Born: 1972 (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Biography:
Danielle Racquel Scott-Arruda is an American-Brazilian indoor volleyball player, best known for her exceptional career in international competitions. Born on October 1, 1972, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she grew up with a passion for volleyball and basketball. Scott-Arruda attended Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, where she showcased her athleticism and became an All-State performer in both sports.
The talented athlete’s journey into the world of volleyball continued at Long Beach State, where she had a remarkable college career. She earned the distinction of being a three-time First Team American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American and was named the National Player of the Year in 1993. In her collegiate career, Scott-Arruda achieved impressive statistics, recording 1,778 kills, 693 digs, and 604 blocks. Furthermore, she became the first Big West student-athlete to earn all-conference honors in two sports in one season, as she also earned All-Big West honors in basketball.
Scott-Arruda’s crowning achievement in college came in 1993 when she led the Long Beach State 49ers to the NCAA National Championship. Her exceptional performance earned her the Honda Sports Award as the top college volleyball player. Additionally, she was named the AVCA All-Northwest Region, the Big West Conference Player of the Year, and led the nation in hitting percentage. Her contributions to the team continued throughout her college years, with appearances in the NCAA semifinals in 1992 and the NCAA championship match in 1991.
After her successful college career, Scott-Arruda ascended to the international stage, representing the United States at multiple Olympic Games. She participated in an impressive five Summer Olympics, spanning from 1996 to 2012. This achievement set a new record for U.S. female volleyball athletes for Olympic appearances, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s legendary players.
Scott-Arruda’s dedication and skill were recognized on numerous occasions, including being honored as the Best Blocker at the 2000 Summer Olympics. In addition to her Olympic success, she received several individual accolades throughout her career. Among them were being named the Most Valuable Player and Best Scorer at the 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix and earning the title of Best Blocker at the 2002 World Championship and the 2009 Pan-American Cup.
Despite experiencing a hiatus from international competitions, Scott-Arruda, in 2008, carried the flag for her native country at the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This role exemplified her leadership and the respect she garnered within the sporting community.
Outside of her remarkable athletic achievements, Scott-Arruda is also recognized for her contributions to sports diplomacy. In 2019, she served as a Sports Envoy for the U.S. State Department’s Sports Diplomacy Office and visited Fiji, using sports as a means to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding.
Danielle Scott-Arruda’s impact on the world of volleyball and her dedication to her sport make her a true pioneer. Her remarkable career, including her five Olympic appearances, numerous individual honors, and commitment to sports diplomacy, has solidified her place as one of the most influential women in the history of the sport.
Awards:
– 2000 Summer Olympics Best Blocker
– 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix Most Valuable Player
– 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix Best Scorer
– 2001 FIVB World Grand Prix Best Blocker
– 2002 World Championship Best Blocker
– 2009 Pan-American Cup Best Blocker