FAMILY is everything for USA captain Micah Christenson, more so as he takes on the grandest stages of men’s volleyball as one of the modern-day sporting elite.
As he continues to take his act to different parts of the world at 32 years old, Christenson makes sure to bring a piece of home wherever the game takes him.
Standing out, in particular, was his seemingly custom pair of sneakers that had all these notes, stickers and scribbles emblazoned on them.
READ: USA's Micah Christenson almost chose basketball instead
Through the toughest moments on the court, just like when it dropped the opening set in its 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20 Round of 16 win over Slovenia on Monday, a quick glance at his shoes keeps his head and feet on the ground.
“It’s great. It brings a smile to my face all the time,” the American crowd darling said.
“I’m lacing them up, I’m looking down in the middle of the block, and just seeing my family’s message to me, whether it’s a little ‘Go dad’, a little cross to remember our faith, or just scribbles to remember my kids.
“It’s nice to know a little piece of my family is with me there.”
It was his wife Brooke who had the idea of tagging their young kids Ezekiel, Quinn and Finley to leave imprints of their creative minds on their dad’s kicks before heading to the other side of the world.
For Micah, such a simple yet meaningful gesture means the world and feels just as euphoric as a World Championship win would ever bring him.
“I can’t forget my amazing wife, who organized this and helped them. It reminds me of my three children and my wife,” Christenson said.
“It puts a lot of fun things into perspective for me when I’m out there battling and maybe take things a little serious out there.
“I can look down and realize that I got so much love and support waiting for me, whether I play great and win or don’t play great and lose, and still got so much love.”
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