our sport within our country. Overall, I have remained optimistic and know these circumstances won’t last forever. The challenges that I have been faced with through this have only taught me amazing valuable lessons that have contributed to some significant and personal growth. For that, I am grateful for this unique time that we live in.”