Over recent years, the U.K. has become a popular destination for former student-athletes as different eligibility rules permit students to compete alongside their graduate education. Recent 2021 alumna and star Gordon College Volleyball setter,
Ashlyn Gergins, makes her way to the
Alumni Spotlight Series: Athlete Edition after she decided to continue her volleyball career overseas in the United Kingdom (U.K.). After getting involved in
Play Overseas, an organization that helps graduating seniors come in contact with universities in the U.K., the setter was matched with a master's program that fit her needs while also continuing her athletic career. After receiving multiple offers from various U.K. universities, Gergins' decided to study at the University of East London (UEL) while she obtains her master's in sports management. In London, Gergins is currently playing for both her U.K. university team as well as a club team within the U.K. National Volleyball system.
During her time at Gordon, Gergins reached the 2,000 assists threshold on September 14, 2019, earned All-Conference honors twice, and is the current record-holder for the most assists in a 4-set match with 54 which occurred on October 30, 2019 against Framingham State.
Take a look below during our Q & A with Gergins about her time with
Play Overseas!
Q. What is Play Overseas?
A. Through an organization called
Play Overseas, I was able to come into contact with multiple universities in the UK where I could play volleyball and get my master's degree in a year! They connected me with schools that were interested, and I eventually chose UEL (University of East London) as the best fit for me. I am currently studying at University of East London, getting my master's in sports management.
Q. Why did you decide to play overseas?
A. I wasn't ready for my volleyball career to be over yet and the opportunity to live in London and get my master's in a year while continuing to play was too good to pass up! When else am I going to get to do this?
Q. Are your teammates from around the world?
A. Most of my teammates on the uni team are American actually, but on the club team there are players from Germany, Nigeria, and England to name a few. In my master's program however, my classmates are from all over! Some local students from London, one other American, and the rest are from India, Pakistan, and Morocco. It's been really nice to have a diverse group and learn from them how sports are run all over the world.
Q. How is it different from playing at Gordon?
A. There is not the same amount of school spirit or personal pride in my school I felt in my undergrad career. Gordon is a special place.
Q. How did your time as a student-athlete at Gordon prepare you for this experience?
A. Gordon has prepared me in a number of ways. Athletically because of the discipline within the volleyball program, spiritually because of how my relationship with God became personal in my four years there, and socially growing more open-minded and understanding of where people come from and what they've been through.
Q. How is England different from the United States? Are there any major cultural differences?
A. Well I drink tea just about as much as I drink coffee now for one. There are also some vocabulary differences that are important to adapt to, because they look at you crazy if you ask for a "band-aid" when they call it a "plaster". I've also noticed as a woman in the world of sports, England is a bit behind America in terms of feminism and equality, so that's a bummer but also a chance where I can be an advocate for equal opportunity and respect for women in sports.
Q. How is volleyball different overseas and how is it playing with a new team in a new country?
A. It's funny because it is a bit more relaxed. The first day I showed up 15 minutes early to practice and no one else was there. Also they call the sets different things so it took me a bit to get used to hearing a call and setting something new. Then there are random things like you can't play off the ceiling even if it stays on your side but nothing crazy, it's still the same game. The other thing that is cool about England is that there are volleyball clubs here, and you can compete at any age, which you don't really get in America. Usually once you graduate college you're done unless you go pro abroad, so it's been nice to keep playing and know it's an option that's out there.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. I want to encourage anyone who wants to keep playing their sport to look into playing abroad. If you're not done you don't have to be! There are lots of options out there outside the U.S. where you can get your Master's and play and then even stay, work, and continue to play years afterward. And seeing more of the world is always a good idea. GO SCOTS!
If you would like to nominate a former teammate, friend, family member, or even yourself, we want to hear from you! All you need to do is fill out a brief questionnaire below. You can find the Alumni Spotlight: Athlete Edition Questionnaire HERE.
Play Overseas are now recruiting student-athletes for the Fall 2022 intake. Any student that is interested in exploring the possibility continuing playing their college sport in the U.K. while pursuing a master's degree can register their interest via the following link:
www.playoverseas.co.uk
Master's degrees in the U.K. take 12 months to complete, tuition is typically cheaper and there is the potential for athletes to achieve scholarships. Gergins was supported by U.K. based company Play Overseas when making her move to the U.K. Play Overseas provide a free service to graduating and former student-athletes, helping them to identify opportunities to further both their sporting career and education overseas.
Portions of information in the the above article were provided courtesy of Play Overseas.
