Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

Volleyball Has Special Place in Family’s Hearts

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (May 30, 2017) – Some people say that “volleyball is life.” For Jeff Moody and his family, volleyball holds a special place in their hearts and has even played a role in saving a life.

Moody, 53, was competing in the 2017 USA Volleyball Open National Championships in Minneapolis with his team Sports Imports/Outsiders from Dayton, Ohio. His father, Don, 75, was also competing in the 73-plus division with SEC 73s, while his son, Levi, 26, joined Notorious BB to compete in the men’s BB division.

The significance of this event goes beyond their shared love for the sport. Back in 2013, the Moodys had their first experience competing together in the same Open National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. Little did they know that this would be a momentous occasion for a different reason.

During warm-up for a match, Jeff Moody suddenly collapsed. He experienced what doctors called “cardiac death,” ceasing to breathe. Fortunately, his fellow players showed quick thinking and sprang into action. A Canadian player, who happened to be an EMT, performed CPR, while a Venezuelan athlete, a heart doctor, used an automated external defibrillator (AED) on Moody. Other players also assisted in the emergency response.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  A Champion's Look

Thanks to their swift intervention, Jeff Moody was brought back to life. He received immediate medical attention, including five heart bypasses and seven staples in the back of his head to address the injury from his fall. Jeff attributes his survival to the presence of the AED at the venue.

Remarkably, just three months later, Jeff Moody returned to playing volleyball. Although he undergoes regular monitoring, he has not experienced any further health issues. Jeff attributes his ability to bounce back to his healthy lifestyle choices and the vigilance of his medical team. He shares, “I don’t smoke. I watch what I eat. It’s just a family history.”

Since that life-altering incident, the three generations of Moodys have participated in every Open Championship. Volleyball has been an integral part of their lives. Don, who grew up with seven siblings, has been playing volleyball since a young age. He started competing in Open Nationals in his late 20s, and despite the physical challenges that come with age, he continues to enjoy the sport.

Levi, on the other hand, didn’t join organized volleyball until after college, despite the encouragement from his parents and grandfather. He had played various other sports, including semi-pro softball, but eventually found his passion for volleyball.

Volleyball has brought the Moody family closer together, creating unforgettable memories and an unbreakable bond. Their story serves as a testament to the power of sports and the profound impact it can have on individuals and families.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Men's Update: Five Things About Aaron Russell