Mr. Flynn's quote and some parts of this article are just offensive and hurtful.
I remember being a 6'2" gangly, awkward teen -- having to choose between volleyball and basketball. And everyone chooses their own path for different reasons and I don't think one sport is better or harder than the other -- but I chose volleyball because it required work. I had to learn how to control my body. I had to learn how to do more than just jump high. I had to learn how to swing hard and sharp, think fast, move quickly, use strategy. I had to bleed and I had to sweat just as hard as any other high school or DI collegiate athlete.
During my prime, I lifted heavy. I did olympic-style weightlifting like the rest of them. In fact, I made the Binghamton University Weights board for hang clean.
I did agility drills and sprints constantly so I could close the block and I could rush in for a "quick" with ease.
I worked my way through a partially-torn PCL, ripping nearly every ligament in my right ankle, impingement in my shoulder and chronic knee pain -- all of those ailments afflicting me when I was just 16 years old.
I am tired of hearing that volleyball is easy. I am sick and tired of it.
It is not a "girly" sport. I was/am a nerdy tom boy -- I could care less about germs and bows -- or whatever nonsense this article was trying to insinuate.
More young women are choosing to play volleyball because it is tough, competitive, fierce and fun. That's it, Mr. Flynn. That's it.
And if you really think volleyball is that easy -- go try jump serving. Shouldn't be that hard for you since, in your opinion, volleyball's "barriers are lower" when it comes to "athleticism" and "hand-eye skills" -- What a joke.
But no seriously -- can you film yourself trying -- because that will undoubtedly go viral and I can't wait to watch.
As for the young women out there who are thinking about volleyball, I can tell you right now it is my life and my passion. I am 30 years old and I still play as much as I can -- indoor, sand, grass -- whatever. And believe me , I still have not mastered it. It's the sport you can always get better at -- truly.
Volleyball changed my life. Playing in high school and college, it brings back memories that make me tear up! My teammates are my "ride or die" sisters. I am still friends with some of my biggest rivals in college on Facebook! I still hold close to my heart some of my biggest wins and hardest losses. I've learned what is necessary (mentally and physically) to perform under pressure, I've learned how to work with a large group of people harmoniously, I've learned how to push myself to another level, to the edge, to get what I want and I have experienced the highest highs while on that volleyball court.
ESPN, Volleyball is not girly. It is not any less athletic.
It is just awesome, lol.
That's why it's winning the "popular vote".
