Redding to Medically Retire, Transition to Student Assistant

LUBBOCK, Texas – Due to health concerns over multiple knee injuries, senior Sarah Redding has medically retired from volleyball, but will remain involved with the Texas Tech volleyball program as a student assistant coach.

"There was nothing easy about this decision," Redding said. "It helped that I'm surrounded by my loving family and incredible coaches and trainers that fully support my decision. I have been playing in pain for two years and last year was especially brutal. I am glad I chose to gut it out through the postseason, but I knew our last game would be my last game ever. It's very hard to give up your identity as an athlete. It's all I've ever known, and I will miss competing and being a part of the team. With that said, I would not trade my collegiate volleyball experience for anything in the world, and I am so grateful to the people of Texas Tech. I look forward to my new role on the staff as I continue my education and pursue nursing school."

"This has been a very difficult decision for Sarah, and we are all disappointed that her knee hasn't responded and she won't be able to continue playing," head coach Tony Graystone said. "I am so appreciative of Sarah's toughness and willingness to give us her best effort every single day, in spite of her injury. The good news is that Sarah will remain with the team this fall as a student assistant coach. Sarah has been so vital to helping us rebuild Red Raider Volleyball, and it was important for us to find a way for her to be with us during her senior year. We are definitely going to take full advantage of Sarah in this role and I'm looking forward to seeing her continue to make a positive impact on the team."

Despite missing 19 matches over the last two seasons because of injury, Redding has played an integral role for the Red Raiders since coming on board in 2015. She appeared in 28 matches as a freshman and ranked third on the team in kills. As a sophomore, she played in 17-of-31 matches and finished second on the team with 2.38 kills per set.

Redding continued to grind through injury her junior season as the Red Raiders achieved several program milestones, including most wins since 2000 and first postseason appearance since 2001. She started 30-of-34 matches on the year, including 4-of-5 during Tech's run to the NIVC Finals, and closed the year fourth on the team with 226 kills.

She finishes her career with 530 kills and 102 total blocks. She was named to the 2017 Clemson Challenge All-Tournament Team following a season-high 16 kills at a .619 clip in a win over the Tigers.

Redding will continue her education at Texas Tech, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in health professions. She is on track to receive a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in December and plans to attend nursing school.

The Red Raiders will report for the Fall on August 7. Tech returns 10 letterwinners for the upcoming season, including four of its top five attackers from 2017. Nine newcomers, including two who enrolled in the midterm, will look to make their impact for 2018.

For all things Texas Tech volleyball, follow the Red Raiders at @TexasTechVB on Twitter and Instagram and online at www.TexasTech.com.

Texas Tech University Athletics

Redding to Medically Retire, Transition to Student Assistant

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