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The 2023 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball championship will play out before a massive audience at the Amalie Arena. The fans in Florida are excited to witness a thrilling showdown between the rising talents in the sport. In a dramatic turn of events, the home team has announced losing one of their star players even before the season gets rolling.

University of Florida freshman outside hitter Kira Hutson will not participate in the championships because of a shoulder injury. Her problems with her shoulder began last year, but this time, the injury has dealt her a major blow.

Shoulder injury takes a jab

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Gators Volleyball broke the sad news on their Twitter account with a heartfelt note from Kira Hutson. Hutson wrote, “Absolutely heartbroken to announce that I have sustained another shoulder injury that requires surgical repair. As many of y’all know last year I had a season ending labrum tear. Sadly the effects from that injury lead to other tears causing me to be unable to hit safely”. Her freshman year with the University of Florida has not gone as planned, making her emotional.

In a tear-jerking moment, Kira Hutson expressed her gratitude to her team and the Florida staff who helped keep her dreams alive. Although she is reeling from the setbacks, this Girls Youth National Team member will support her friends from off the court. In a reprisal from last year, Hutson will once again watch her team play while she sits on the sidelines cheering for them. Despite her challenges, the remarkable athlete has kept her “head high” and accomplished the goals she had in mind. However, she has promised the volleyball fans and her team that she is “going to work my butt off so I can get back to doing what I love”.

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Resilience off the volleyball court

Kira Hutson played for Metea Valley’s volleyball team in her high school days. She was the team’s No. 1 outside hitter until her shoulder problems put a stop to her career. Dave Macdonald, the Metea Valley’s coach, had to move a lot of players around to make up for the deficit left behind by Hutson. This meant shifting Addison Torain from her outside hitter position to libero, where she eventually shined. The coach was pleased with his choice, saying, “Libero is her future…That’s where she’ll play when she goes to college”.

Read More: US Men’s Volleyball Team Gears Up for Olympics Qualifiers With a 78 mph “Rocket” From 26YO Player

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However, Kira Hutson’s absence was still a big blow to the team. But they kept their morale and delivered a stupendous performance. Now, as once again Kira Hutson is unable to play in a major championship, her fans are worried that this is an end to her volleyball career. She has appeased the concerns of the fans, saying, “This is just a minor setback to the major comeback!” We hope that with the support of her team and the University, the iconic athlete will definitely make a successful comeback.

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