Welcome to playingvolley
Here is my story
I’m Ryan Walker, an IT network professional from Minnesota, and I once dreamed of becoming a professional volleyball player. And here I share my journey from that dream to actually playing to now being here, sharing it with you.
As a kid, I loved sports. In our small town, volleyball was a big deal. My siblings and I spent countless hours playing in our backyard with makeshift nets. Those early games sparked my passion for volleyball.
How much did I Play?
In high school, I joined the volleyball team. I remember being nervous and excited at tryouts. The coach saw potential in me, and making the team was a dream come true. The practices were tough, but I enjoyed every minute. We had a fantastic team that felt like family. I played as an outside hitter, and each game taught me something new about teamwork and resilience.
We played in many local and regional tournaments. Here are a few that stand out:
Minnesota High School Invitational: One of my first major tournaments where we faced teams from across the state. Though we didn’t win, it was one of my best learning experiences.
Great Lakes Regional Championship: A competitive event where we made it to the semifinals. The atmosphere was electric, and I learned a lot about strategy and teamwork.
Twin Cities Volleyball Classic: A prestigious tournament where we secured a runner-up position, a huge achievement for us.
State Championship Tournament: The highlight of our high school career. As underdogs, we fought our way to the finals and won in a nail-biting five-set match. This victory solidified my dream of playing volleyball at a higher level.
Next came college. I got a scholarship to play for a well-known team. The competition was tougher, and balancing academics and sports was challenging, but my love for volleyball kept me going. Here are a couple of notable inter-college tournaments:
National Collegiate Volleyball Championship: One of the biggest stages I ever played on. Teams from all over the country competed. We made it to the quarterfinals, and the experience was invaluable.
Intercollegiate Volleyball Tournament: An annual highlight. We reached the finals two years in a row and won in my senior year, one of my proudest moments.
One summer, our team travelled to Europe for an international tournament. Playing against international teams and experiencing different cultures was incredible. Volleyball was becoming a way of life for me.
After College
As college ended, a new chapter began. While my dream of turning pro didn’t pan out due to injuries, I discovered an unexpected passion. On a whim, I joined a coding bootcamp and was amazed to find the same thrill I felt on the court.
The challenge, the problem-solving, the teamwork—it all resonated with my athletic spirit. This newfound love for coding naturally led me to a career in IT.
Though my time on the basketball court tapered off, I found myself equally excited about my new playing field in technology.
My passion for the game never died; instead, it transformed, fueling my drive in this new arena.
Now, I channel this passion into my blog dedicated to volleyball. Here, I use my technical skills and love for the game to bring you insights, news, and practical advice to improve your game.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, I promise to make this blog your go-to place for all things volleyball. You’ll find game analyses, player spotlights, coaching tips, and insights into the tech shaping modern volleyball.
Join me as we learn, review the best gear, and discover how to improve our play. Volleyball has been my lifelong passion, and I’m excited to share this journey with you. Let’s spike, set, and serve our way to greatness together!
Cheers,
Ryan Walker
30+
Years of experience
3K+
Games Played
450+
Players Coached