Tom Picard: “Be smart to outwit your opponent”

It was in Lodz, Poland, that the Montpellier university volleyball team, led by coaches Dominique Hallart and Bernard Iché, won a bronze medal at the European Championships. This third-place finish was due as much to the talent of the players as to the cohesion of this wonderful team, already two-time French champions. "Wereally know each other. We've all played with each other in different clubs and we get along very well. That's what makes it work," comments Tom Picard, the team captain.

A family affair

This young man from Marseille has had an unusual career path. Like many young people from Marseille, he initially devoted himself to soccer. After training at the Istres academy, he eventually left the field and moved to Montpellier to study three years ago. "Ihad grown a little tired of soccer, but not of competition, so when I was offered the chance to play volleyball, I said yes. I knew there was a great spirit in this sport."

It must be said that volleyball is a family affair for the Picards! With a father who coaches in Tours and Istres, and an older sister who plays in the First Division and Elite, it's no surprise that Tom ended up falling for the sport. He quickly joined the Arago de Sète training center, where he made a name for himself as an outside hitter (attacker). A position where his strategic skills make him a valuable asset to the team, "tobe a good player, you have to be smart, almost cunning, to outwit your opponent's strategies."

"Now or never!"

Above all, it helps to be passionate, because to reach this level, Tom trains for five hours a day, in addition to weight training and, most importantly, his studies. Enrolled in a master's degree program in sports science, the volleyball player plans to become a sports trainer. To earn his degree, he benefits from his status as a high-level athlete, which allows him to arrange his classes and sometimes find a little time for his other passions: "OM, TV series, and video games! It's pretty hard to do everything, but I'm 21, so it's now or never!"

UM athletes at the top of their game!

The University of Montpellier celebrates its medal-winning athletes at the World, European, and French University Championships during an annual ceremony organized by SUAPS. Read the profiles of these champions who juggle the demanding dual life of student and athlete. Read all the profiles...