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'A superhero' | Zionsville dad takes on 2024 Paris Olympics

As Team USA's men's volleyball team marches past Germany in pool play, a Hoosier is helping lead the way.

PARIS, France — His family calls him a superhero.

Zionsville's Matt Anderson was asked about it during a USA Volleyball press conference before the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A clip of his answer online has been seen more than 100,000 times and has received hundreds of comments.

"When he’s on the court, he’s on the court," said Matt's wife, Jackie. "When he comes home, he’s a husband and a dad.”

Tuesday's match between Team USA and Team Germany at South Paris Arena was the first time Jackie and the couple's two young children, Jamie and Juno, were able to watch Matt play in an Olympic match in person.

Credit: AP/ Alessandra Tarantino
Moritz Karlitzek, of Germany, spikes the ball as Matthew Anderson, of Zionsville, Indiana blocks during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“We were supposed to go to Tokyo, but plans changed," Jackie said. "With USA, the way their season works, they are traveling all the time. We don’t have a professional league in the United States, so it’s rare that the kids can see him play.”

With his family in the front row, Matt dominated on the court Tuesday, putting on a show for Team USA fans. The contest with Germany went to five sets, after Team USA was up two sets to start.

"It's the freaking Olympics, man," Matt said. "Every point counts. Every point is very, very important throughout the entire match. I'm just happy with the way we were able to stick it out and win."

As talented as the four-time Olympian is on the court, Jackie said he's an even better man at home.

“Family is first, then volleyball," Jackie said, "and that’s just who Matt is to the core. When he’s not playing volleyball or not in the gym, he’s making sure he’s coming home and spending as much time as possible with the kids.”

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"My kids, my wife, and my family are what keep me going," Matt said.

“His thing that he always says to me is, 'I’ll never stop trying,' and that’s what I see from him every day," Jackie said.

After the Paris Olympics, Jackie said the Andersons will have a couple months off before Matt's professional league picks up again.

As for now, Jackie said she is soaking in every minute of the Games, not knowing if this will be Matt's last Olympics.

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“He’s not sure yet," Jackie said. "He’s undecided just because he’s playing so well. I’ve been getting emotional here and there because we just don’t know if this will be his last Games. It’s just been really special to watch him.”

Before the start of the Olympics tournament, Matt and USA Volleyball have one more pool-play match on Friday, Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. ET.

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