MiscFelix Chapman Begins His First Season in the French Premier League.

All-Star Opposite, Felix Chapman, has had quite the year in 20/21, leading his team to an NAIA Championship with Grandview University and having a breakout first season in the NVA. He has continued his good fortune as he heads to his first professional contract overseas, competing in the French A-League with Stade Poitevin Poitiers.

To have secured a spot in such a prestigious league in only his first year out of college is a huge undertaking! Most athletes to reach this level have taken years to accomplish after building their experience in lower European leagues. However, Felix has already shown his dominance at the collegiate level and internationally at a young age. Before he turned 18 and even began his collegiate career, Felix competed with the Cuban National team to win the 13/14 Pan American Cup. That same year went far into the 2014 FIVB World League (21st) and 2014 FIVB World Cup Championship (11th).

This season will be momentous for Felix’s blossoming professional career as he follows the path of many other greats who have come before him at Stade Poitevin Poitiers. The club located in Poitiers in western France has won multiple championships and is excellent at catapulting players into international stardom.

Felix will have some big shoes to fill following notable players from the club’s history, such as USA National Team Setter Micah Ma’a (UCLA) and Outside Hitter Paul Lottman (LBSU). Especially Dutch Opposite, Nimir Abdel-Aziz, who just this last year was named the top scorer in the Italian A league, Volley National League, European Championships, and the CEV Champions League.

This next chapter for Felix will also expose Felix to other countries playing styles, as Poitier will only have 4/13 players from France. With players from Cuba, Brazil, Egypt, Argentina, Iran, Spain, and Greece, Felix will indeed have an unforgettable international volleyball experience this season.

The Dallas Tornadoes want to wish Felix Chapman the best of luck, and we hope to have you again for the 2022 NVA Season! Be sure to follow Felix Chapman (@chapmanpineiro) and Stade Poitevin (@stadepoitevinvolleybeach) on Instagram to follow all the action during their 21/22 Season. Their first match will take place on October 9^th against Tours Volley-Ball!

“Volley On With the NVA!”

– NVA Staff Writer