Do you think you are ready to play for a pro club team right now if a team inquired about your availability? What would it take for you to play this spring before the Na- tional Team reconvenes?
I think I’m ready. I’ve looked into a few potential contracts. But,
I’m so happy with the progress in Anaheim. I’m probably never go- ing to get another year to just focus on myself, and fine tune a lot of technical things to help me in the future. I’m trying to take advantage of this time, because we only get a few weeks ‘off’ while competing for the National Team and also playing overseas. It would take a lot for me to go overseas right now, but never say never.
For your road to recovery, do you think it is absolutely necessary to be back on the court in a team environment such as a pro league before rejoining the National Team, or are you willing to take it gradually and continue your rehab and training regimen?
Gradually. The only component that I’m missing is 6-on-6 vol- leyball. Although that is a big component, I think everyone on our team would agree that the resources that we have here in Anaheim are far superior to anything I would get overseas – Karch, our strength coach, team doctors, trainers, nutrition staff, our facilities and equip- ment are all here. I think I gain a lot more than I lose by training here. Plus, as people start to finish their pro seasons, I think there will be more and more girls in the gym.
Besides rehabbing and training, what else have you done during the summer, fall and winter months to stay busy?
Enjoying life! I travel to Minnesota a lot, hang out with friends and teammates in the SoCal area, go to the beach, shop, and basically live a normal life outside of my gym. I have a dog, Finn, so he takes up a lot of time, as well. It’s really nice being in America. I haven’t been here for this long since college.
“I was initially disappointed, mad, sad, the works.When I found out it was a major injury, I was sad but I immediately switched my mindset focusing on the next steps. How to get home to the U.S. to have surgery?”
What advice would you give to athletes who endure a season-ending injury? Trust the process, be overly optimistic, and listen to your body!
There are going to be good days, where you feel like you’re on top of the world. Then, there will be bad days where your knee swells up to the size of a balloon. Do the work, and trust that your hard work will eventually pay off.
What are your goals for 2017? Get back to playing the volleyball I was playing in 2015, while helping all of the new faces in the gym.
— Tori Dixon
What have you learned from this injury setback? The importance of good technique, and patience with the process.
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