Christa Harmotto Dietzen is considered one of the best volleyball players in the world, and she’s one of ours. The Hopewell native and Penn State alum is just one of four returning starters for the women’s indoor volleyball team.
“We’re thrilled to be from Pittsburgh,” said Dietzen. “Just know you’re [Pittsburgers] the group we’re fighting for. So we’re excited to represent.”
The team goes into the Rio games ranked No. 1 in the world.
“I feel so grateful,” said Dietzen. “I’m so excited to compete and have another opportunity to compete for Team U.S.A.”
As a veteran, Dietzen has a leadership role on the team and will be key in a push to bring home the gold, and improve on a silver finish in the 2012 games.
“One of the characteristics of our team is handling adversity and challenges,” said Dietzen. “We embrace them and love to overcome because that just adds more experience and it prepares us for those moments, hopefully in those medal rounds.”