Mariners alum takes passion for her sport overseas

It was around ninth grade that Linnea Brickwood realized just how passionate she was about volleyball.

“I became obsessed with the challenges of volleyball, the diversity and the fast-paced play,” she says. “Growing up as a competitive gymnast in an individual sport, I also loved the team aspect and the connection that can be physically felt when you and your team are on the court all playing your best game.”

Now, the VIU graduate and Mariners alum is continuing to chase that passion and further her volleyball career in Germany, where she is currently playing with VFL Oythe, the “top league in the second division in Germany.” Linnea started with the club at the end of August and will be there until the end of April next year.

“In my last couple years of university, I knew that my desire to play volleyball was not done and I began toying with the idea of playing pro after graduation,” says Linnea, who graduated from VIU’s Kinesiology program this past spring.

As her final season with the Mariners wrapped up, she sought out an agent to help her realize that goal. After some trial and error with different clubs, Linnea – who also has EU citizenship – landed with VFL Oythe and signed the contract.

With the season now underway, Linnea says the most exciting aspects of playing overseas include the “exposure to different styles of play and training, and opportunity to travel and live in a completely new environment.”

Looking back on her time with the Mariners, there are many memories and moments that stick with her: “My first year at VIU we won Nationals, and it is a memory that will never leave me,” she says. “It was honestly the dream season. The culture, the skill and the feeling of being a national champion is truly unparalleled.”

She also fondly recalls the times the team spent off the court at Sproat Lake, during their annual pre-season retreats. “The team almost immediately bonds, it’s so fun and the perfect introduction to our team’s culture,” she says. “I am beyond thankful to have been a part of a group that is so genuinely funny and simultaneously skilled.”

Looking ahead, Linnea wants to pursue a career in physiotherapy once she’s finished playing volleyball overseas.

She encourages current and future Mariners student-athletes to “embrace every single moment – good or bad – and don’t say no to any opportunities. These years shape you into the person you will become.”