Prior to the beginning of the 2017-18 international club volleyball season, American setter Carli Lloyd opted out of her contract with Fenerbahce Istanbul in the Turkish Women’s League due to an injury. Now, following surgery and the necessary recovery time, Lloyd is finally returning to the practice court.
Over a busy summer season with Team USA, Lloyd injured her shoulder at the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix, though she continued to play through the injury until the end of the 2017 World Grand Champions Cup. The injury required Lloyd to have surgery and would set her back about three months.
Recently, three months following the surgery, Lloyd has been cleared to get back on the court and train at full speed.
“My shoulder feels great,” Lloyd said in an interview with USA Volleyball. “As of two weeks ago, I was cleared to full practice on the court, including blocking and diving to the floor on defense, which is the move my shoulder was dislocated in. The rehab and strength work I have been doing has been moving along nicely. I am so thankful to our staff Kara Kessans (athletic trainer) and Jimmy Stitz (sport physiologist) for investing the time that they have into my recovery. Their work has been incredible.”
With her time off the court, Lloyd has taken the time to reflect on herself on and off the court.
“I am really invested in finding the best version of myself, both on and off of the court,” Lloyd said. “These last few months out of competition have forced me to turn inwards and find new goals for when I am with a team again. I have gone through each skill with Karch on video and we have narrowed my focus down to a few key points that we believe will help me continue my growth as a player. I am exercising my patience muscle and hoping that sooner than later I will be out there competing again.”
With her being released to practice once again, Lloyd will now have the chance to look for another club team to compete with for the remainder of the international club season. More recently, after taking over the main setting role after long-time Team USA member Alisha Glass retired, Lloyd was named the USA Volleyball Indoor Player of the Year.
Leave a Reply