Sykora back in U.S.A.

Women’s National Volleyball Team libero Stacy Sykora (Burleson, Texas), a three-time Olympian and 2008 Olympic silver medalist, has been released from the Sirio Libanes hospital in Brazil and traveled back to the United States to continue her rehabilitation after suffering injuries sustained in a bus accident on April 12.

“I am delighted that Stacy is back in the United States,” USA Volleyball Chief Executive Director Doug Beal said. “From all indications, the care she received in Brazil was exceptional. I want to thank the Brazilian Volleyball Federation and its president, Dr. Ary Graça, and Stacy’s club Volei Futuro for all their efforts in her recovery. We all look forward to Stacy’s continued progress and the time she will be able to return to the court and continue her career both with USA Volleyball and professionally.”

Sykora is currently receiving comprehensive care at Casa Colina in Pomona, Calif., along with the continued involvement of the USA Volleyball medical staff including U.S. Women’s National Team physician Dr. Chris Koutures. Casa Colina is widely considered among the very best neurological care units in the western United States.

“Stacy has arrived safely back to California where she continues to impress the medical team with her enthusiasm and much greater than expected level of function given her initial injuries,” Dr. Koutures said. “I think her competitive drive and immense desire to get better is paying big dividends in her recovery. Building upon the great care she received in Brazil, she will continue to receive comprehensive therapy from a multi-disciplinary group of experts that specialize in rehabilitation from head injury. We are eager to hear continued great news about Stacy and are overjoyed and thankful of her wonderful progress to date.”

The bus accident occurred in rainy conditions as her Brazilian professional volleyball team Volei Futuro was traveling to the gymnasium to compete in the first match of the best-of-three semifinal round Superliga playoff.

Sykora has competed for the U.S. in the last three Summer Olympic Games and earned her first Olympic Games medal in 2008. She was named the Best Libero at the 2010 FIVB World Championship and led the competition in digs with 4.85 per set. Sykora played a key role in leading the U.S. to the gold medal at the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s international volleyball tournament. Based on her contributions last year, Sykora was named USA Volleyball Indoor Female Athlete of the Year. In her second Olympic Games appearance in 2004, she earned the event’s Best Digger honor. For a full bio on Sykora, visit usavolleyball.org/athletes/stacy-sykora.

 

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