“That's awesome” were Björn Andrae's first words when he received the good news that he had been voted Germany's “Volleyball Player of the Year” in 2021.
For the fourth time, by the way, but the last honor of this kind he had received in 2006.
Which makes it clear that his statement: "I would not have expected that" cannot be attributed to the usual flirtatiousness after awards, but really surprised the old master of the Düren power volleys.
Achim Dreis
Sports editor.
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At the age of 40, the former national player is still one of the pillars of the team in his 22nd professional season, although the native of Berlin only wanted to end his career in Düren. At 22, the two-meter man had once left the Bundesliga, made a name for himself internationally at stints in Italy, Poland, Greece and Russia, before returning after years of traveling.
The outside attacker does not belong to the best in any category in the statistics-loving volleyball sport, but overall he scores with charisma.
"I'm very happy about the appreciation," said Andrae, who left it open whether he would have another season on it: "From a certain age you get used to planning too far into the future".
Louisa Lippmann was named volleyball player of the year.
No surprise.
The 27-year-old won for the fifth time - in a row.