"To be true to one's self is the ultimate test in life. To have the courage and sensitivity to follow your hidden dreams and stand tall against the odds that are bound to fall in your path. Life is too short and precious to be dealt with in any other fashion. This thought I hold dear to my heart, and I always try to be true to myself and others that I encounter along the way.” --Flo Hyman
Flo Hyman was arguably the best women's volleyball player to ever play the game. Standing at 6'5”, Hyman not only stood tall, but also stood out. Known for her aggressive defense, powerful hitting and endless determination, Hyman also was recognized for her selfless attitude, bright smile and contagious energy. At the age of 31, her life came to an end as a result of heart failure due to a genetic disorder called Marfan's Syndrome, a rare disorder of the connective tissue that affects the formation and functioning of the heart.
Hyman grew up in Long Beach, Calif., and started playing volleyball in high school. She later joined a club team and her play earned her a college scholarship and an invitation to compete for the U.S. national team, which was based in Pasadena, Texas. She was an All-American at the University of Houston from 1974-1976 and began her career with the national team in 1974. She played a key role in establishing the United States as a world power in volleyball. From 1974 up until the time of her death, Hyman competed in every major competition that the USA team qualified for, including the 1977 and 1981 World Cups and 1978 and 1982 World Championships. Her team qualified for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow and the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, where they went on to win the silver medal.
Famous for her strength and power, Hyman also earned the nickname "Clutchman." Her 6'5” frame and quick arm swing produced a 110mph spike. She received the Best Hitter award at the 1981 World Cup games and was selected to the All World Cup Team, which consisted of only six women in the entire world. Because of this, Hyman will always be considered one of the most dominating athletes to ever play the sport. Olympic teammate Rita Crockett once said, “There has been nobody even to compare to her. Even to this day I've never seen anyone better.” At the time of her death, U.S. Olympic Committee official George D. Miller said, “She was the finest female volleyball player in the world.” Arie Selinger, national team coach and 1984 Olympic coach called her “The Goddess of Volleyball.”
Hyman's inspirational life and untimely death spurred a women's sports movement in the United States to create new opportunities for women and girls in athletics, all in Hyman's name. One of these opportunities created to honor Hyman's name and spirit was established by the Women's Sports Foundation. The Flo Hyman Memorial Award, considered the most prestigious award bestowed by the Foundation, was first presented in 1987. The award is given on National Girls and Women in Sports Day to a female athlete who captures Hyman's dignity, spirit and commitment to excellence. It honors an athlete who recognizes the far-reaching benefits of sports and who is determined to share these values with others. Major consideration is given to athletes who give generously of their time and energy so that there are greater sports opportunities for all girls and women. Past recipients include Evelyn Ashford, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Billie Jean King, Lisa Leslie and Martina Navratilova.
The Flo Hyman Award is just one of the ways that Hyman will be remembered. Unforgettable for her ability on the court, she was an ideal role model for women and girls all over the world and is recognized as one of the most influential female athletes of all time. Crockett perhaps summed it up best when she said, “She was the perfect role model. She was an ideal person, not just in sports, but in everything.”