COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new professional team is making Columbus home.
The Columbus Fury, one of the inaugural teams of the Pro Volleyball Federation will begin its season in January.
Joe Burrow and his family announced earlier this month that they would join the ownership group of the team. But what’s really exciting is what’s happening on the court, and the team is packed with stars, including a former U.S. volleyball player.
What You Need To Know
- The Columbus Fury is one of the inaugural teams of the Pro Volleyball Federation
- Megan Courtney Lush is sure to be a star on the team as a former U.S. National player and a two-time National champion with Penn State
- Courtney Lush wasn't sure she'd return to the volleyball court after having her first child just six months ago
- But she decided to come back to the sport she loved to show her daughter and other moms that it is possible
Megan Courtney Lush is a household name in the volleyball world. But her love for the game started right here in Ohio, growing up in Dayton and attending Altar before playing at Penn State, winning two National Championships.
“I always wanted to be on the best teams because I knew that meant I was playing with the best players, not because I wanted to be the best but you’re surrounding yourself with the best people and the best people and the best players," Courtney Lush said.
The outside hitter played professionally for seven years abroad, but thought it might be time to hang up her knee pads to start a family.
“All the reasons that I wanted to retire, I wanted to start a family, I wanted to be close to home. I was sick and tired of missing Christmases and Thanksgivings and my husband had to quit his job," she said. "It was just really tough on our relationship and our family. So, all the reasons I wanted to step back and retire from volleyball, the Columbus Fury answered.”
But when the Fury began recruiting athletes earlier this year, Courtney Lush found herself at a difficult decision.
“The coach reached out to me and was like do you want to play, and I was like, I have a 2-month-old, I don’t think so," she said. "And he was pretty persistent, and I’m thankful that he was because I’m here now and I’m super excited about the opportunity.”
Now volleyball looks a little different for the new mom- pumping before every practice.
“I’m to the point where it’s not uncomfortable to me, so if it makes you uncomfortable, I’m sorry you can leave but I’m not," she said of pumping in public.
Making sure her little girl, Nora, is nourished, before she hits the court. Now, Nora is 6-months-old, and her mom is OK with her pursuing any sport.
“I want her to be the best at whatever she wants to be," the new mom said.
Being a mom has changed Courtney Lush’s view — mom first, volleyball second — making sure other moms know it’s possible to still pursue your dreams after having a baby.
“It’s definitely possible," she said. "And it’s a lot harder than some people might expect it to be but challenge is what athletes look for, you don’t do it because it’s easy, you do it because of the challenge and you want to get better. I have no idea what I’m doing most of the time but we’re figuring it out along the way.”
While she didn’t think she’d make a return to the court.
“My entire time that I was pregnant I was like I’m never going to play volleyball again. Here I am!” Courtney Lush joked.
Now it’s with a new support group.
“I got like 13 babysitters lined up!" she said.
And a new purpose.
“Being able to do what I do and to have her be there, that’s the dream come true I guess," she said.
The Fury begins its season Jan. 25 in Grand Rapids, with its home opener at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 21.