Jackson Gilbert, who completed his intercollegiate career as the top outside hitter in North Greenville University history, has signed a professional contract, making him the first Crusader to enter the pro ranks.

Gilbert, who played for NGU and Head Coach Fred Battenfield from 2017-2021, became NGU's first player to achieve 1,000 career kills and finished with 1,088 for his four years in Tigerville. He also is the all-time points leader (1,358), aces (139) and tops the record book in seven career categories. He helped lead NGU to the Conference Carolinas semi-finals three times in his career (and NGU would have made it a fourth except for 2020 Covid shutdown).

Gilbert, a native of Hilliard, Ohio, inked the contract with VK Vestsjælland, which is based out of Korsør, Denmark. Jackson will leave for Denmark this week, and the professional season begin October 1. VK finished 3rd in the league last year and Gilbert reports that the team has the talent to win a championship this season. He will also help coach youth teams and adult teams in Denmark during his time there.

Jackson was also named as the first men's coach at the brand-new program at NAIA Bethel University in Indiana. His first season will be in 2022-2023.

"I am beyond thrilled to get the news of Jackson signing a pro contract in Denmark," Coach Battenfield noted. "He has been a dominant player for us during his time here and really put us on the NCAA map with his presence in our lineup. I never will forget him beating down a back row set to beat Grand Canyon in 2020, and helping us past some of the league's top programs. I'll be cheering him on from South Carolina this season, and I hope I get a VK t-shirt some day!"