Benjamin Patch is a former U.S. men’s national team volleyball player, a ceramic artist, a dancer, and the founder of Saluc, a creative production agency working between Europe and the U.S.

Raised in Provo, Utah, Benjamin played at Brigham Young University before joining the national team, where the 6’8” opposite became known for his powerful attacks and extraordinary leaping ability, earning the nickname “monster of the vertical jump.” He represented the U.S. at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and the 2019 World Cup, and won bronze at the 2018 World Championships. He went on to become a star with the Berlin Recycling Volleys in Germany.

Benjamin has spoken publicly about race and identity, and came out as queer while playing in Germany, becoming a prominent LGBTQ+ figure in men’s professional sports. He stepped away from volleyball in 2022 to pursue a creative life in ceramics, dance and design.