Retired Raiders: Men's Volleyball's Matt Ferreira '10
Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director
NASHUA, N.H. – Matt Ferreira was one of the best middle hitters to put on a Rivier Men’s Volleyball uniform over his four-year career that spanned from 2007-10. The two-time All-American still ranks in the top three all-time for kills and blocks in Raider Volleyball history. His 1,424 career kills is fourth best in program record books while his 433 career blocks puts him second all-time. Since playing inside the Muldoon Gymnasium, Ferreira has taken his abilities to the Naval Undersea Warface Center in Newport, Rhode Island. He recently caught up with RivierAthletics.com for a Q & A.
Q: What was your career like at Rivier? What sport(s) did you play? When did you play? Did you garner any accolades – captain/championship/all-conference, etc.
A: I was a 3-year captain for the Men’s Volleyball Team graduating in 2010. I was named an All-American in 2009 and 2010… Named ‘09 Conference Player of Year. Member of Rivier’s 1,000 Kill Club. Was a part of the first three GNAC Championship title teams (2008, 2009, 2010).
Q: Since Rivier, you have moved into the work field. Could you describe your current occupation, what company you work for and the role you have?
A: Program Manager at RDSI (Research Development & Solutions) supporting the Naval Undersea Warface Center (NUWC) in Newport, RI. Newport is the location of one of the biggest naval bases in the country, and I directly support that.
Q: How did you land your job?
A: Got in the industry after graduation through Rivier fellow alumni, Lindsay Marshall.
Q: Describe your typical work day.
A: Manage a contract for the modernization of Naval Submarines
Q: What is the most surprising part of your job?
A: The saying “you don’t need to be a rocket scientist....” does NOT apply.
Q: What is the biggest perk of your job?
A: Getting to directly support the naval fleet of submarines.
Q: What is your favorite memory at work?
A: A submarine pulling up to the pier will never get old.
Q: How did Rivier prepare you for your role?
A: Being a leader. Accepting your role within something that is bigger than yourself.
Q: What is your favorite Rivier memory?
A: “Game balls”. After big wins, one member of the team would carry the game ball around the rest of the night. He would then anoint a “game ball” to another member of the team and announce the reason why. The ball would continuously be passed around until the end of the night.
Q: What advice do you have for current student-athletes?
A: Say yes.
Q: What made you choose Rivier?
A: Craig Kolek
Q: Outside of work, what is your life like? I.E. family, kids, what do you do for fun, etc?
A: Live in Newport RI. Still play Beach Volleyball competitively up and down the east coast. Working out, Fishing, Diving, Spending time with family.
Q: Do you have social media accounts that #RivNation can follow to stay up-to-date with you and your career?
A: IG – mattyf_
— RivierAthletics.com —
