Ryan Hampe is a middle on the men’s volleyball team at UFV and the team leader in blocks. In 2023, Hampe set a Canada West record as the first player to have a 1.000 hitting percentage in a five-set match, and was named the 2023 Men’s Volleyball Newcomer of the Year. UFV’s next home game is Nov. 1 against the University of Winnipeg; come out and support our team!
Who falls asleep first on a long road trip?
We don’t really have any sleepers (unconfirmed).
Cheat day meal of choice?
Burger and fries. More specifically, Five Guys. That’s more from when I was in Calgary — there was one on campus. I don’t make the trek to Chilliwack very often for it.
Opinion on wearing sandals to class?
Slides, no. Birks, yes.
What’s your favourite place you’ve gone for a team trip?
Japan; we actually did a karate lesson while we were over there. They’ve had this international program for a bit, so the team that we visited came to Abbotsford two years ago and lived with us for 10 days. And then at the end of last August, we went over and we lived with them, slept on the floor for 10 days … that trip was incredible.
Do you have any game day routines?
I nap, shower, eat, and then go to the gym … everything else just kind of happens.
How does your team motivate each other?
We have a strong leadership group that people look to, and we all lead in our own way. I’m not as much of a vocal leader as Jonas Van Huizen or Nimo Benne. I go about it more, lead by example, whereas Jonas will go and get on guys.
What’s the best way to unwind after a big game?
I’ll say Brown’s with the team. That’s the most PG way of putting it.
How is sports relevant to other aspects of your life?
Just teaches you so much about routine and getting things done when they have to be done, and overall the discipline you gain.
What inspired you to start playing volleyball?
Nothing. I got thrown in it by a hockey coach when I was playing hockey. My coach was like, ‘You’re tall, hey, come try this in the off-season!’ All of a sudden, I’m here.
Who’s your favourite athlete?
Tom Brady.
What’s your favourite football team?
I’m just kind of roaming … I’m actually going to a Seahawks game in six weeks. We have good seats — I’m going with my best friend, he’s a huge Seahawks fan and has been his whole life, but he’s never been to a game.
Do you feel prepared for the upcoming season?
We just need to play more. Only three of our starters have played together before, so we’re introducing a whole bunch of new people, and we haven’t gotten to play a lot together.
Favourite sports quote?
Discipline over motivation.
What are your goals for this season?
Just make play-offs. This program hasn’t made play-offs since it joined Canada West in 2021], so that would be cool.
Q&A has been edited for length and readability.
