Newcombe Blazes Trail Overseas For UO Alumnae

EUGENE, Ore. — Two-time all-American Sonja Newcombe is giving the UO volleyball program a taste of what professional volleyball has to offer, on and off the court.

Newcombe, a second-team all-American as a senior for the Ducks in 2009, has spent recent summers back in Eugene, training with the Ducks. The workouts keep her sharp for an ongoing professional career that has taken her around the world and back, and they provide the current UO roster with a mentor whose credentials are impeccable.

"She's such a perfect kid," UO coach Jim Moore said. "She does everything right. And she communicates with people so well, it's great for our players."

The lessons Newcombe imparts on the Ducks aren't always easy. A year ago, in the team's annual Alumnae Challenge, Newcombe led the team of former players to a rare win over the Oregon squad.

This year's Alumnae Challenge is scheduled for Saturday in Matthew Knight Arena at 7 p.m. And there will be no let-up from Newcombe.

"Any time I step on the court, I want to be a good competitor and do myself proud," said Newcombe, a 2008 honorable mention all-American. "And it should be a quality tune-up match for them. I want to give them the best competition I can. I think I probably approach it more seriously than anyone else (on the alumnae team), but that's just my personality."

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Newcombe's quest to stoke her competitive fire has taken her all around the globe since leaving Oregon in 2009. She played first in Puerto Rico, and subsequently in Turkey (twice), France, Germany, Russia, China and Azerbaijan. Newcombe plans to return to China for another season there later this fall.

One of the messages Newcombe hopes to impart upon Oregon's players is the reality that a professional career awaits overseas, if players are inclined to pursue them. In countries like China, Turkey and Poland, women's volleyball rivals every other professional sport in popularity, she said.

"In China they broadcast it nationwide, and to millions of viewers in prime time," Newcombe said.

Salaries vary dramatically by country and club. Some players make the equivalent of a college stipend.

But on the other hand, Newcombe said, "you have girls making a million Euros. The gap is huge."

Though awareness of potentially lucrative opportunities overseas isn't wide-spread, Newcombe isn't the only UO veteran taking advantage. Serena Warner (Finland) and Arianna Williams (France) are pursuing their careers, and Heather Meyers recently wrapped up hers after playing in Germany. Recent graduates Lauren Plum and Martenne Bettendorf are currently sifting through offers to figure out where they will play.

In particular, Newcombe has spent time this summer counseling Amanda Benson, Oregon's senior libero. Benson and fellow senior Kacey Nady have expressed interest in playing overseas, and Newcombe has been a resource as they consider their options.

The first question before any others that a player must ask herself, Newcombe said, is, are you continuing your career for the sake of the travel and cultural experience, or to move up the ladder as a volleyball player? How she answers will dramatically influence the advice Newcombe offers.

Newcombe's own career has taken her to Siberia in Russia; her club in China last fall practiced some eight hours a day, a grueling schedule that would be a shock to most American players. Those wouldn't be opportunities Newcombe would suggest to others unless they were acutely focused on their playing careers.

For a player who wants to spend a few more years enjoying the game, while soaking up new life experience, other countries would be preferable, Newcombe's experience has taught her.

"There's two very different courses you can go," she said. "You have to give up some comforts and lifestyle to get better."

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After her own career is done Newcombe hopes to become a coach, and work full-time with younger players. This summer, she said, Moore has encouraged her to speak up a little more while working out with the Ducks.

But mostly, Newcombe is still focused on her own game. If anything, the lesson she wants to impart right now is about the reality that a professional career is possible, in a sport whose apex to most American players peaks at collegiate and national team experience.

"It's not just this period of four years, and you're done," Newcombe said. "There's so much more to be explored."