Cuba’s 2011 World League Volleyball Team: A Look at the National Champions

Cuba’s 2011 World League Volleyball Team is one of the most successful national teams in recent years. The team has won multiple world championships, and most recently they overcame all odds to come out as the Global World League champions in 2011.

Cuba’s national volleyball program has been around for over 25 years, with some of the greatest names in the sport making their debut here. In 2011, the Cuban team won the championship of the Volleyball World League, proving that they belonged amongst the top teams in the world.

The Volleyball World League includes teams from around the world, and is arguably the most important tournament in the sport. In 2011, the Cuban national team made it to the final round and won the championship, beating the USA in the last set to win the trophy.

This article will take a closer look at the 2011 Cuban World League champions and provide insights into their success. We’ll look at the team’s star players, the tactics employed by the coaches, and the behind-the-scenes narratives that led to their ultimate victory. So if you’re interested in learning more about the amazing Cuban Volleyball team that won the 2011 World League championship, you’ve come to the right place!

Team History

Cuba’s 2011 World League Volleyball team has an extensive and successful history, with the squad having experienced a gradual rise in international prominence since the mid-1980s. The team’s apex began in 1997 when Cuba finished second at the Fivb World Grand Champions Cup, and continued when, four years later, the team repeated their silver medal performance in the Olympic Games in Sydney. After this meteoric rise to prominence, the team experienced a string of international successes, including Fivb World Grand Champion Cup podium finishes in 2001, 2003, and 2005, as well as their first ever FIVB World League win in 2006.

In 2011, the team achieved its most prestigious success when they were crowned FIVB World League champions after defeating Serbia in the final. This was an especially impressive feat considering the team was comprised largely of amateurs, who, in the modern era, rarely make it to the top-tier of international volleyball.

The response to their championship victory was unforgettable. Thousands lined the streets of Cuba to watch the triumphant team ride home in a spectacular open-top bus parade. It was a memorable, and well-deserved, moment for all involved.

Notable Players

The team responsible for Cuba’s World League Volleyball Championship victory in 2011 was made up of a talented lineup of veteran players from the Cuban national team. Heading the roster was Rolando Cepeda Abreu, who achieved recognition as the 2011 FIVB World Player of the Year. Cepeda is regarded as one of the foundations of the team, exhibiting powerful attacks, a calm demeanor and accurate serves.

Alongside Cepeda was Wilfredo “Miki” León Venero, Cuba’s prominent setter and one of the most experienced players in the National Team with an extensive international record. Venero was determined to achieve victory and his efforts made a crucial contribution to Cuba’s success.

Up in the front, middle blocker Yosvani Hernández Peraza was invaluable in putting pressure on the opposing team’s defense. The sheer power of his attacks are legendary and he was one of the most feared players in Cuba’s lineup.

The team was captained by Melvis “Mayito” Cuesta López, who despite not having the explosive athleticism of his teammates, compensated with incredible technical skill and a great understanding of tactics.

Team Accomplishments

The Cuba World League Volleyball Team has achieved some remarkable accomplishments since their first World League Championship win in 2011. They have since won the Pan-American Games on five separate occasions, in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019, bringing home a gold medal each time. While claiming the top spot in America, the Cuban volleyball has gone even farther, earning two Olympic gold medals in 2003 and 2008. Their consistent success even earned them consecutive gold medals in the 2011 and 2015 World League Championships.

Outside their major achievements in international tournaments, the Cuban World League Volleyball Team has made countless smaller victories in their home country, to celebrate their national championship status. This includes capturing the Superliga 10 title for two years in a row in 2011 and 2012, the Copa Montego in 2012, the Copa Nacional in 2015, and the Challenge Cup that same year.

Cuba’s World League Volleyball Team has consistently shown they play on a level competitive with some of the greatest teams in the world since their championship in 2011. With their impressive roster of accomplishment, they continue to bring pride and recognition to their country on a global scale.

Conclusion

The 2011 World League Volleyball team from Cuba was nothing short of spectacular. After pushing through the qualifying tournaments, the team made it to the final and put in an impressive performance to take home the gold medal. It showed that the Cuban people are hard-working, dedicated, and eager to success.

While the team had plenty of standout performances, their success was driven by the entire team’s commitment to excellence. From the coaches to the players, the team worked tirelessly in preparation for the tournament, and it paid off.

In the future, it will be interesting to see how the team progresses and performs in other international tournaments. There is little doubt that they will continue to be champions, so they will be ones to watch in the future. While their opponent in the semi-finals, Italy, may be the current champions of the FIVB Grand Prix, the Cubans are showing that they are still a force to be reckoned with in international volleyball.

To summarise, the 2011 Cuban World League Volleyball team is a true example of hard work and dedication paying off. They have shown a great ability to work together and produce impressive results, proving that they are a great team. They will be ones to watch in the future, and it will be exciting to witness their accomplishments.

The Cuban National Volleyball Team made history in 2011, when they won the World League Volleyball Championship. With a team full of passionate and talented athletes, the Cuban team was determined to show the world their strength. Read more about the incredible journey of Cuba’s 2011 World League Volleyball Team here.