Micah Christenson and Team USA landed in Manila full of excitement, with the star setter eager to make his FIVB World Championship return in front of the Filipino crowd.
Micah Christenson is thrilled to finally be back in Manila as he and Team USA gear up for the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship.
The Americans arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday afternoon, September 10, just two days before the opening ceremonies of the global tilt.
“I’m feeling the energy here in the airport, I can’t wait,” Christenson told reporters at the NAIA Terminal 3.
Team USA became the 17th team to arrive in the Philippines ahead of the these World Championships, which will run from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Christenson, who sat out the 2025 Volleyball Nations League before rejoining Team USA for this tournament, expressed eagerness to get back on court—especially in front of Filipino fans who have long embraced the American team as crowd favorites.
“Looking forward to going out and competing. It’s been a little while for me personally, so I’m excited to get out there in the court again, and especially in front of these Filipino fans," he said.
"I can speak for all of my teammates when I can say that we’re all really excited for it,” added Christenson.
[ALSO READ: Micah Christenson, Team USA relish “home-court advantage” in VNL-Manila Leg]
It will be a different Team USA squad this time around though, with mainstays such as TJ Defalco, Matt Anderson, and Aaron Russell not part of the final lineup.
Still, Christenson, along with Erik Shoji and Taylor Averill, will lead the American squad, which is looking to improve on a sixth-place finish back in 2022.
“I don’t think we have too many expectations. I think we’re gonna go out and play the best volleyball that we can play, and I think that can take us pretty far in the tournament,” the veteran setter said.
[ALSO READ: Japan, Team USA aim to shake up the hierarchy at FIVB Men's World Championship]
The world no. 6 USA are slotted in Pool D alongside Cuba, Portugal, and Korea, with all their group-stage matches scheduled at the MOA Arena.
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports)
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.