With his children’s doodles and wife’s encouragement etched onto his sneakers, USA captain Micah Christenson carries family motivation into the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship quarterfinals.
In the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, Micah Christenson orchestrates Team USA’s offense with the calm of a veteran setter.
But beneath the intensity, Christenson finds his source of strength in his sneakers.
Drawn in bright scribbles by his children, Zeke, Quinn, and Finley, and marked with a simple “Go Daddy,” the shoes carry reminders of home, carefully organized by his wife, Brooke.
Micah Christenson's shoes are filled by messages from his kids and wife. | Photo: Kiko Demigillo/One Sports
A family reminder in every step
For Christenson, they’re not just gear, but a personal connection to the people who matter most.
“It brings a smile to my face all the time,” he said. “When I lace them up or look down in the middle of a block, I see my family’s message, whether it’s a little ‘Go Dad,’ a cross to remember our faith, or just scribbles from my kids.”
“A little piece of my family is always with me.”
The Team USA captain also sees it as a reminder whenever things are getting tough on the court.
“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 when 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,” he added.
The journey continues
That grounding presence proved valuable in the Round of 16 when USA dropped the opening set against Slovenia.
Christenson responded with poise, orchestrating his teammates into rhythm as the Americans stormed back to take the next three frames and secure their place in the quarterfinals for a third straight World Championship.
Up next is a dangerous Bulgaria squad, whose aggressive serving has been one of the standout weapons of the tournament.
“I think it’s a great preparation for us,” Christenson said of the Slovenia match. "We felt some pushback, we lost a set, and we felt some big bomb serves, along with some really tactical float serving."
"We know Bulgaria is extremely talented from the service line, so we’re gonna try our best to be ready for that and they’re an awesome team with a lot of physical players, so we’re gonna try and prepare and see if we can continue to survive."
Team USA will take on Bulgaria in the quarterfinals on Thursday, September 25.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.