RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Matt Anderson's older sister realized he really must be struggling in order to call home with news for his family that he needed an extended break from volleyball.
Joelle Vanegas remembers it well nearly two years later, and also recalls her reaction once the worries for her brother had eased and she knew he would be fine.
Vanegas threw out a little tough love.
"You're the best player in the world, Matt. Suck it up, and get back out there and play," she told him.
Eventually, he would find his way back, and Anderson will lead the Americans into their Olympic opener Sunday night against Canada.