Danko grew up in Varna, Bulgaria where he started playing volleyball at age 11. He graduated from Rutgers University where he played as an Opposite and Outside Hitter for 4 years on a scholarship. He has been playing Beach Volleyball competitively in California since 2005. Indoor accomplishments: While at Rutgers-Newark from 1999-2003 – several All-tournament team and All-conference EIVA selections. Surpassed 1,000 kills and was names Rutgers’ Male Athlete of the Year in 2003. He was also a Scholar-Athlete and member of the Dean’s list. Played 2 years in the Bulgarian Pro League for Cherno More-BASK with a 4th place Championship and a 3rd place for the Bulgarian Cup finishes. Beach Volleyball: U-21 Balkan Champion in 1997. First Place at the Bulgarian Tour 1998. Danko has maintained “AAA” rating on the CBVA tour since 2006, where he won the Cal Cup Tournament in 2009. He has been in the top 100 on the AVP consistently and finished the current 2013 season ranked in the top 50. Danko has over 20 years of volleyball experience at the highest level. He understands the transition from indoor to beach and back to indoor. As a coach he believes that working hard on the fundamentals in a fun and competitive environment is of the greatest importance for players of all ages. He teaches by both explaining and performing and believes in positive reinforcement. Strategy is a big part of the game and teaching players about it can make them successful at the next level.
Shigetomo Sakugawa known as Tomo was born and raised in Japan. He has over 20 years experiences in beach and indoor volleyball in the U.S. and Internationally. He was nominated as Jr. Indoor National team as Outside Hitter when he was in high school. Only 2 years after playing beach volleyball, he got his first AAA rating in the CBVA and ranked 3rd overall in 2009. At 5’9″ he is also one of the shortest players to make it to the Main draw of AVP. His 45+ Inch vertical jump definitely helped and he still is one of the quickest defenders ever!!!
Tomo’s volleyball phylosophy is based on four keys: Strength – Skills – Teamwork – Strategy. 1. Strength is important for enhancing your sports performance by developing your flexibility, coordination, agility and speed. 2. After strength, develop your skills to perform at a higher level. 3. Teamwork – have a great team with players who have strengths and skills. 4. Strategy – Now play your game with a great teamwork against your opponent. And finally 5. Win! You earned it! 🙂