Volleyball team Nova Tech Lycurgus from Groningen has said goodbye to diagonal player Cal Fisher. The American is still struggling with the after-effects of his knee operation.
The 24-year-old has not been available for Lycurgus for some time, which is currently competing for the Dutch title in the play-offs. Fisher boarded a plane on Thursday to continue his recovery at home in Pittsburgh, America. He came to Lycurgus from Pennsylvania State University last summer, but his knee continued to bother him.
At the start of the season, the American still made the necessary playing minutes. But since then he has only done strength training to improve his fitness. According to the team, the medical staff has done everything possible to get Fisher fit for the decisive part of the season, but the results appear to be insufficient. It is therefore better that the player continues his rehabilitation at home among family and friends.
‘A consummate professional’
On Wednesday evening, Fisher said goodbye to his teammates and staff in an informal gathering. Coach Arjan Taaij said he met him as a top professional, who did everything he could to get fit. He called him a very good diagonal.
“I wasn’t able to show what I came for here. It is therefore difficult for me to go, but continuing to recover at home with my family and friends is the best thing for now,” Fisher said.
Joop Alberda does not rule out return
General manager Joop Alberda does not rule out a return of the American in the future: “We wish him the best and maybe we will see him again later in Martiniplaza.” When he played, Fisher was statistically the best diagonal in the Premier League. He played in a total of twelve games. The last time was on December 7 in the home match against Sliedrecht Sport. As a replacement, Lycurgus recently recruited Kay van Dijk for the diagonal position.