Sports scholar to Coach: Euan Fraser’s Full Circle Moment

When Euan Fraser first visited the University of Essex in 2019, he never imagined that a chat in the then Head Volleyball Coach Alex Porter’s office would one day lead him to secure the same role he respected. A volleyball-loving student from Scotland, Euan joined the University of Essex on a sports scholarship, completing both his undergraduate and master’s degrees while representing his country and competing at the highest levels of the game. Now, just a few years later, he’s stepping into his biggest role yet as the newly appointed Men’s Volleyball Coach.

Reintroducing… Euan Fraser

“Coaching was always something in the back of my mind.”

The turning point from student-athlete to men’s volleyball coach

“When I first came to Essex, I remember sitting in Alex Porter’s office talking about my course, and he asked if I had any career goals. I said that running a programme like his would be pretty cool. I’m not sure if I meant it seriously at the time, but look how things have turned out!”

Euan describes earning a sports scholarship at Essex as “a dream come true.”

“I soaked up as much as I could from the coaches and my teammates. Seeing my own improvement was amazing, and I’ve always wanted to give that same experience back to the next generation of scholar athletes.

My undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science gave me a broad understanding of performance, helping me connect what I was learning to my own playing career. But it was during my first master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology that I realised how passionate I was about sport beyond just playing it. Learning about the theories and methods behind what I thought were ‘common practices’ in sport really lit a fire and knowing that supporting and developing athletes could be something I find real joy in for the rest of my life.”

Over the past two years, that passion turned into purpose. “As a senior player, I loved helping younger athletes develop. That’s when I realised coaching could be the next step for me, so when the opportunity came up to lead this programme, I didn’t hesitate for a second and jumped at it.”

Achieving is believing

Euan’s track record speaks for itself. He’s earned 25+ caps for the Scotland National Team, including four as Captain, and helped secure three Small Countries Division bronze medals and two silvers.

Domestically, he was named Super League Player of the Month (October 2024), featured twice in the Super League Team of the Month, and captained the Essex Rebels for four seasons, leading them to three BUCS National Finals and finally the BUCS National Championship title in 2025.

His playing career even took him abroad, gaining valuable experience playing professionally in Belgium. “I met some great people who made the experience amazing. I learnt a lot about myself as a player and person, to appreciate the moment and fully apply yourself.”

Times, they are a-changing

Euan’s coaching philosophy mirrors his career. “I want to build a culture where players create their own opportunities rather than expect them. Sport isn’t a straight line, setbacks happen, and I want every athlete here to develop resilience and drive.”

He’s also focused on raising technical understanding of the game and setting standards for practice that everyone is aware of. “This begins with recruiting. I plan to bring in senior athletes who can raise the level of the group and mentor younger British players aiming for professional careers.”

Having completed an MSc in Management at Essex, Euan adds an academic layer to his approach and coaching philosophy. “My dissertation looked at the employability skills athletes develop and how valuable they are in the business world. It opened my eyes to the impact I can have on players beyond sport, helping them grow as people as well as athletes. Volleyball is a place where selflessness, teamwork and adaptability are valued incredibly highly, and I hope this programme will become an environment where those characteristics flourish.”

Final words for aspiring volleyball athletes

“I loved my time as a student-athlete. It's busy, but with a plan and some discipline, it can be incredibly rewarding. You won’t get it perfect all the time, but the university and the performance sport staff are there for that exact reason, whether it’s just a chat for some advice on things or to deal with an issue that you might be having, they are happy to help and are on your side.”

His best advice? “Be present. When you’re training, focus on training. When you’re studying, focus on studying. And make time to switch off and enjoy uni life. Balance is key.”

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Sports scholarships and bursaries

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