Tom Picard: “Be smart to outwit the opponent”

It was in Łódź, Poland, that the Montpellier university volleyball team, led by coaches Dominique Hallart and Bernard Iché, went on to win a bronze medal at the European Championship. This third-place finish was due as much to the players’ talent as to the team spirit of this great squad, which has already won two French championships. “Wereally know each other well. We’ve all played together before at different clubs, and we get along very well. That’s what makes it work,” said Tom Picard, the team captain.

A Family Affair

This young man from Marseille has had an unconventional journey; true to his Olympique roots, he initially devoted himself to soccer. After playing in the Istres youth academy, he eventually left the field and moved to Montpellier to pursue his studies three years ago. “I’d gottena 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 team spirit in the sport.”

It’s fair to say that in the Picard family, volleyball is a family affair! With a dad who coaches in Tours and Istres and an older sister playing in the First Division and the Elite League, it’s no surprise that Tom eventually found his way onto the court. He quickly joined the Arago de Sète youth academy, where he carved out a niche for himself as an outside hitter. It’s 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 the opponent’s strategies.”

"Now or never!"

Above all, it’s best 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 the first year of his master’s program in Sports Science (STAPS), the volleyball player plans to become a sports trainer. To earn his degree, he benefits from elite athlete status, which allows him to adjust his class schedule and, sometimes, carve out a tiny bit of time for his other passions: “OM, TV shows, and video games! It’s pretty hard to do it all, but I’m 21—it’s now or never!”

UM AthletesUM the Top!

The University of Montpellier honors its medalists from the World, European, and French University Championships at an annual ceremony organized by SUAPS. Read the profiles of these champions who juggle the demanding dual life of being both a student and an athlete. Read all the profiles…