Reid Priddy
Since he has retired from professional volleyball last year, you are probably wondering what he is going to play to get there! Well, beach volleyball is the answer.
However, let’s hear the plan directly from Reid Priddy. But first we want to start from the beginning, because some questions need answers…
– Why did you decide to end your volleyball career?
“It became obvious to me that it was time to transition when I was in Civitanova playing with Lube in the spring of 2016. I was playing for a great club with professional services; they have a great hall and training area, they have a professional staff and wonderful medical personel, the team competes in a great league as well as in Champions League and always have lofty targets… It’s an ideal scenario. I remember thinking to myself, “my body feels good and this situation is great, I think I could play another 4 years here.” But in that same moment, I thought of my wife, in the apartment alone with 2 small kids away from family. It was clear that it was time for me to make their lives a priority and allow them the opportunity to stay in one location for longer than 8 months, develop deep and meaningful relationships and have a life of their own,” explains Priddy.
– Was it difficult decision?
“Yes, it was a difficult decision because I had fought back very hard from my knee injury in 2014 and by the summer of 2016 and the Games in Rio, I felt like I was playing the best of my career. It might not have looked as impressive as in earlier years, however from a skills, tactics and statistics standpoint, I felt very confident in my game. It was hard to walk away from that. However, it helped knowing the beach game was a possibility that could be explored.”
– Now, you have a new dream?
“When I was first introduced to indoor volleyball, I was also exposed to beach volleyball. I have always loved both… and always will. Although I am nearly 40 years old, I feel like I have turned back the clock 4 years since the sand is so soft and easy on my joints. It feels amazing! The Olympics are addicting and I have been conditioned to think about volleyball in 4 year increments. So it was natural for me to not just think about play a season or two on the sand, but actually looking at the next 4 years and committing to working towards Tokyo 2020.”
– How do you plan to do that?
“I plan to try to reach my max potential by working as hard and as smart as I can. I have surrounded myself with a highly capable team and we are working fast and furiously trying to learn the beach game and develop the body and ball control necessary to thrive on the sand in the constantly changing elements.”
– Who will be helping you on your way to Tokyo 2020?
“At this point, I have brought on a great sports medicine and biomechanics expert, a data expert, and have been able to spend time learning from greats of the game like Todd Rogers and Jose Loiola. I even had a training session with the great Bernardo Rezende and Reis Castro. It has been an amazing journey so far and I look forward to the uphill climb that lies ahead,” says Priddy in an interview for WorldofVolley.
Well, Reid, we wish you all the best and hope to see you at the Olympic Games again.
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