Results for the U.S. men's volleyball team have been mixed at the past few Olympics. So coach Hugh McCutcheon moved the team's home base and has a solid mix of veterans and youngsters heading into Beijing.
After helping China to an Olympic gold medal in 1984, Lang Ping became a national hero. Now on the verge of returning home as head coach of the U.S., Lang is justifiably wary of the media crush she'll face in Beijing.
Lloy Ball thought his volleyball days were numbered after the 2004 Games, but he's back as the U.S. team's starting setter. An Olympic medal would be nice, but that's not the sole reason for his comeback.
China's Xue Chen and Zhang Xi may not be their country's top women's team, but that's not to say they aren't among the best in the world. Their youth and talent could make beach volleyball more popular at home.
