Griffin Walters is an American Division 1 volleyball athlete who decided to move across the Atlantic to study here at the University of Nottingham, as well as be a part of our growing volleyball programme. We recently spoke to Griffin to discuss his life in volleyball so far and how he has found transitioning into life here in Nottingham, as well as looking ahead to the challenges ahead for him and the club - which includes our upcoming Headliner.
Great to speak with you Griffin, firstly how did you get into your sport of volleyball?
I wish I could tell you something more inspirational but I was walking down the hallway in high school one day and someone picked me out and said that I was tall and because of that I should start playing volleyball, and so I thought why not?! I wasn’t playing any other sports at the time so I gave it a go. Being tall does help, but I was terrible at the sport initially! However I then started to find different avenues to play and began to improve, working through playing for different teams and continued to find my way into the sport.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
My team mates make playing and being a part of volleyball so special for me. I’ve been on a number of teams with fantastic team mates, but I noticed that here the most actually. I’ve obviously moved into a new environment here, but no matter where I go volleyball seems to help me build really solid relationships. I’ve got to know people really well here in a short amount of time and it feels like I’ve found friends here that it feels like I’ve known forever now, so I think the team aspect of the sport is something that I’ll always value.
Where did you play and study in the US and what was that experience like?
I went to Cal State Northridge which is a division 1 school in the San Fernando, Los Angeles area and I loved it. I primarily chose to go there because of the sport aspect, but we ran into the Coronavirus lockdowns, and that shifted my approach to areas outside of volleyball. It allowed me to really focus on my studies, which I meant I maximised both academics and sport as much as I could. It was a really good programme with great coaches and great people.
How and why did you decide to move to Nottingham to continue playing and studying?
It was a mix of things. I wasn’t exactly sure of my plans after graduating – I just knew that I wanted to continue playing volleyball. The opportunity here at the University of Nottingham presented itself and it just seemed to be a fantastic option to do that, as well as travel and receive a great education. My time here will hopefully set me up for when I find what it is I do want to do when I finish studying.
How have you found your time here so far?
It’s been good. I love the facilities that we have here – David Ross Sports Village seems to be one of a kind – but I obviously also really enjoy the social aspect of being in Nottingham. Being a part of the volleyball club which has so many members means that I’ve been able to meet lots of other people who just love the game. As a sport scholar, I’ve also met a lot of athletes from different sports and I think that inter-athlete socialising is actually quite unique to UK university sports.
What are you studying at the University of Nottingham and why?
I’m studying my masters degree in Marketing, because I come from a business background and I feel that because the subject of marketing is one that’s very versatile and can be applied to many areas. I wanted to get a better understanding on how to frame certain situations and make the most of what you have, and I think that this degree choice has helped me to do that.
Despite your current injury, how has the season gone for yourself and the team so far?
I couldn’t be more proud of the team and the direction that we’ve been going in this year. I’m sure it’s not been easy to have myself and Sam transitioned from the US, because it’s definitely different. We’re used to the processes of a division 1 programme and have tried to bring some aspects of our experience to practices in certain ways. However, as a team we’ve really come together and created a vision of what we want from the season and practices to look like. We’ve really been able to stick to that and I think that’s reflected in the way we’ve played and recent results. Everyone’s really given their all to what we’ve been trying to do and I am really proud of the group.
For me personally, my season has been interesting. I guess that my role as a player has changed moving into a new team and environment, and I’ve given it my all. It’s a little unfortunate for me that my recent injury means that I won’t be able to play in the Headliner or the matches coming up, but my priority is till with the team and making sure that I can be a positive influence in achieving what we want to do.
How will you try to be that positive influence at the Headliner and whilst your off the court?
I feel like it could be a number of different things, but I definitely have value to add – whether it’s from a coaching perspective or bringing energy to the guys from the sideline. For me, having positive energy is such a big part of volleyball. Being able to amplify or change the energy between the six on the court from the sideline is going to be a unique challenge for me, but one that I think I can really help provide value doing. I’m still hugely looking forward to the Headliner and really hope that I can contribute to the team’s larger goal.
What’s the mood in the camp ahead of the Headliner?
It’s all excitement! For the guys who haven’t played in a Headliner, but have played in big matches – I’m sure that they’re ready to prove that all the hard work they’ve put in so far can make a difference. It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere with a large crowd because volleyball is a sport that is so entertaining to watch. I’m super grateful that Nottingham provides the opportunity to showcase different sports and promote them at such a level that makes the athletes competing feel like it’s almost a professional environment, but also provide fans with the opportunity to take in such a great occasion.
What are yours and the clubs’ expectations for the rest of the season?
I have high hopes and expectations for what we can achieve. It’s interesting because my overall goal is to make sure that the group and programme is in better shape than when I got involved in September. If I’ve been able to have some impact on not only this year, but also the future success of the side and volleyball club here, that’ll be a real achievement for me.
What are your plans after you finish your degree?
My aim is to play another year professionally next season. The great thing about doing this degree is that it’s going to provide me with lots of different opportunities. I might not know exactly which area of work I’m drawn to right now, but I do know that when I figure it out I’ll have the foundations set in place to really achieve and be successful.
We thank Griffin for speaking with us, and look forward to supporting him and the volleyball club as they compete in the Super League Headliner event at David Ross Sports Village this weekend.
You can get your tickets to see both of our volleyball teams in Super League action here; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1130410571449
You can find out more about our volleyball programme here; Performance Volleyball, and you can find out more about the sports scholarship programme at the University of Nottingham here; Sports Scholarships at the University of Nottingham.