FIVB Controller Franz Schmied passes away at 81 – Volleyball News

FIVB Controller Franz Schmied passes away at 81 – Volleyball News

Another one bites the dust. Seems like, the angel of death is hovering over the volleyball world. There have been quite a few deaths in the month of March. In the recent memory, former FIVB Controller Franz Schmied bid farewell to life at the age of 81. 

The Bern native, Schmied lived a great life and saw many different stages in volleyball. He joined the sport as player and learned the nitty-gritty of the volleyball. He became the coach and proved his skills as a great mentor. Later on, he was also offered to join the FIVB administration. He served at the International Volleyball Federation for 30 years and made tremendous contribution to volleyball.

He also took up the role of President at the Switzerland Volleyball Federation, where he served from 1968-1982. He also served in the Swiss Olympic Committee.  

He joined FIVB as Treasurer in 1978. Soon he was elected as FIVB vice-president and president of the Finance Commission in 1982. He held chairman’s office of the World League Council in 1989. 

FIVB President Jizhong Wei expressed regret about the loss of a great legend. He stated: "We all had great respect for him for his hard work and his personality. Mr. Schmied will be always in our memory as one of the founders of the modern FIVB."

Samantha Wopat of Stanford Volleyball Team dies at 19 – Volleyball News

Samantha Wopat of Stanford Volleyball Team dies at 19 – Volleyball News

Samantha "Sam" Wopat, the outside hitter of Stanford University volleyball team died at the age of 19 on Sunday, March 25. She was the former member of the U.S. women's youth and junior volleyball teams.
She faced a medical emergency on Saturday, March 17 and was admitted to ICU of Stanford Hospital in Stanford, California.  The cause of death has not been disclosed yet.

After her demise, athletic director of Stanford volleyball programme Bob Bowlsby stated: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Wopat. She was an integral member of the Stanford Athletics family and a tremendous student and athlete.

"Stanford University and the women's volleyball programme have lost a wonderful young woman," he further added.
Wopat started her volleyball career in 2006 and spent three seasons with her high school team. Afterwards, she enrolled at the University of Stanford and eventually became part of the Stanford Women’s Volleyball Team. Meanwhile, she was also selected as a member of the 2010 U.S. women's junior national team and a three-time member of U.S. junior Olympic teams.

Born in Santa Barbara, Wopat graduated from Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, California, where she lettered in volleyball, track and field and basketball.

Besides her sister, she is survived by her parents and two brothers, Jackson and Eli.

CEV announces the venue of women’s Final Four of the Champions League – Volleyball news

CEV announces the venue of women’s Final Four of the Champions League – Volleyball news

Following the completion of the enthralling quarter-final stage of 2012 CEV Women’s Champions League, the European Volleyball Governing Body has disclosed the venue of the crucial Final Four of the tournament.
Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku has been selected as the host of the final phase of the CEV Champions League.

The final four of the CEV Women’s Champions League will take place from March 24 to 25, while the “Heydar Aliyev” Sports and Concert Complex will set up the field of play. Heydar Aliyev is the largest sports hall in Azerbaijan and it has hosted some of influential international events.

The ‘final four’ stage will feature two semi-finals on the day 1. The successful teams of the semis will advance to the final showdown, while the losers will compete for bronze-ware in the classification match. The final and classification matches will be played on second and eventually 2012 edition of CEV Women’s Champions League will come to an end.

Turkey’s Fenerbahce Universal Istanbul, Dinamo Kazan of Russia, French RC Cannes, and MC-Carnaghi Villa Cortese of Italy proved their endeavours in the 1/8 finals and clawed their way to final four. The first semi-final on Saturday will bring Turkish Fenerbahce in a head-to-head fight with Dinamo KAZAN. The Turkish ladies are labelled as runner-ups in 2010 and bronze medallists of the past season.

Likewise, the pre-favourite of the tournament RC Cannes will take on Italy’s sensation MC-Carnaghi VILLA CORTESE. Both semi-final matches are expected to feature some extreme volleyball action in the Heydar Aliyev sport centre in Baku.

Azerbaijan played with two teams at the 2012 CEV Champions League but none of them could qualify for the semi-finals. Rabita and Azerrail participated in the league round of the championship but got disqualified on account of poor performance. Rabita Baku played its last match against Fenerbahce and failed to overcome the strong opponent. On the other hand, Russian Dinamo Kazan proved to be a detractor for Azerrail Baku in a decisive golden set and caused elimination for Azerbaijani team.

Nonetheless, the local organisers are hopeful that passionate volleyball fans from all around the country will come to enjoy the final four games. All eyes are now set on the clock. Soon the finalists will come into stride and vie for the top European honour.