Senior Sam Greenslade has been a leader for the men's volleyball program ever since he stepped foot on campus in 2017.
The Millersville, Pa. native has been a cornerstone in the Patriots' lineup at outside, as he has recorded four straight seasons with 10-plus starts and has earned a First Team All-EIVA selection (2019) and a Second Team All-EIVA selection (2020) while donning the Green & Gold.
The outside hitter's leadership has been a huge factor in the program's recent success, helping lead the nationally ranked Patriots to a 10-7 record in 2020.
Greenslade recently sat down with GoMason.com to share his volleyball career and some great moments in his George Mason career.
Q: How did you get into the sport of volleyball growing up and when did you know you could go play collegiately?
"I started playing volleyball in the backyard with my mom and sister when I was in third grade. My mom had always played in recreational leagues with a group of friends, so I grew up learning from her and watching her play. My sister then got into competitive volleyball, so I spent countless weekends at her tournaments watching her play, along with spending lots of time playing in the yard. I never thought of playing collegiately until my sophomore year of high school. A club coach approached my high school coach at a high school tournament and asked if I'd want to play with his team at Nationals in the summer. That summer was when I started my recruiting process. That's when I knew."
Q: What about your volleyball career are you most proud of?
"I am most proud of my consistency and leadership. I've had playing time all of my four yeas and I've really worked hard to keep doing the little things that help the team and keep me on the court. I also work hard to keep a level head and be a calming presence that everyone wants to play with. I am also very proud of becoming a captain and earning the respect of the team to help lead us this year."
Q: What are your best/favorite memories on campus and with the squad?
"Most of the great memories I have are all about the squad. There were countless days of fun at the STAPS or at our respective volleyball houses. I think my favorites will be Mason Days and various Cinco de Mayo get togethers."
Q: Why did you choose Mason?
"I chose Mason because it was really the best fit for all that I wanted. The location is great, being in such a fun area, as well as being a good distance from home that grants independence, but my family can still come see me play every weekend. Academically, I came in undecided but Mason offered a great variety of math and science majors that I knew I could take on. Lastly was the family aspect. On the visits I made, the team made me feel at home and really showed what a great atmosphere the men's volleyball family is. My sister was on the women's volleyball team, so I was already familiar with the school. It all came together perfectly."
Q: What are your future plans after your undergraduate degree?
"I am currently applying to graduate school and exploring the idea of a 5th year, but whenever my Mason career is over, I am looking to continue playing volleyball overseas, professionally."
