EuroVolley Men 2023: Stephen Boyer, a man of few words

Today we take a look at Stephen Boyer, a famous introverted player. Introversion is often misunderstood. Just because someone is quiet, doesn’t mean they’re shy or antisocial. Being an introvert is also associated with a lack of confidence, but in this case, that could not be further from the truth.

In the game of volleyball, one player stands out not only for his exceptional skills on the court but also for his enigmatic personality off it. Introversion, often misconstrued, doesn't mean shyness or a lack of confidence. Stephen Boyer, a name synonymous with the French national team's success, shatters these stereotypes. He is one of the most successful athletes in our sport, but he is also one of the most private. A man of few words, Boyer's quiet demeanor masks a fierce competitor who has etched his name in the annals of volleyball history.

Hailing from Saint-Denis, France, Stephen Boyer was born in 1996. From an early age, his talent in volleyball was evident, and his professional journey began in 2014 when he joined the French club Chaumont. Over the next three seasons, he played a pivotal role in the club's victory in the French Championship, showcasing his undeniable talent.

 Boyer's introduction to international volleyball came in 2017 when he earned a place in the French national team for the World League, handpicked by the then head coach Laurent Tillie. “He was a very promising athlete who moved around the court comfortably, with a strong vertical jump and an already exceptional hitting ability. His spikes were characterized by their speed and sheer power, making him a formidable offensive threat. He was still young but it was easy to see how his game would translate to an ever-growing role on the team. He used to play as an outside hitter but I wanted to test him as an opposite spiker.”

The pinnacle of Boyer's international debut arrived when he aided France in clinching the World League title by triumphing over Brazil. His standout performance led to him being crowned the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. "His ascent to this level was unexpected," Tillie remarks. "He played with an free mind, focusing on his skill set rather than the stakes. However, swift success can sometimes breed anxiety. Pressure, often self-imposed, affects even the best. Yes, you have your coaches, teammates, parents, and fans expecting you to perform well, but the pressure is a battle within."

Off the court, Boyer's demeanor contrasts sharply with his on-court ferocity. Fluent in French, English, and Polish, he enjoys spending time in the company of family and friends. "Personality off-court doesn't always reflect on-court temperament," acknowledges Tillie. "Boyer's on-court disposition fuels his game, aligning it with his strengths. You equip them with a versatile skill set, but their innate style remains the core." Take Federer as an example. Off-court, he was composed, a very mild mannered, calm guy; on-court, he was a formidable force.

Under pressure, players manifest their own distinct game face. Boyer comprehends his personality type and utilizes it to his advantage.

Despite his reserved nature, Boyer recently took to Instagram to unveil his new contract with the Polish club Rzeszów, a rare public appearance for the introspective player.

Boyer may not be the only big name heading into the forthcoming EuroVolley, but the French team carries colossal expectations. The spotlight, despite his preference for privacy, might find him yet again, highlighting his undeniable impact on the court.