Wolfville, NS, native Brad Stewart headed to Sweden for professional volleyball
FREDERICTON, NOTE — Brad Stewart don’t want to regret anything.
The six-foot-five middle blocker from Wolfville recently signed to play volleyball for Habo Wolley in Sweden’s 11-team Elite League.
“Going overseas to play volleyball has always been a dream of mine since I was in high school,” Stewart said.
He completed his U Sports eligibility with the UNB Reds in 2021-22 and has been working as an engineer-in-training at Springhill Construction for more than a year.
“I love my job and the field I’m in, but I realize I’m only young once,” Stewart said in a story published by the UNB Athletics Department. “Having this opportunity to play the sport that I love, in another country, is something I couldn’t pass up, and I’m extremely fortunate that the people at Springhill have supported my decision.”
Stewart, who played four years of volleyball, basketball and soccer with the Horton Griffins, is one of a growing number of Reds alumni who will play professional volleyball in Europe this season.
Brad Merryweather and Erik Kodrič are preparing for their first seasons of professional volleyball in 2022-23. Merryweather signed with a team in Denmark, while Kodrič returns to his native Slovenia.
Connor McConnell, former Reds, returns to Europe for his second season as a professional, playing with a team in the Slovenian league.
“The fact that we are producing players that go directly from our program to the professional game really speaks to the strength and overall quality of our Reds program,” head coach Dan McMorran said. “This continues to be an avenue 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, Stewart appeared in 64 games as a Red, recording 305 kills, 241 blocks and scoring 499 points. He was recognized as an all-conference star during his career.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Stewart, who was limited by injuries in the final 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, NB, to southern Sweden.
“I would like to make an impact on the club, both on and off the pitch,” 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’m looking forward to learning, and being immersed in the Swedish culture as well.”
McMorran said Stewart was a team leader since he arrived on campus.
“I’m very pleased he’s getting this opportunity because he’s recovered from a couple of significant injuries, battled through a couple of tough Covid years and came back after graduating to be eligible. Brad is an excellent center and that is his athletic ability that would have attracted the interest of professional teams. The bonus for his club in Sweden is that they get a player with strong work ethic, leadership and maturity as well.”
The season starts at the end of September.