Before stepping into the workforce, some recent college graduates decide to travel and see the world before embarking on a career.
Jeff Sprayberry’s storyline is a bit different. The Oak Forest native is set to do both simultaneously.
“This is my first time going overseas,” Sprayberry said.
It’s not exactly a leisure trip, but the 22-year-old Sprayberry plans to have a blast as he heads to Finland to launch his career.
His role? Professional volleyball player.
“It’s fun that some of my friends are getting into sales or going off to be teachers, and I’m going to play volleyball in Europe,” Sprayberry said. “But this was my end goal. This is what I’ve wanted since high school, and I made it a staple for myself to get to this point.”
Sprayberry, a 6-foot-5 outside hitter, signed with Karelian Hurmos of the Messtaruusliiga, the top league in Finland. When he arrives, a furnished apartment will be waiting, which he’ll share with a teammate and coach.
“It was a silly dream of mine as a kid, and here I am fulfilling it,” he said of playing professionally. “It’s overwhelming. … I’m the only American on the team, their first ever, so they’re excited.”
They should be because Sprayberry is an athletic, big-time attacker. He gave up football in high school to focus on volleyball and became one of the best players in the state.
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Sprayberry finished his career with 434 kills in the 2014 season, which was the most of any player in Chicago’s talent-rich south suburbs.
“Sophomore year, he was already bigger and stronger than most kids,” Oak Forest coach Lee Rucinski said. “As a senior, he was a man among boys. He was still raw, having only played for 3 1/2 years, but you could see him evolve every year. He never plateaued.”
Sprayberry created a stir in his family when he quit football — all his brothers played in college — but he proved he made the right choice.
He graduated from King University with a program-record 1,249 kills and led the program this spring to its first NCAA tournament appearance, a loss to Ohio State.
It was enough to get the attention of a few agents, and the pro offers started to roll in after the curtains closed on his collegiate career.
“My plan is to go wherever (volleyball) takes me,” Sprayberry said. “That’s how I’m going to treat this overseas experience. Whether that’s financially or playing for a good team or going where it will make me a good player.”
While Karelian Hurmos wanted Sprayberry for his heavy swing, he plans packing light. He’s only bringing one checked bag of clothes and shoes and a carry-on of personal items.
“When I first got home from college this summer, I had to unpack my whole life,” Sprayberry said. “But I’m not bringing much. That’s the only thing that’s weird for me. I’m just going there to play volleyball.”
And hopefully see some sights.
Sprayberry listed Rome, among other cities, as his most-wanted travel destination. He wants to learn some Finnish to get around, and more importantly, order food.
“I’m going to try to learn the basics, greet people and definitely learn how to ask for food,” Sprayberry said. “My agent told me not to worry about the language barrier. Every team has to speak English.”
While it might not be a piece of cake adjusting to a new team and country right away, Sprayberry wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The money is great, and if I get more, the better, but this is more about me getting the experience of playing and traveling the world,” he said.
How many recent college grads would want that?
Logan Malloy is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.