Little Prep Dig Missouri/Kansas Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Generally, I'm a pretty private guy, but with the recent uptick in emails, it feels like the right time to let the cat out of the bag.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First, thank you to everyone who has followed my work over the years. When I started writing for Prep Dig, it was right after my daughter finished high school, and by then, I was fully immersed in the sport. I originally wrote under a pseudonym since many of the players she competed with and against were still active. Those days are long gone, so now I proudly write under my real name, Vernon Birmingham. And while I'm at it, a quick shoutout to my daughter, who finished her final season this fall as a first-team all-conference and AVCA East All-Region player for Charlotte Volleyball! I couldn't be prouder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anyway, back on the subject! Through her years in prep, club, and college volleyball, I've watched a lot of volleyball and talent, and I believe I've developed a strong eye for identifying strengths and areas for growth. I take this role seriously, and I put real time into watching matches, breaking down film, and talking with coaches at all levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Second, you may have noticed fewer articles from me lately or slower email replies. In November, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I began treatment right away, and I'm in the chair every other week for 4–5 hours. I'm not sharing this for sympathy; I'm sharing it to ask for continued patience. If I'm a bit slower at responding or publishing, I promise I'm working on it. This hasn't been fun, but I'm close to finishing this fight and getting back to my normal pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That brings me to the final update. I've received quite a few messages from players and families on the Kansas side of the state line (again—patience!). A couple of years ago, I covered both Missouri and Kansas before another writer returned, and I shifted back to focusing mainly on Missouri, with some KC-area Kansas high school coverage. That writer has since moved on, so for now, I'll be expanding my Kansas coverage as time allows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thank you again for journeying with me. I'm grateful to my colleague Ryan for stepping up over the past few months and to the entire Prep Dig team for their support. Brighter days are ahead, and I'll be back to 15–20 articles a month before long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->