January 13, 2010 - Another female Barbadian volleyballer has turned pro!

Former two-times Caribbean volleyball MVP Shari Matthews has landed a professional contract in Spain joining six footer Anicia Wood who competes in Italy on the pro list.

The former Springer Memorial student capped a fantastic graduation from the North Carolina Central University by adding a contract with Club el Algar Surmenor in Murcia, Spain to her first degree in Business Management.  Both Matthews and Wood share the same agent.

Long before Matthews had completed her studies, offers were being made to turn out for a professional team.  However, according to Matthews, her two biggest supporters and advisors, dad, Ivan Harvey and mum, Glenna Matthews were adamant that she complete her studies.

“This is a dream come true for both of my parents who supported me throughout but who wanted me to complete the dream by finishing my degree before accepting a professional contract,” Matthews told Nation Sports.

The professional season would have started in October but Matthews will join in the second half to play from January 17 to March 30.  El Algar has just entered division one and Matthews is confident of making a big enough extension to extend her contract.

Ironically, Matthews had been offered a job at an insurance company in the United States which would have paid her $60 000 per annum.  “I would have had to move to the US, pay rent, buy insurance and cover transportation and food if I had taken up that job.

“My contract covers, housing, transportation, food and a tidy salary where I will work for six months of the year and still be able to return home and represent the Barbados team.”  Matthews added that the language should not be a problem as she has studied Spanish and she will have a familiar face in Spain as assistant coach for her University, Stephanie Eddins plays for El Algar.

However, the standout player’s biggest concern is her lack of court form as she had exhausted her NCAA playing status during her final year and she could not even practice with the University team.  “I played some low level co-ed volleyball and since I returned home I have been keeping physically fit, but I have not been playing any volleyball.

“Even so I have informed my coach that I was short of court time and I will have to quickly make up for that when I reach Spain,” Matthews stated.  The power hitter also indicated that with her degree as a safety net she intended to play professionally as long as her body permitted.