Global Game, World-Class Degree: How Essex Prepares Athletes for Life Beyond Sport

From Canada to Slovenia and Greece, setter Cam Kern has followed his passion for volleyball around the world. Now combining high-level play with postgraduate study in Sport & Exercise Psychology at Essex, he’s sharing his experience, chasing championships, and encouraging the next generation of players. We caught up with Cam following BUCS Big Wednesday 2025 success and MVP status to talk about his journey, life in BUCS, and what’s next after Essex.

Introducing... Cam Kern

What inspired your journey as a professional athlete and postgraduate student?

Since I started playing volleyball back in 2011, I knew I wanted to see how far it could take me. As I got older and the idea of playing professionally became a reality, I knew I had to take it. Getting to explore the world while playing a sport I love has been amazing! When the opportunity came up to continue playing, while coming back for a Master’s degree and continuing to see new places around the world I knew it was the best fit for me and I am very grateful for the experience I’ve had here at Essex! 

How did your experiences in different countries shape your volleyball career and academic choices?

Growing up in the Canadian volleyball system I was exposed to some very high-level coaches and given opportunities to train with so many great players who pushed me every day. My undergraduate years put me around some of the best coaches in Canada and I grew so much as a person and player. Then, stepping into professional volleyball, it was a whole new challenge, and the level kept getting better. I was exposed to new styles of play, and players who had so much valuable experience to share. Now I want to share those experiences with younger players in the UK and provide them with a new perspective. Throughout these experiences, I started to appreciate the mental side of sports and the impact on athletes. This led me to pursue my masters in Sport & Exercise Psychology here at Essex, where I can dive deeper into the world of performance sport through this psychological lens. 

You’ve competed at the highest levels, from USPORTS to the Greek Top Division. How does playing in BUCS compare?

While it may not be the highest level of competition I have been a part of, the passion and excitement players have for the sport here is awesome. These players want to get better and support one another, making it a really fun group to be part of.

Winning the BUCS Championship and being named MVP - what does this achievement mean to you?

It was a lot of fun to win with my teammates. Many of these guys have been here for a long time and never had the privilege of winning it all, so to help them finally reach that level was a special feeling! As an older player on this team, I expect to lead these guys every time we get on the court, so winning MVP was cool, but being able to help the team reach its dream means a lot more.

What were the standout moments from the BUCS Big Wednesday Final?

Seeing so many other athletes and teams competing was very cool! It really felt like an event and made me excited to compete, seeing all these other athletes doing the same. 

What advice would you give other student-athletes considering postgraduate study in the UK?

Absolutely go for it! Not only is it a chance to continue playing a sport you love, but it gives you an opportunity to explore a new part of the world, meet new people, and experience a completely new culture! You will not regret it.

How have you managed varsity-level sport whilst studying a postgraduate degree? 

It can be busy at times, but I think balancing these things prepares you for life after sport, and helps you develop time management skills. The program here provides flexibility for when we have to travel for games, but because I really enjoy what I’m learning, I want to dive in and work hard when I’m not on the court. The professors make it an enjoyable experience that motivates me to push myself in the classroom and discover things that will prepare me for a career down the line in the field of sport psychology!

What’s next for you after Essex?

I’m planning on going back to Canada and pursuing Medical school. This degree has provided me with a great springboard to whatever life has next for me, and I cannot wait to see what that is back home!


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