Lloy Ball announces retirement after conclusion of 2011 season – Volleyball news
The setter of U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team, Lloy James Ball has announced that he is going to retire from volleyball after the completion of current 2011 season in Russia.
The 39-year-old player has decided to step away mainly due to the family disruption. He has been playing with the U.S. National Team since 2007. He was part of the American squad, which participated in four editions of Olympic Games. The U.S. Men’s National
Team emerged as gold medallists in 2008, while Ball played an active role in the American triumph.
Ball has been a key player in American National Team, while his extraordinary skills are also acknowledged by the overseas club teams. He has spent a great deal of time away from home. While playing for the overseas clubs, he has to stay away from his wife,
Sarah and Children, Dyer and Mya. Ball’s family is settled in Angola, Indiana and cannot move along him all the time. Hence, it had become difficult for him to keep balance between his family and his career.
On the other hand, Ball wants to nurse his injuries and improve his health. He has undergone many aches and pains in the running year, which clearly signal him to take a break. Recently enough, he suffered from a knee injury and it will probably require
surgery. Considering all these factors and family needs, he finally decided to retire from his playing career.
Currently, he is staying in Russia and is attached with one of the top Russian clubs, Zenit Kazan. Ball’s team is playing in the final round of Super League. They are determined to make it to the top and would definitely require the support of Ball.
Speaking of the exceptional skills of Ball, the CEO of USA Volleyball Mr Doug Beal commented, “A big part of being a good volleyball player is decision making; Lloy is an exceptional decision maker. He can handle the ball, he has a good arm and he’s a good
server. He can help you in a lot of ways.”
Likewise, the head of U.S. National Volleyball team Hugh McCutcheon praised Ball’s game. McCutcheon stated, “He makes great choices and I think he is a great student of the game. He is able to tactically exploit his opponent’s weaknesses and play to his
team’s strengths.”
However, it is said that initially he will take only one-year break, in order to reconnect with his family.
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