As despedidas são sempre duras e complicadas porque a emoção toma conta de toda a nossa racionalidade. No desporto há uma frase que vai percorrendo a história e representa a mais pura das verdades: “Dizem que um jogador morre duas vezes na vida”. Cada vez que um jogador termina a sua carreira esta frase ganha mais verdade.

Ontem, dia 11 de Maio de 2020, a Kate Yeazel deu por terminada a sua carreira como jogadora de voleibol. Para ilustrar o seu discurso de despedida, a Kate escolheu uma foto com uma taça de campeã e uma camisola verde vestida. A nossa jogadora colocou como “foto de capa” o seu título de campeã nacional, vestida de gala com a camisola que todos os sportinguistas aprenderam a gostar.

Obrigado!

A Kate, enquanto jogadora, foi essencial para a conquista na época passada. Representou sempre com seriedade o nosso grande amor. Kate, we hope that you’ve enjoyed playing for Sporting Clube de Portugal. You will always be remembered as a champion. We hope you’ll remain a lioness for the rest of you life. Good luck!

“Dear Volleyball,
I don’t even know what words to use to begin, but the best I can do is try. (Ironically, this will probably be very long)

After 19 years, I am retiring from volleyball. This season ended on the most unexpected note possible, but my decision did not come lightly. My shoulder just isn’t in a place where I feel I can play at my highest level, and I’d like to be able to stay active and have fully functioning arms in the future.

In 2015, when I set out on my journey to play professionally, I had a clear vision of WHY. I wanted to live overseas, experience different cultures, and see the world through a different lens. I was good at and loved playing volleyball, so it was an easy decision.

5 years later, I’ve lived in England, Iceland, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Because of volleyball, I’ve met some of the most incredible humans, had once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and met the love of my life. I have done what I set out to do. Making the decision to retire wasn’t easy, and it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. But it’s time. I have an overwhelming sense of peace, because while it may not be my job anymore, volleyball will always be a part of me.

It’s hard to describe the influence this sport has had on me. To some, it’s a hobby, and to some it’s a way of life. To me, volleyball represents so much more than the physical game of scoring 25 points. It’s the lifelong best friends I made in college, when I met the most amazing group of stone cold weirdos. Hitting a ball back and forth may have brought us together, but the tears, the trauma, and the laughter will keep us bonded for the rest our lives. It’s the coaches that cared about me as a human being first. It’s the principles of resilience and mental toughness that became a part of who I am.

The last 19 years have been a roller coaster of great and terrible times, I am so grateful for every single person who was a part of it. Because that roller coaster is my life, and I could never fully appreciate the good times if I hadn’t also lived through the bad ones.

I’m not totally sure what the future will hold for me. All I know is that I am heading into my future a better person because of this sport. I’ll still play for fun, but it’s time for me to hang up my professional shoes. With that, I am turning the page in the book of my life. With a smile on my face, love in my heart, unforgettable memories, and a sense of peace… I am closing the volleyball athlete chapter of my life.
Thank you, volleyball.”

*às terças, o Adrien S. puxa a bola bem alto e prega-lhe uma sapatada para ponto directo (ou, se preferires, é a crónica semanal sobre o nosso Voleibol) –