Chatham head men's and women's volleyball coach Joe Bortak was tabbed as head coach of the USA D-3 Men's Volleyball team this summer during their 2025 Brazil Tour. The team, comprised of 10 players from 6 different colleges and universities, competed in 5 matches across June 10-18 and conducted a youth clinic at the Marina Barra Clube in Rio de Janeiro.
 
"Really rewarding experience being able to step into a place where volleyball is so highly regarded," said Bortak, who was a member of the USA D-3 Men's Volleyball team when they visited Brazil in 2014. "Every match had an amazing (and loud!) fan base who cheered on their Brazilian teams but wanted photos and team gear from the USA squad."
 
While most of the trip was spent in Rio, the team also traveled through and played in Jundiai and Sao Paolo. "We were also able to venture around learning about Brazil's culture and history and exploring some of its beauty at the Christ the Redeemer Statue along with Copacabana beach," said the Cougars head coach.
 
Bortak will begin his eighth campaign leading Chatham Women's Volleyball on Saturday at the Athletic and Fitness Center.