Rolf To Officiate FIVB World Grand Prix
August 06, 2010 | Volleyball
Aug. 6, 2010
SAO CARLOS, Brazil - East Carolina Volleyball Head Coach Pati Rolf has been assigned to officiate in Group A at the 2010 Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) World Grand Prix, a competition scheduled for August 6-29 at various sites around the globe.
The World Grand Prix was created in 1993 as part of the FIVB's marketing strategy to promote the sport of volleyball by establishing annual international competitions. It is modeled after the World League, a successful event for men that had been introduced three years before.
"It is an honor to officiate in such a prestigious event," Rolf stated. "To be a part of something that allows women the opportunity to compete at the highest level is something in which I have always wanted to be involved. It is also a tremendous honor to represent women in the FIVB and bring exposure to all women worldwide. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to this event."
Group A includes host Brazil, Italy, Japan and Chinese Taipei. The United States has been placed in Group B with Poland, Germany and the Dominican Republic. Teams will contest three preliminary rounds before the top five squads move on to the final round in Ningbo, China to battle for the gold medal.
Rolf first gained international officiating exposure at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta as a line judge. Since then, she has worked World Cups, the Pan American Cup, the Boris Yeltsin Cup - where she met Yeltsin, and was a reserve for the World League.
When she obtained her FIVB International Officiating Certificate in 2003, Rolf was just one of 15 female international officials in the world. The Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) Hall of Fame member has been a registered national volleyball official since 1990.
After returning from Brazil, Rolf will resume her head coaching duties with East Carolina. She welcomes back five letterwinners and greets eight newcomers for her second season at the helm of the program. The Pirates report for preseason Monday, August 9, in preparation for the season-opening East Carolina Classic. ECU will take on Charlotte, Cleveland State and Liberty.
For more information about the World Grand Prix, visit its official website here
