Seniors Look for Volleyball Opportunities Overseas

By Broadside Staff Writer Fernanda Ferreira

The end of a collegiate volleyball career is just a new start for the men’s volleyball alumni. Whether they choose to play overseas or for professional teams in the United States, the men’s volleyball program has been successful in shaping professional athletes.

The three seniors from last season, Hudson Bates, Mark Burik and R.J. Goubeaux, are all playing professionally. Bates and Goubeaux are practicing with Team USA in Anaheim, Calif., and Burik is playing for Vingakers Volleybollklubb in Sweden.

Seeing their former teammates play professionally had a positive influence on the
team’s current seniors, middle blocker Brandon McLaughlin and opposite hitter Kyle Gramit.

“[Bates, Burik and Goubeaux] not only played, but they were successful at the
professional level. It inspires you to keep playing after college,” said McLaughlin.
“They showed the way to proceed with things, such as looking for agents and tryouts,” said Gramit.

Gramit and McLaughlin have similar plans for their volleyball career after graduation. They are both planning to play volleyball overseas. Gramit keeps contact
with Burik and considers the possibility of joining him in Europe.

The seniors are confident and prepared to face the challenges that come with
playing professionally or overseas. Their time at George Mason University with Head
Coach Fred Chao proved crucial to improving their volleyball skills and molding them into professional athletes.

“The work ethic that Fred [Chao] demands, especially from me and McLaughlin, helps us to have a good transition to the professional level,” said Gramit.

Chao has firsthand experience in coaching and playing overseas. After graduating from Mason in 1994, Chao played and coached in Scotland.

“It was one of the most important times of my life. I was there to learn. I had lots of
opportunities, and it is important to take these opportunities to see what works for you [coaching] and what doesn’t,” said Chao.

Chao also has experience coaching USA Volleyball camps, where he worked with top
coaches and athletes in the nation. Chao served as an assistant at the Youth National
Team Training Camp and coached top players at the USA Volleyball Development Camp.

These experiences combined with his time overseas have influenced Chao’s coaching
style. He set high standards for his athletes and prepares them in the best way possible for a future career in volleyball.

“It definitely feels good [having former athletes play professionally]. It is great to see
that they wanted to keep playing and felt confident to go out there and do it,” said Chao.

Having former athletes succeed in their professional career is an indicator of the
excellence of the volleyball program. For McLaughlin and Gramit, their volleyball careers are far from over.