Tommie All-Canadian heads overseas to qualify for European Championships

After graduating from St. Thomas University in May of 2022, Christian Christie has set his sights across the pond in Europe. 

A dual citizen of both Canada and the United Kingdom, he will head to the University of Essex to pursue his post graduate studies and continue his volleyball career.  Already, he is stepping up to don National Team colour - for England - assisting the team to qualify for the European Championships.

Team England heads to Slovakia to kick off their pursuit of an entry into the Continential championship, with matches slated for August 31st to September 5th.  Team England currently sits at 142nd in the FIVB World Rankings and 45th in the CEV (European) Rankings.

"With not many teams competing in the last cycle for the European Championships, the competition could be wide open in order to qualify to the main event," mentions the former STU captain.

Christie will also be competing with the Essex Rebels for the National Volleyball Super League - England's top elite level of volleyball.

"If you told me in first year, I would be heading to Europe I wouldn’t believe you for a second," ponders the outside hitter hailing from Langley, BC. "Now five years later I’m heading off overseas to keep playing the sport I love."

His growth and development at St. Thomas under coach Henri Mallet has opened up the opportunity to compete internationally.