PARKERSBURG — On Wednesday, Parkersburg High School had the privilege of hosting three-time Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor, who spoke to students in the Sports in American Culture class via Zoom. May-Treanor, along with her teammate Kerri Walsh Jennings, won gold medals in beach volleyball at the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Summer Olympics.
During her talk, May-Treanor shared her personal journey in sports, detailing her rise from being a high school recruit to becoming a top athlete at Long Beach State. As captain of the 1998 volleyball team, she led them to an undefeated season, making history in women’s NCAA volleyball. She explained how she transitioned from playing as an outside hitter to a setter, allowing her to compete at the highest levels.
“Having someone that we could ask specific questions to was really great,” said junior volleyball player Kennedy Porter after the session. May-Treanor spoke about the challenges she faced balancing her collegiate career with playing on the national team, stating, “I never had a summer off.”
After becoming burned out with indoor volleyball, she turned to beach volleyball, where she excelled and earned gold at the 2004 Olympics. She advised students on the importance of developing versatile skills and recommended using the offseason to practice beach volleyball to understand its unique demands.
May-Treanor reminisced about her Olympic experiences, highlighting the pride she felt when walking with the American flag during the Olympics. “No one can take that memory from me,” she said, reflecting on moments standing atop the podium as the national anthem played.
In addition to talking about her athletic career, she discussed the realities of professional sports, including travel difficulties and adjusting to different time zones. Maintaining a consistent routine and getting adequate rest are vital for success, she noted. She encouraged students to seek excellence and to remember their achievements fondly.
May-Treanor also emphasized the importance of having a backup plan and pursuing passions outside sports, alongside being cautious about social media presence. “You’re representing your school,” she reminded students, encouraging them to be strong and independent.
The session provided Parkersburg High School students with valuable insights into the dedication and hard work necessary to succeed in elite volleyball. “You don’t have these experiences every day,” junior player Ava Sayre remarked. “You can use what she talked about for the rest of your life.”
