The 2021 NVA Best Outside Hitter, Brandon Rattray, is back again in Europe for his second season abroad, competing in the German Bundesliga with the Energiequelle Netzhoppers. Located in Königs Wusterhausen, a small town outside Berlin, the Netzhopper Kangaroos have competed in the Bundesliga 1st division since 2006 after their conception in 1991.
The team looks set to make a big push this year after improving from bronze finish in the 16/17 German Cup to silver last year in 20/21. They hope to finally take home their first gold medal in the cup and their first Bundesliga podium finish this year. Part of that mission has included recruiting the first American players in the team’s history, looking to some of the US’s biggest and most lethal talent to get the job done.
Alongside Rattray, the team also has American middle blockers Max Chamberlain (Pepperdine) and Blake Leeson (Ohio State) in their third seasons in European Premier leagues. The trio already has an impressive international experience in Spain, France, Greece, Finland, and Switzerland. On top of all their experiences competing in the NCAA Championships during their collegiate careers.
Already the Netzhoppers have been a great host for other players in the NVA as Southern Exposure’s Uchenna Ofoha played for the team back in 2019/2020. Hopefully, the Netzhoppers will see the same success that Rattray and the Ramblers had this last 2021 season in the NVA. The Ramblers and the NVA wish Brandon the best of luck as he and his teammates look to make history in the Bundesliga!
The Netzhoppers’ next game will be October 6th at 10:30 AM Pacific Time against United Volley’s Frankfurt. The match will surely be an exhilarating season opener. The last time the two-team met was in the German Cup Championships, where Frankfurt took home the gold. The game will be a real test of if the American additions are championship material.
Be sure to give (@_the_rattray_way_) and the Energiequelle Netzhoppers (@netzhoppers) a follow on Instagram to stay up to date with their journey to the championships this season. Fans can catch all the club’s matches on the home page of their website.
NVA Staff Writer
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