Liz Schaab

Volleyball

‘Where Are They Now Wednesday’ – Liz Schaab

Our student-athletes are what make Georgia State so special. Our 'Where Are They Now Wednesday' segments feature former student-athletes from across all of our sports and not only look back on their accomplishments, but where they are now.

A talented outside hitter from Texas, Liz Schaab made her mark on the Georgia State volleyball program with three remarkable seasons after transferring to Atlanta. She finished her career with a respectable 539 kills, 281 digs, and 155 total blocks in those three seasons, but it is the lessons and friendships that she developed at Georgia State that has continued to propel her more than 10 years later.

Talk a little bit about what you have been up to the last 10-plus years since finishing up at Georgia State (work, sports, family)
After graduating from Georgia State in 2009 with a degree in Marketing, I started my career in Atlanta with Arby's Restaurant Group. I continued to support the Panthers by attending volleyball games as a statistician and cheered on our football team in their inaugural season. I coached a local club volleyball team, joined a kickball league, and attended many concerts and Braves games with friends. In 2012, I moved back to Texas to attend graduate school at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business in Dallas. After earning my MBA with a concentration in Finance, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship, I joined JPMorgan Chase. As Executive Director in the Private Bank, I work closely with clients to understand their financial goals and prepare them with a tailored and sustainable wealth strategy for the future. I love helping people and truly enjoy what I do.  When I'm not working, you can find me traveling, trying new restaurants with friends, or staying active with sports like snowboarding and beach volleyball.

How did your experience at GSU help you get to where you are now?
 My experience at GSU helped shape me into the person I am today. The Georgia State J. Mack Robinson College of Business opened my eyes to the various industries and career paths available while GSU volleyball fueled my competitive spirit, taught me the value of teamwork, and the importance of sharing a common goal. I often reflect back on my time at GSU. The leadership skills I honed in my role as a team captain have translated over to my professional career as I'm responsible for leading a team of 20 Analysts as they begin their banking career.
 
All these years after graduation, do you find yourself still competing on the court?
Yes! I play in both indoor and sand volleyball tournaments and leagues all the time. It's been so fun to travel to places like Louisville, Nashville, and Destin (aka FUDS), to play and compete at a high level with others who love the game. I'm so grateful for the friendships I've made through the sport.  
 
In your time at GSU you got to travel to some great places. Is there a trip that even to this day you still look back on fondly?
I love to travel and a trip I will never forget is when we played Hofstra University. After our match on Long Island, we went to New York City.  It was my first time in the city, and we drove through Central Park and walked around Times Square. I loved the bright lights and energy of the city; little did I know, I'd spend a summer there just a few years later during my internship on Wall Street with JPMorgan.  

The teams you were on seemed like a very close bunch. How much do you stay in touch with some of those former teammates?
Some of my closest friends are former teammates! We bonded over our love of the game, early morning weight room sessions, two-a-day practices, and countless hours traveling to games. These teammates became my roommates post-graduation, I've been a bridesmaid in their weddings, and I maintain a close bond with several members of the team thanks to frequent visits, countless laughs, and quality time reminiscing on all the memories we have from Georgia State.
 
If there is one thing you could go back and tell the college version of yourself, what would it be?
Make a plan and set goals, but be flexible.  Keep an open mind about what success can look like and stay ready for opportunity, because you never know when it will come knocking or what doors might be open to you. 
 
My plan and goal during high school was to play collegiate volleyball at the same school for four years, in a small town, that also had a football team. I learned quickly to be flexible when life threw a curveball at my plan, challenging me to make a life changing decision to transfer to GSU during my freshman year and move to a big city. As it turns out, this opportunity allowed me to accomplish my goals in addition to creating a lifetime of cherished memories and lifelong friends.  And what do you know, GSU ended up starting a football program too!  
 
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