Watch the international tournament wrap up hot this weekend – only on Cignal TV that comes with your PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399!
Heartbeats Behind the Heroes: The Families Who Power the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Stars
Life at the pinnacle of men’s volleyball is a whirlwind of travel, training, and high-stakes matches. For the world’s best players, every season demands endless hours away from home and loved ones. Yet, amid the sacrifice, there’s a quiet force that fuels their drive: family.
For these athletes, “home” isn’t just an address. It’s the embrace waiting after a long flight, the late-night video calls, and the reason they keep pushing through grueling schedules. Here’s a look at some of today’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball standouts whose greatest victories happen far beyond the court.
Benjamin Toniutti – France
The steady hand guiding the French national team, setter and captain Benjamin Toniutti, has spent more than a decade orchestrating plays for one of the sport’s most decorated squads. Now competing in Poland’s PlusLiga, Toniutti draws strength from his wife Emilie and their three daughters.
He often speaks about the delicate balance of career and fatherhood. “My wife and three children are in France on a daily basis, so I spend more time alone between training and matches,” he told PLS earlier this year. The decision to keep his family in France was about stability for their eldest, who has her own circle of friends and a budding love for volleyball. Regular visits every few weeks turn into precious pockets of togetherness—moments that keep Toniutti centered as he leads France on the world stage.
Photo courtesy: Benjamin Toniutti’s Instagram
Earvin N’Gapeth – France
Nicknamed “Magic” for his electrifying style and nod to NBA great Earvin “Magic” Johnson, outside hitter Earvin N’Gapeth is as dazzling off the court as he is on it. A father to two boys, Mathys and Dany, N’Gapeth recently chose to play for Stade Poitevin Poitiers in his homeland to gain rare, uninterrupted family time.
“(Playing for Poitiers) gave me the opportunity to be home for four months with my family, something I hadn’t done for a long time,” he shared, crediting the experience for recharging him for another Olympic run. His story captures the emotional tug athletes face—leaving loved ones behind while chasing glory—yet shows how family remains the anchor that steadies every leap.
Photo courtesy: Earvin N’Gapheth’s Instagram
Micah Christenson – USA
For Micah Christenson, Team USA captain and Olympic bronze medalist, family is never far away—even during tournaments oceans apart. Before each match, his wife Brooke and their three children, Ezekiel, Quinn, and Finley, fill his game shoes with colorful doodles and handwritten messages.
“It’s a piece of family and home that I have with me when I’m on the court,” Christenson explained during the Manila leg of the Men’s World Championship. Those playful scribbles carry more than ink; they’re daily reminders of why he plays, grounding him in love and purpose.
Photo courtesy: Micah Christenson’s Instagram
Wilfredo León – Poland
Cuban-born powerhouse Wilfredo León, a key figure in Poland’s national team, often calls his children his greatest achievement—greater than any medal. His journey from Cuba to Poland was shaped not only by professional ambitions but also by love.
León met Polish journalist Małgorzata in 2011, and their relationship inspired one of his boldest life choices: gaining Polish citizenship. “One of the reasons I left Cuba is the fact that my wife—my girlfriend at that time—is Polish and I couldn’t see her outside of Cuba,” he told Olympics.com. Today, the couple share three children, and León frequently posts heartfelt tributes to the family that gives his career deeper meaning.
Photo courtesy: Wilfredo Leon’s Instagram
Bryan Bagunas – Philippines
Philippine national star Bryan Bagunas, now playing professionally in Taiwan, proves that strength at home translates to power on the court. After marrying longtime partner Nicole Tracy Tan last year, Bagunas welcomed their first child in May.
“You are beyond amazing,” he wrote to Nicole on Instagram, recalling the birth of their son. “Watching you bring our child into this world was the strongest and most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.” Though his career keeps him away from Manila for long stretches, Bagunas channels his devotion to family into every game, a reminder that love knows no borders.
Photo courtesy: Bryan Bagunas’ Instagram
Love as the Lasting Victory
Behind every thunderous spike or perfectly placed set is a father catching flights to make a school recital, a husband racing home during a rare break, a partner holding the fort while training camps stretch on. For these volleyball greats, championships may define their résumés—but family defines their lives.
Volleyball fans, don't miss the thrilling conclusion of this year’s FIVB Men's World Championship! Catch the remaining games of the tournament and enjoy more unli entertainment with your PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 – bundled with Cignal TV for your favorite sports events and entertainment action! Visit pldthome.com/fiber-unli-all to learn more.
Comments
Post a Comment