Greenbaum, Dan

Sport:
volleyball

Country Represented:
United States

Years Competed:
1992

Medals Received:
bronze

Olympic Info:
Greenbaum was a member of the United States' men's volleyball team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Dan, an excellent setter, appeared in two matches during the competition, and the U.S. finished with a 4-1 record in their preliminary group, including a 3-2 victory over Japan. Following the match, however, the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) reversed the result and gave Japan the win because of a rule violation by U.S. team member Bob Samuelson. As a result, the entire American team shaved their heads in support of their bald teammate.

The U.S. team finished tied for first in their preliminary group and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they defeated the Unified Team (made up of countries from the former Soviet Union) in four sets. In the semifinals, they were defeated by Brazil, but won the third-place match over Cuba to capture the bronze medal.

Career Highlights:
Before competing in the Olympics, Greenbaum was one the best collegiate volleyball players in the country while attending the University of Southern California. He joined the Trojans in 1989 as the team's setter and helped the team capture the NCAA Championship in 1990; he was second team All-America and was named a Volleyball Monthly All-Time Fab 50 pick. The following year, Dan was named first team All-America and the Trojans finished as the NCAA runner-up. In 1991, Greenbaum also joined the U.S. National Team as the starting setter and helped the U.S. win the bronze medal at the World Cup. Following the Olympic Games, Dan played professionally in Japan (he was an All-Star setter for NEC in the Japanese Pro League), and on the beach volleyball circuit.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 12, 1969

Origin:
Rancho Palos Verdes, California

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