POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (July 9, 2018) -- For three-time All-American and Vassar College men's volleyball standout Matthew Knigge, playing professional volleyball was a dream that he had for post graduate plans that came about while playing abroad in Russia during his junior year. 

Well that dream has become a reality for the New Egypt, NJ native, as Knigge was signed recently to play for FC Schüttorf 09 of the 2 Bundesliga, a professional volleyball league in Germany. 

"I am very excited to join Schüttorf 09 for my rookie season," said Knigge in a quote posted on Facebook. "I am looking forward to competing in the 2 Bundesliga and hope that we can have a successful season this year in Schüttorf."

FC Schüttorf 09 is one of 12 teams that makes up the league, which consists of a 24-match regular season. Last year, Schüttorf finished fourth in the standings with a 17-7 regular season, only three victories behind league champions CV Central Germany. The champions of the 2nd Bundesliga are promoted each season to the top-tier flight. 

Schüttorf 09 opens its 2018-19 season on Sunday, September 14 at home against VC Bitterfeld-Wolfen, the 8th-place finisher from a season ago. Schüttorf plays its home games at the Vechtesporthalle, an 800-seat arena in the city of Schüttorf, which is located in the northwest corner of Germany near the Dutch border.