The U.S. Olympic indoor and beach volleyball teams were honored with a send-off celebration Wednesday night at the Los Angeles Angels game.
Both of the indoor teams are based in Anaheim (where the Angels actually play), and all of the beach volleyball players train nearby in Southern California. Setter Courtney Thompson, who is one of four women’s players returning from the 2012 silver-medal winning team, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Both the men’s and women’s indoor teams will be strong medal contenders in Rio, with the U.S. women ranked No. 1 in the world. U.S. men and women on the beach are favored to bring home medals as well.
The volleyball players will leave next week for team processing in Houston before flying over to Rio.
Thanks for joining us #AtTheBigA tonight, @usavolleyball! Best wishes on your journey at #RioOlympics. #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/og7JbkuMm6
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 21, 2016
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIG4ZcdjLnH/
Our #Olympians during 7th inning stretch of @Angels game as our #Olympic @teamusa sendoff is nearing an end. pic.twitter.com/OkHTZKTlLR
— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) July 21, 2016
.@KaylaBanwarth2 batting practice at @Angels Stadium for @TeamUSA #Olympic sendoff for our volleyball teams. pic.twitter.com/oUvw2WnDve
— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) July 21, 2016
MORE: U.S. Olympic women’s roster | U.S. Olympic men’s roster