Christina Perkins, former setter for the Biola Eagles, is continuing her volleyball career in Europe.

While most graduating seniors are looking for jobs, Perkins is already set with an income playing the sport she loves.

She left for Europe in January to play volleyball with a company called Bring it Promotions, who brings U.S. players to Europe for a two-week session with the goal of finding a job. It is designed as a tour, so that American players can travel throughout various countries to get the “European experience,” said Perkins.

The tour started in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. After only four days Perkins and her American roommate, Liesl Tesch, who played for the University of Green Bay in Wisconsin, were offered jobs in Sweden.

They jumped on the offer and two days later they were shipped off to Sweden for an official tryout. After the tryout, both Perkins and Tesch were asked to play the remainder of the season, which lasts until April 31. They agreed to sign and have been living in Sweden for a month now.

Perkins competes in the Elit Series, which is the top level of Swedish professional volleyball. There are a total of 10 teams in the league and the top two teams consist mainly of players from Sweden’s national team.

Her team is currently ranked last, and is trying to improve. Her coaches decided to buy American players to hopefully get better.

“They have put the spotlight on us to be the heroes to save their season, so it can be a little overwhelming at times,” said Perkins.

As far as training goes, she finds that “the level is less than college, however the expectations and pressure are much higher for me and the other American.”

Aside from the minor stressful expectations, Perkins is adapting well to the Swedish culture. She finds the Swedish to be very personable.

“Almost all Swedish people are fluent in English so we have not had much trouble with the language barrier,” said Perkins.

Her time in Europe thus far has been rewarding.

“This experience has been unbelievable for me,” she said. “I am really learning how to be comfortable alone and how to take the time to appreciate down time. Most importantly I am growing in a greater dependence on God because I never know what tomorrow brings, but I trust He will provide.”

Captain of the Biola Eagles last season, Perkins is a well-rounded athlete, complete when keeping Christ first. While she was here at Biola it was evident she had a glow about her that radiated in every direction. Her character went beyond her skills as a volleyball player. She was defined by her faith, maturity and warmth as a person. The volleyball players even nicknamed her “Mama Perk.”

Perkins is already in the process of negotiating contracts for next year and hopes to return to play another year of professional volleyball, but is unsure of where.

With her prominent setting skills and her inevitable leadership qualities, there is no doubt Perkins can take the spotlight head-on and dominate while playing for Sweden.