US Volleyball Silver Medalist Stacy Sykora Comes Out

Three-time Olympian and Texas native, Stacy Sykora recently came out as lesbian in an interview with the Italian volleyball magazine Pallavoliamo, AfterEllen is reporting.

Sykora, has amassed an impressive resume, ranging from two gold medals in the 2001 and 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix and a silver medal in the 2008 Beijing games for Team USA.

She is also a survivor, living through a traumatic brain injury and coma, after she was seriously injured in a bus accident in Brazil in 2011. 

The accident played a pivotal role in Sykora’s desire to come out.  She said during the interview, “I don't hide anymore; I finished wearing a mask only because I am a strong player. I have both good sides and weakness and as I do not hide myself on the court, I don't hide myself in love anymore either. I have a girlfriend (Shivonn) and I'm happy with her now.  I am sorry if someone has a problem with it and doesn't accept my homosexuality, but I'm happy and this is the most important thing.” 

Before her professional career took off, Sykora attended Texas A&M University, where she competed at the NCAA level in volleyball, basketball and track.  Even though she was nationally ranked in digs and was named the defensive player of the year, she also won the Big 12 conference title in the heptathlon (a seven  event track competition that includes; the 100 m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin, and 800m).

 She is currently playing for the Italian squad, Urbino. 

Check out some photos of Sykora in action! 

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