Chiaka Ogbogu is a professional volleyball player and a 6-2 middle blocker. The former Coppell High School and University of Texas volleyball star has played professionally in Poland, Turkey and Italy and has been playing on the U.S. National Team since 2018. Chiaka knows a thing or two about hair monsters and how they can get in the way of peak performance. Here’s what she has to say on the topic:

“Hi! My name is Chiaka Ogbogu. I am a professional volleyball player currently playing overseas in Istanbul, Turkey. I believe that having ‘Hair Monsters’ means having your hair do the opposite of what you want it to do at that moment. 

There are few things more frustrating than your hair being in your way. Whether that means you have strands of hair obstructing your view or that your hair is distractingly in need of a visit to the salon, having your hair in your way is not ideal. 

I have had my fair share of my hair being in my way. I’ve had those anxiety-inducing moments when you’re in the middle of a game and your hair-tie breaks, or you’re constantly having to readjust your ponytail because your hair tie isn’t cooperating, thus causing you to be off your game.” 

Chiaka Ogbogu: Player Profile

Chiaka secured state titles for Coppell High School in 2011 and 2012 and was named the Gatorade Texas Volleyball Player of the Year in 2012. She finished out her senior year with 486 kills and 144 blocks.

Following her stellar career at Coppell, Chiaka went on to play for the University of Texas, where she became a four-time AVCA All-American and was named the 2017 Big 12 Player of the Year. She ended her time at UT as the school’s all-time blocks leader. In 2019, Chiaka led the U.S. in hitting efficiency and kill percent in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League.  

Chiaka Ogbogu: Professional Volleyball Player and Team USA

We’re ecstatic that Chiaka will join Team USA at this year’s Tokyo Olympics as one of 12 select athletes. The Tokyo Summer Olympics are scheduled to get underway July 23, 2021. You can follow Chiaka’s Olympic journey on her Twitter and Instagram pages. 

Hair Ties for Athletes: TIY Conquers the Hair Monsters

TIY hair ties were designed with pro athletes like Chiaka in mind. Our goal is to minimize hair distractions so you can focus on what you do best. Our TIY Tribe spans the globe and celebrates all we can accomplish on and off the field. Here’s what Chiaka has to say about conquering her hair monsters with TIY:

“As an athlete, I have a million things on my mind when it comes to preparing for a match or practice. It’s helpful to know that with TIY, my hair doesn’t have to be one of those things. I can be at ease knowing that my TIY is not going to break on me, I will not have to constantly adjust it because of slippage, and I know tension headaches will not be a factor.  

No more strands of hair (or in my current case: loose braids) escaping from my hair tie and getting in my way. You’ve heard of the phrase ‘get out of your own way’; well I take it one step further by demanding we get our hair out of our way. With TIY, I take pride in knowing that my hair is one less thing to worry about off of my list so I can prepare and perform at my highest level.” 

We love to hear it. Chiaka conquers her hair monsters with a three-loop TIY hair tie. After falling in love with TIY’s wide range of vibrant colors, she began her hair journey with TIY hair ties and hasn’t looked back since.

TIY Hair Ties: The Best Sports Hair Tie

If you’re ready to slay your own hair demons, we’ve got you covered! Our hair ties are manufactured with a high-quality elastomer core that won’t stretch out or break. You can customize and cut your hair tie to the perfect size for your hair, no matter which length, volume or texture you rock. 

Shop TIY basic for a 36-inch elastic that can make up to six individual hair ties. Level up your game and Shop TIY Pro to receive the color of your choice in a compact case with a built-in cutter for custom-sized hair ties on the go. Check us out on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our YouTube channel for tips, tricks and hair inspiration. 

In the meantime, we’ll be rooting for Chiaka and Team USA!