Dan Regan named as the U.S. Men’s Sitting Volleyball Athlete of the Year
Daniel Joseph Regan, the American U.S. Sitting Volleyball player recently earned recognition of his hard work from the USA Volleyball.
Dan Regan joined the group of honourees of 2011 as the Edmond, Oklahoma native emerged as the 2011 U.S. Men’s Sitting Volleyball Athlete of the Year. It came as a surprise for Dan as he was relatively new in the team. Nonetheless, the USAV carefully analysed
and evaluated the overall performance of all players. Dan’s remarkable progress in a short span of time made him stand apart from the others and he got hold of the Athlete of the Year award.
Regan served in the U.S. Army as the National Guard Staff Sergeant for several years. He fought for the country and received some sever injuries. Some of the injuries couldn’t be healed and led him to amputation right leg above the knee. Other than the missing
leg, he had a strong muscular body. That was what tempted him to join the sports. He started playing volleyball in 2006 and clawed his way to the national team in 2010. It is just his second year with team and he has settled for the Player of the Year award.
On account of his exceptional skills, he soon emerged as the strong force for American team. He competed at the Sarajevo Open in Bosnia-Herzegovina and gave out a spectacular performance. Later on, he travelled with team to England. U.S. team participated
in the 2011 Continental Cup, while Regan got a great opportunity to showcase his wonderful skills. He also competed at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico and helped the team in winning silver-medal. Good performance in all these events
put him in the limelight.
Bill Hamiter, the USA Volleyball’s sitting volleyball program director said that Regan made consistent improvement in both attacking and blocking in short period of time.
Regan expressed mixed feeling of surprise and delight. He stated, “I am honoured to receive such recognition. It came as a bit of a surprise, as I feel that every member of our team is worthy of this. Each member has worked diligently on and off the court
and has made many sacrifices with one goal in mind, London 2012. It is a good feeling to be recognized individually for the hard work and sacrifices made, but I am fully aware that it is my teammates and coaches that got me here.”
In March 2012, the team will have its last chance to qualify for the 2012 Paralympic Games at the Intercontinental Cup in Cairo, Egypt. Regan is determined to help the team in earning qualification for Paralympic Games.
A total of 16 teams will vie for the Olympic tickets but only the best team will advance to Olympics. The upcoming event will put Regan to another test of abilities.
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