Arkansas Volleyball's Laci Bohannan Announces Medical Retirement

Laci Bohannan’s time on the volleyball court has come to an end.

The Arkansas outside hitter announced Tuesday that she is medically retiring from the sport after suffering another stress injury in her left foot.

Bohannan shared the news on social media ahead of the Razorbacks’ Wednesday matchup at LSU, bringing an unexpected conclusion to her collegiate playing career.

“After another stress injury in my left foot and a lot of thought, prayer, and difficult conversations, I have made the decision to medically retire from volleyball,” Bohannan wrote.

The 6-foot Benton, Arkansas, native joined the Razorbacks for her fifth collegiate season after spending four years at Central Arkansas. She arrived in Fayetteville with an accomplished résumé, having earned first-team All-ASUN honors twice and finishing her time with the Sugar Bears with 1,077 career kills.

Bohannan made an immediate contribution after joining Arkansas. Through 21 matches this season, she recorded 120 kills, five service aces and 31 blocks. Her 142.5 points ranked fourth on the team.

Her move to Arkansas also carried a special family connection. Bohannan followed her parents to the university, where her father, Brad, played baseball for the Razorbacks for two seasons. Her mother, Amber, was part of the dance team that performed at Arkansas baseball games at Baum-Walker Stadium.

In announcing her retirement, Bohannan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear an Arkansas uniform and finish her playing career at the same university that brought her family together.

“To the University of Arkansas, thank you for welcoming me and giving me the opportunity to be a Razorback,” she wrote. “I am so grateful for my coaches, teammates, athletic training staff, and everyone who has made this chapter so special. Although my time on the court is ending differently than I had planned, I wouldn't trade the experiences or relationships for anything.”

While Bohannan will no longer be available as a player, Arkansas head coach Jason Watson indicated she will remain involved with the program in a different role.

Watson praised the outside hitter for her perseverance throughout her career, noting the physical demands of competing at a high level and the difficult nature of her decision.

“Seldom do we see an athlete as brave as Laci has been throughout her career,” Watson said. “Playing at the level she has, for as long as she has, takes a tremendous toll. Few know the commitment it takes. Even less know of the selflessness exhibited by Laci in making this difficult decision. She will continue to pour into our team, just in another way.”

Bohannan acknowledged that her career did not end the way she had envisioned, but said she was proud of what the experience taught her and the person she became along the way.

“This isn't how I pictured my story unfolding, but I am proud of the journey, the fight, and the person it has helped me become,” she wrote. “God's plan is always greater than anything I could ever imagine. Volleyball will always hold a special place in my heart.”

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