I am officially announcing my retirement. It's been quite the journey, not the one I wanted, but one I'll never forget and am infinitely grateful for. My heart has more to give you but my body does not.
Following my fifth concussion, I was advised to take a step back from competitive volleyball, and I chose safety over passion. From surgeries to torn ligaments, broken bones to persistent back problems, I can proudly say I gave you everything I had left.
You gave direction, a path, and a dream to a young boy. From an uncoordinated 11-year-old to representing our country for three summers, this journey took me all across North America, playing alongside some incredible athletes and future Olympians who I am proud to call my friends.
Despite the beatings, I take pride in never letting you keep me down. You've been the source of my highest highs and lowest lows. Not the ending I imagined for my university journey, but perhaps this is where my road was meant to end. Maybe I've learned all I was intended to.
My dream of playing professionally fell short of the storybook ending I worked so hard for. I was so close and that is what hurts the most. As hard as it is to accept, I'm blessed to say I gave it my all and achieved more than that little boy with a dream thought possible.
To those overseas, don't take it for granted. Remember that kid with a dream, make him proud, and be grateful you get to.
Thanks to the coaches who saw potential in me, my teammates who always welcomed me with open arms, and the countless staff who kept me on my feet every day. I will never forget you guys. Most of all, thank you to my family, my rock and biggest supporters who sacrificed so much for me. I love you guys more than anything and none of this would be possible without you.
Volleyball, to say I'm ready for a life without you would be a lie. Frankly, it freaks me out a bit. But just like you taught me, I'll pick myself up off the ground and face this next journey with a full heart, rock-solid resilience, and the passion you gave me so long ago. Nothing can take that away from me.
Until we meet again,
Zach