It will be the fourth Pan Ams appearance for Scott-Arruda, a three-time Olympian married to a Brazilian coach. Being the flagbearer came as a total surprise.

"I didn't even think about being considered," Scott said in English, then again in Portuguese. "We're so into the games and getting ready to play, I haven't thought about outside things.

"It's such an honor to be nominated to carry our flag into opening ceremonies. "It never even crossed my mind that I would be elected to be flagbearer, but it really means a lot, especially since I was nominated by the other athletes. It's pretty incredible. I'm really looking forward to it."

Scott-Arruda, 34, is a 6-foot-2 middle blocker who won a silver medal at the 1995 Pan Ams and a bronze in the 1999 games. The former Long Beach State player also participated in the 1991 Pan Ams, where the Americans finished fifth.

She competed in the last three Olympics and is hoping for one more.

"This is probably my last Pan Ams," she said. "I'd like to play in the (Beijing) Olympics and one more year with the national team, then start a family."

Scott-Arruda, who married Eduardo Arruda on July 15, 2006, is accustomed to playing in Brazil. She competed in the Brazilian Superliga this past season with Cimed Macae, and has played professionally here for four years.

"It's so exciting to be playing in Brazil. The fan base is really good, so it's a lot of fun to play here," she said. "Brazil is such a passionate country, and when you put sports into it, it's an incredible atmosphere to play in. I'm excited to be playing here with my U.S. teammates, and I know we're going to have a great time."

She also has played for pro teams in Italy and Japan.

The first Pan Ams flagbearer from a volleyball team, Scott-Arruda played basketball, ran track and competed in the high jump as well as volleyball at Long Beach State. She believes that variety allowed her to develop quicker and last longer in her chosen sport.

"I think it all helps," she said. "It helps you to be an overall athlete and makes you more agile and able to adopt whatever skills you need."