Ptak
On Wednesday Jeff Ptak has announced that he definitely retired from professional volleyball after an Achilles tendon injury who left him out of action at the Men’s Superior Volleyball Final Series.
During his time in Puerto Rico, Ptak wore the colors of Ponce, Corozal, Mayagüez and San Sebastián in the LVSM, winning the scoring title and the MVP awards in 2007 and 2015.
He wrote on his FB page:
“When I was two years old, my father started grooming me to be the best athlete in the history of sports…Today, I am 37 years 81 days old, and I have NEVER stopped training to be the best. Unfortunately, today is the day that it all must come to an end. In the form of a torn Achilles’ tendon, my body has officially announced that it has had enough.
Simply because I was good at a sport, I’ve lived an abnormally awesome life. I’ve traveled the world, making lifelong friends with so many amazing people from all different walks of life. I’ve entertained countless fans, giving them either something to cheer for, or someone to hate. AND I’ve been a brother to so many teammates who have always accepted me as one of their own, even if I happen to be from a country that discriminates against them.
The connection between an athlete and a fan is something very special. There is nothing that will ever be able to replace the feeling of performing in front of thousands of screaming fans. To be able to affect an entire arena’s mood by simply scoring a point is indescribable. I think this is what I will miss most about playing this sport.
I am extremely lucky to have lived this life, and thankful to everyone who has had even the slightest influence on my professional career. Thank you to my mother who showed me what is truly important in life, and for teaching me humility and courage. Thank you to my father for drilling an incredible work ethic into me at such an early age. Thank you to my wife for always being by my side through this crazy roller coaster we have lived. Thank you to my son for being the single reason I have done ALL of this… It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been worth it!
I will always cherish the memories.
Much Love “
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