Texas Exes, Moriarty and Magee to play overseas
Sept. 26, 2008
Candice Eng, Texas Media Relations Two former Longhorn volleyball players, Brandy Magee and Michelle Moriarty, are taking their All-America talents to the European stage this fall. Magee, who ended her Texas career as the all-time leader in attack percentage, heads to the south coast of Spain, while Moriarty, UT's career assist leader, will play for Club VSM in Saignelégier, Switzerland. No stranger to the international scene, Magee joins Club Volleyball Benidorm after having played for Toabaja Llaneras in Puerto Rico last Spring. "Getting to play after college has been a great experience for me because I love playing volleyball," Magee said. "The four-and-a-half years that I played at UT flew by fast and having the opportunity to continue with the game I love to play is awesome. I'm glad I get to keep doing it." When Magee first started playing volleyball as a high school freshman, she didn't give much thought to playing professionally. With each year she played, her love for the sport grew. In college, Magee thrived on playing at a higher level against worthy competitors each season. Magee looks forward to meeting the two fellow Americans also playing for Club Benidorm, as well as her new coach, teammates and playing environment. "I think getting to experience new things, new countries and new people is always a great experience because you learn so much about yourself and other cultures," said Magee, who wants to keep playing volleyball as long as she can or as long as her body permits. Meanwhile, her former teammate Moriarty, a two-time ASICS/Volleyball Magazine All-American and three-time AVCA All-America selection, started her post-college career with an internship at the AVP. During her time at the AVP, Moriarty had an opportunity to meet and/or train with the likes of Holly McPeak, Kerri Walsh, Misty May Treanor and Karch Kiraly.
"My internship consisted of mainly doing research and looking for ways to get college girls more involved in the beach game," Moriarty said. "They are working to prepare players so that when they are finished with their indoor training, they can go after an outdoor career as well." Moriarty's next adventure takes her to the small Swiss town of Saignelégier, which boasts a population of around 3,000. "It's nice to be able to actually go make money doing what I love," said Moriarty about her international opportunities. "I'm really excited to go over to Switzerland and have the opportunity to experience a different culture." Although most of her days will be filled with volleyball, Moriarty plans to spend her off weekends traveling, sightseeing and emersing herself in the Swiss culture. She also looks forward to spending Christmas in the Swiss Alps with her family. "It just really means a lot to be able to keep playing volleyball. I still love it," Moriarty exclaimed. |
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