A former star of Loyola’s men’s volleyball team has turned his dream into a reality. USA Volleyball announced on June 21 that it selected Thomas Jaeschke as one of 12 athletes to represent Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Jaeschke will be Loyola’s first U.S. Olympian since Tom O’Hara competed in track and field events at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic games.
Team USA is scheduled to play its first game against Canada on Aug. 7 and will play in Pool A with Brazil, Canada, France, Italy and Mexico. The top four teams will advance to the quarterfinals.