Aussies Abroad #18 – Matt Aubrey
In this installment of Aussies Abroad, Volleyball Australia caught up with Matt Aubrey, who has travelled the world chasing his dream.
Matt Aubrey didn’t take a traditional path into Volleyball.
The 28-year-old was a late comer to the sport after initially chasing his boyhood dream of becoming a basketball star.
“My volleyball journey is quite different to a traditional volleyball journey,” Aubrey said.
“I started at school in grade 10, the only reason I thought I’d give it a go was because I needed something to do when basketball wasn’t in season.
“Initially, I was mainly focused on basketball, so I only played [Volleyball] at school.
“It wasn’t until I got asked to join the QAS program that I started to take Volleyball more seriously.”
Aubrey made rapid progress and it became clear there was a future for him in the sport.
“I joined the AIS program the following year and spent two and a half years there before going to college in Canada for four years.
“In 2020 I started my professional volleyball career and joined the national team as well.”
From a basketball dream, to studying and playing in Canada, it’s been a remarkable journey for the kid from Brisbane.
“The idea of being able to be an elite athlete is something I’d always dreamed of growing up,” he said.
“When that possibility started to become a reality I jumped at it and have not looked back since.
“I grew up in Brisbane and am the first person in my family to play volleyball. This is my 6th year playing abroad professionally.”
Aubrey has traversed the globe in pursuit of his dream – many athletes find it a challenge – but the 28-year-old has loved every minute.
“The transition wasn’t that difficult for me,” he said.
“But settling into a new country with a different lifestyle and culture to that of Australia is something that always takes a little bit to adjust to.
“I have found that having a good support network behind you and actually going out and exploring the city you are living in is the best way to navigate these changes.
“I love playing abroad, as it gives me not only the opportunity to test my volleyball skills but I also get to travel the world, experience different cultures and meet new people
“I want to keep playing as long as my body will let me. I’m not sure where I will end up when it is time, but I think I will still be involved in [the sport] someway.”
The opposite fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an elite athlete and then went on to represent his country.
“The proudest moment [of my career] would definitely be making the national team and playing in the VNL,” he said.
Now Aubrey, who has recently finished his Masters degree, is enjoying some well earned free-time after juggling his study for nine years with his elite sport commitments.
That commitment has seen him juggle study while training twice a day, five days a week with two extra weight sessions thrown in for good measure.
Asked what his advice is for aspiring players, Aubrey has a simple message.
“Always remember to have fun and enjoy playing the sport,” he said.
“Volleyball can be intense, but keeping that love for the sport helps you stay motivated, bounce back from setbacks, and grow as a player.
“When you enjoy what you’re doing, everything else falls into place.”
And if that doesn’t work, he has a cheeky habit on away trips that might.
“It’s random but on away trips I will always eat a Twix in the change room before the match.”
