Sean Rooney

Sean Michael Rooney (born November 13, 1982) is an American indoor volleyball, who plays as an outside hitter for the U.S. National Team. He made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. [ [http://www.pepperdinesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=91070&SPID=10828&DB_OEM_ID=18500&ATCLID=1513195 Sean Rooney named to U.S. Olympic team] Pepperdine Athletic Department. (July 15, 2008). Retrieved on August 18, 2008.]

Early life

Rooney was born in Wheaton, Illinois. He attended Wheaton Warrenville South High School and was named the 2001 Illinois State Player of the Year and led the team to the state championship.Considine, Mike. [http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/wheaton/sports/x1346872442/Rooney-close-to-realizing-long-held-Olympic-dream Rooney close to realizing long-held Olympic dream] "My Suburban Life". (June 26, 2008). Retrieved on August 18, 2008.] In addition to volleyball, he also played golf and basketball.

College

Rooney attended Pepperdine in Malibu, California, where he graduated in 2005 with a degree in business administration.

During his NCAA career, he was a four time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American. By the end of his career, he ranked second nationally among NCAA Division I-II players in points per game, as he had 6.35 in 2005. He was named the 2005 Division I-II National Player of the Year. [ [http://www.pepperdinesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=91070&SPID=10828&DB_OEM_ID=18500&ATCLID=1172595 Senior Sean Rooney named AVCA National Player of the Year] Pepperdine Athletic Department. (May 4, 2005). Retrieved on August 18, 2008.]

In 2005, he led Pepperdine to the NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship, as they defeated UCLA on the Bruins' home floor in five sets. It was the first time in 35 years UCLA lost at home during the NCAA tournament. Rooney was named the Most Valuable Player of the Final Four. [ [http://www.pepperdinesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=91070&SPID=10828&DB_OEM_ID=18500&ATCLID=1172613 Pepperdine rallies to claim national championship] Pepperdine Athletic Department. (May 7, 2005). Retrieved on August 18, 2008.]

Professional

During the winters of 2006 and 2007, Rooney played for the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in the South Korean League, where he garnered Most Valuable Player awards after leading the team to two consecutive Korean League titles.

In the 2007-2008 season, he played for Dinamo-Yantar in Kaliningrad, Russia.

AVP

Rooney briefly joined the AVP beach volleyball tour, where he played in 2005 and 2006. His highest placing was fifth, which he achieved three times.

National Team

International

In 2008, Rooney was named “Best Spiker” of the NORCECA Continental Olympic Qualifying tournament on Jan. 6-11 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Sean finished the tournament with 46 points on 43 kills and three blocks. The U.S. Men won the tournament and qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games.

In 2007, Sean was named the Most Valuable Player of the U.S. Men’s match against Egypt at the FIVB World Cup. Sean scored 18 points on 15 kills, two blocks and one ace as the United States won in straight sets.

Olympics

Sean made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Summer Olympics, helping Team USA to a gold medal.

Professional

For the 2008-09 season, Rooney is playing with Fakel Novy volleyball club based in Russia.

References

External links

* [http://www.usavolleyball.org/national/profiles/men/player.asp?number=2 U.S. National Team bio]
* [http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=1386/bio/index.html Bio at NBC Olympics]