The American outside hitter is the youngest player in the wide US roster for the 2015 edition of the World League.
The 18-year-old already grabbed our attention two years ago at the 2013 U19 Beach Volleyball World Championship in Porto, Portugal, where he and his partner Lucas Yoder won the bronze medals. He even participated at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games with Louis Richard. However, Torey, named after his father, has ambitions indoors and is yet to compete in the NCAA’s first volleyball division – a regular stage for USA’s brightest talents. Currently a high school graduate, TJ will be freshman as of Fall 2015 at the Long Beach State in California. He will not be enjoying a carefree summer, though, as John Speraw had noticed his skills and called him up to the national team camp.
DeFalco was named MVP and Best Spiker at the 2014 NORCECA U19 Championship where USA won the title. While still in high school, he helped his team Huntington Beach Club to win both the U16 and U18 titles at the national junior tournaments.
“TJ is a very talented player with a passion for competition. He has a great arm, he is a really versatile player and has a very high volleyball IQ”, says Alan Knipe, the predecessor of John Speraw at the wheel of the men’s national team and head coach of Long Beach State university team.
Torey “TJ” DeFalco
Born: April 10, 1997
Nationality: US
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 196 cm
Current club: Long Beach State (USA NCAA Men’s Volleyball Division I)
Picture: hbindependent.com
