Middle blocker Tom Hoff (Park Ridge, Ill.) joined the U.S. team in 1997 and was named captain in 2005.  In 1999 he finished the World Cup with a .621 hitting percentage along with 92 kills, 20 blocks and three aces and helped the team claim its first NORCECA Zone Championship since 1985 with 37 kills and a .688 hitting percentage. In 2000, Hoff saw action in every set of the Olympic Games with 25 kills, 10 blocks and a .421 hitting percentage.

He made his second straight Olympic appearance in 2004 in Athens as the U.S. Men finished in fourth place. In 2005, Hoff helped the team to a silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Championships in Japan, and won the America’s Cup tournament in Brazil. In 2008, Hoff served as team captain at the Olympic Games as the U.S. Men won the gold medal. He also led the United States to its first World League title.

Hoff spent two years at Ohio State (1992-93) before transferring to Long Beach State. At Ohio State he was a Second Team All-American selection and led the Buckeyes to the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association conference title and a 28-10 overall record. At Long Beach State, Hoff was a two-time AVCA first team All–American (1995-96).

Hoff was born in 1973 in Chicago, Ill., to Margaret and Richard Hoff. He graduated from Long Beach State University in 1996 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was inducted into Long Beach State’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. His wife’s name is Sandy and they have three daughters: Tatum Bella, Ella Anniston, and Eva Antonia. Hoff enjoys engineering topics, fish tanks, and hiking.