RIO OLYMPICS
A medal-winning
retirement for Priddy REID PRIDDY’S SWAN SONG DIDN’T GO platinum, but it did produce bronze. Priddy, who was the most experienced player on the
U.S. Men’s Team on the Rio roster with four Olympic appearances, made the most of his final match in a USA uniform. Priddy helped the U.S. come back from an 0-2 deficit to beat Russia in the bronze-medal match after coming off the bench to record 18 points, second only to Matt Anderson’s 21 points in the match. “Even before this match, I came to terms with the fact that the relationships and the experiences were worth it,” said Priddy, who has announced that this was his last indoor volleyball match. “This was just icing on the cake. Just to grind out there with the guys and get sweaty again felt really good. Finally, I used the second jersey. I won before this game started.” With Russia hitting hard and serving tough, the
U.S. Men needed Priddy’s passing and digging support. But Priddy attacked from the back row and at the net as well. “It’s unbelievable. Reid comes in and just makes
every play imaginable,” said U.S. setter Micah Chris- tenson, who played with Priddy on the same Italian club team this winter. “He’s such a great guy and great example for the sport. He came in and really pulled us to victory.” Priddy, 39, said his volleyball career is not over. He plans to turn his attention to the beach game where he hopes to play both on the FIVB and AVP Tours next season. “After a little time off I am going to evaluate my options and see who is available for a partner,” he said while attending the FIVB Long Beach event a week after winning the bronze in Rio. “We’ll see what I can do, but I am going to give it my full attention.”
VETERAN GILE: Reid Priddy (above) was used sparingly in Rio, but when his number was called to come off the bench he was ready in the bronze-medal match against Russia. Priddy was considered a longshot to make his fourth Olympic roster six months ago after a long recovery from an ACL injury, but he regained his athleticism in time to impress U.S. Men’s Head Coach John Speraw, who wanted his leadership on the team. Priddy’s teammates fed off his composure after the Americans fell behind 2-0 to Russia, and he helped them mount a monumental come- back. David Lee (right) also used his Olympic experience to help the Americans rally the entire tournament, which included emotional victories in pool play over Brazil, France and Mexico. (Photos: FIVB)
52 | VOLLEYBALLUSA • Digital Issue at
usavolleyball.org/mag
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