Daily Inspiration: Meet Christie Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Wilson.

Hi Christie , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well I was born premature in California…lol
Seriously I started playing volleyball because my best friend played. I found something I was naturally good at doing besides smiling. My Mother was a deputy sheriff in san Bernardino and my Father own a .janitorial company. My Mom was injured in the line of duty so after spending countless night in the hospital and ERs i became passionate about medicine/Healthcare. I played volleyball for Poly High School the same school that Cheryl and Reggie Miller graduated from in Riverside. I started playing for a small club called Western County and finished my career 3rd in the country playing for Long Beach Mizuno. I played collegiately for Univ of Rhode Island for Bob Schneck. I tried out for the National team.before my Junior year and didn’t make the team. I returned in 2001 and made the roster. My Mother was ill so after I graduated from LSU with a MS.in Athletic training I moved home. My family decided to move to Atlanta. I worked in rehab during the day taped ankle in the afternoon and played in local tournaments on the weekends. I started to notice after tournaments i couldn’t climb a flight of stairs without holding on to the rail or cut off a cast without fatigue. I was tested for all types of conditions but they said I was just getting old. I underwent muscle biopsies and they found a defect in the mitochondria. I was told to exercise in moderation. Devastated I turned to coaching because it was the only answer to my need to play. I opened Ichiban volleyball club 16 years ago a program for young volleyball players to learn how to play volleyball. It has been a hard and rewarding experience. Earlier this year I wasdiagnosed with.necrotizing myopathy meaning that my muscles are dying but whether its 5 years or 25 years nonody knows how it will progress. I am a stickler for discipline, consistency and love the game. I believe volleyball is not just a game it’s away of life. Just like I wouldnt settle for lerting a ball drop i won’t let this disease drop me. I have met so amny amazing people through volleyball they fill the gaps for me. Its an honor and a privilege to coach along side these amazing humans and I am blessed to have a few players that played for me on my left and my right. They sy if you can reach 1.

Ichiban means to be the best or to be #1.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Surgical athletic trainer at Emory

Owner Ichiban Volleyball Club
ITPSports and One beach

Any big plans?
Getting strong enough to play volleyball regularly again.

Sharing my love for the game with more people

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.ichibanvolleyball.net