Tori Dixon is not just a volleyball player. She is a survivor, a leader, and a champion and she has overcome a life-threatening heart condition, won a world championship gold medal, and played professionally in four different countries.
She is currently a star player for the Omaha Supernovas of the Pro Volleyball Federation. In this blog post, we will explore her inspiring journey and achievements and learn why she is one of the best middle blockers in the world.
From Heart Surgery to World Champion
Tori Dixon was born on August 4, 1992, in Arizona, U.S. She is the daughter of former National Football League player David Dixon and she is of Māori descent and she grew up in Burnsville, Minnesota, where she started playing volleyball at a young age.
She was a standout player for her high school and club teams, earning All-Tournament. And honors three times at the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships.
Tori continued her volleyball career at the University of Minnesota, where she became one of the best players in the program’s history. She was selected to be an AVCA All-America First-Team and a unanimous All-Big Ten.
She finished her career ranked fifth all-time in total blocks (507), the best-ever career hitting percentage (.369), and ninth all-time in career kills (1,479).
However, her college career was not without challenges. In 2013, she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Which causes an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart that can lead to a rapid heartbeat.
She had to undergo heart surgery to correct the problem, which put her volleyball career at risk. Her doctors told her that she might never play again.
But Tori Dixon did not give up. She recovered from the surgery and returned to the court more vital than ever.
She made her debut for the USA national team in 2013. Tori became a vital member of the squad that won the 2014 World Championship gold medal. She was first ever for the USA women’s team. Tori was also named Best Middle Blocker at the 2014 Women’s Pan-American Volleyball Cup.
A Global Star
After graduating from college, Tori Dixon pursued her professional career overseas. She played for Rabita Baku in Azerbaijan, Toray Arrows in Japan, US Victoria Monza in Italy, and Beijing BAIC Motors in China.
She won several individual and team awards, including the 2018–19 Chinese Volleyball League Most Valuable Player.
In 2020, she returned to the U.S. to join the newly formed Pro Volleyball Federation, a professional league for both men and women. Tori signed with the Omaha Supernovas, where she quickly became a fan favorite and a dominant force.
She led the league in blocks and hitting percentage and helped the Supernovas reach the playoffs.
Tori also continued to represent the USA national team in various international competitions, such as the World Cup, the NORCECA Championship, the World Grand Champions Cup, and the FIVB Nations League.
She won several medals and individual honors, such as the Best Middle Blocker at the 2018 and 2019 Nations League. In addition to her accomplishments, she earned a place on the 18-player roster for the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League tournament, the sole significant international competition preceding the July Tokyo Olympics.
A Role Model and an Inspiration
Tori Dixon is not only a great volleyball player but also a great person. She is humble, hardworking, and passionate.
She is a role model and an inspiration for many young girls and boys who dream of playing volleyball at the highest level. Tori is also a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, raising awareness and funds for heart health and research.
She is living proof that nothing is impossible with determination, courage, and love. She is the heart of a champion.
Related Posts
How Brady Noon Became a Volleyball Star: Future Plans
How Long Is A Volleyball Game: Middle School, College, Rule
Mindset Volleyball Club: Requirements, Programs, Principles
How To Watch Flo Volleyball: Upcoming Events & Dates
Why A Girl kicked Off Wisconsin Volleyball Team?
Cynthia D Wisconsin Volleyball: Her Future Plans
Leyla Blackwell Transfers To Nebraska
