Eric Sato

Eric Anthony Sato (born May 5, 1966, in Santa Monica, California) is an American former volleyball player and two-time Olympian. He was a member of the United States national volleyball team that won the gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.[1] He also played in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and won a bronze medal.[1] He was a serving and defensive specialist, and was widely considered to be the best defensive player in the world.[1][2] After the Olympics, he played professional beach volleyball.[1]

Eric Sato
Personal information
Full nameEric Anthony Sato
NationalityAmerican
BornMay 5, 1966 (1966-05-05) (age 57)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
College / UniversityPepperdine University
Volleyball information
PositionDefensive specialist
Number11 (1988)
14 (1992)
National team
1986–1994 United States
Medal record
Men's volleyball
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1988 Seoul Indoor
Bronze medal – third place 1992 Barcelona Indoor
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1986 Paris
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1987 Indianapolis Indoor

College

Sato played college volleyball at Pepperdine University.[1]

Personal life

Sato's sister Liane played volleyball with the United States women's national team in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, capturing a bronze medal in 1992.[3][4][5] For the Sato family, a capstone was the 1988 Olympic Games, when Eric and Liane were both competing, and their brother Gary was a coach on the men's volleyball team.[3]

References
  1. "Eric Sato". Olympedia. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  2. Yost, Heather (1999). "The libero rules". NCAA. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  3. Chan, Ed (October 2, 2020). "Family matriarch Elissa Sato leaves behind an incredible volleyball legacy". Volleyball Magazine. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  4. Drooz, Alan (May 28, 1992). "Olympic Hopes Still Flourish for Volleyball Veteran Sato". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 27, 2023. (subscription required)
  5. "Ex-SDSU Standout on Women's Team". Los Angeles Times. June 26, 1992. Retrieved June 27, 2023. (subscription required)
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