(FREDERICTON, NB) Brad Stewart is about to embark on an adventure. A volleyball adventure, to be specific.
“Going overseas to play volleyball has always been a dream of mine, since I was in high school.”
The former member of the UNB REDS men’s volleyball team, who exhausted his U SPORTS eligibility during the 2021-22 season, has signed a contract with Habo Wolley, of Sweden’s 11-team Elite League.
“I’ve been working as an Engineer in Training, at Springhill Construction, for over a year now and I love my job and the field I’m in, but I realize that I’m only young once,” said Stewart. “To get this opportunity to play the sport that I love, in another country, is something that I couldn’t pass up, and I’m extremely fortunate that the people at Springhill have supported my decision.”
Stewart is one of a growing number of REDS alumni who’ll be playing pro volleyball in Europe this season.
Brad Merryweather and Erik Kodrič, will also play their first seasons of professional volleyball in 2022-23. Merryweather has signed with a team in Denmark, while Kodrič returns to his native Slovenia.
Former REDS standout Connor McConnell is returning to Europe for his second season of pro, playing with a team in the Slovenian League.
“The fact that we’re producing players who are stepping directly from our program to the professional game certainly speaks to the strength and overall quality of our REDS program,” said REDS head coach Dan McMorran. “This continues to be a pathway for incoming players to develop their game and be ready to transition to our national program or the professional ranks when they finish their UNB careers.”
In five seasons over six years, Stewart appeared in 64 matches as a RED, recording 305 kills, 241 blocks and scoring 499 points.
He was recognized as an Atlantic University Sport and RSEQ all-star during his career.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute being here and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” said Stewart, who was limited by injuries during the last two seasons of his career. “I owe a lot to my teammates, Coach McMorran and the assistants over the years for pushing and preparing me, every day, to compete and be at my best.”
Unsure of what to expect overseas, Stewart will take his ‘can do’ attitude from Fredericton to southern Sweden.
“I’d like to make an impact on the club, both on and off the court,” he said. “I want to be the best I can be as a player and a leader. I want to help them win games and ultimately the championship. I look forward to learning, and to being immersed in the Swedish culture as well.”
“Brad has been one of our leaders since his arrival at UNB,” said Coach McMorran. “I’m very happy that he’s getting this opportunity as he’s recovered from a couple of significant injuries, battled through a couple of tough Covid years, and returned after graduating to finish is eligibility. Brad is an excellent middle and it’s his athleticism that would’ve attracted the interest of pro teams. The bonus for his club in Sweden is that they’re getting a player with a strong work ethic, leadership and maturity as well.”
Stewart says he consulted other former REDS about playing in Europe, and says everyone urged him to go if he got the chance.
While start dates vary from country to country, European leagues begin play in late September and early October.
FILE PHOTO: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics