Hawks unveil Volkanovski as club ambassador

The Illawarra Hawks officially unveiled three-time UFC world champion Alex Volkanovski as a club ambassador for their NBL22 season on Wednesday. 

Life-long Hawks fan Volkanovski jumped at the chance to join the foundation club's flight towards a second championship banner. 

"I'm a proud Illawarra man and will do anything I can to support and promote other local sports teams and individuals from our amazing region," Volkanovski said. 

"I've said it once and I'll say it again, I'm always backing the local. 

"I can still remember watching the Hawks as a kid when players like Matt Campbell and Glen Saville were running up and down the court. 

"To now join the Hawks in an ambassadorship role is an honour and something I take immense pride in. 

"I love the direction the club is going in, both on the court and in the community, and honestly believe it's in the strongest position I've seen it in a long time." 

The 33-year-old Warilla product admits he sees numerous similarities between Brian Goorjian's side and himself. 

"The Hawks, much like myself, epitomise what it means to be from Wollongong, with that blue-collar and underdog tag," he said. 

"That sits fine my me, only adding to my motivation and makes it all the sweeter when we win – which I'm confident will be the case with the Hawks this season. 

"I see a lot of the boys each week at BaiMed doing strength and conditioning and there's a real buzz around the club this season – which I also felt during that fun UFC and hoops shoot last month. 

"I can't wait to watch the boys go to work this season and I encourage everyone else in the Illawarra to get around the boys as this season." 

Equally as excited was Hawks co-owner and president Dorry Kordahi,  who presented Volkanovski with his Hawks singlet and unveiled him as a club ambassador at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

"Alex is an absolute champion of the UFC world and we're excited to have him join the Hawks' family," Kordahi said.  

"I love hearing Alex has seen a positive change in the club and believe in our direction – this is an aspect we've worked extremely hard at since taking over the organisation.  

"We're striving to build an organisation that our community can be proud of, much like everyone in the Illawarra is of Alex.  

"I can't wait to see him and his family cheering from the sidelines during our flight towards a championship this season."

Tickets for the Hawks' first home fixture of the NBL22 season, against the New Zealand Breakers at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday, December 17, are available via Ticketmaster.