Loïc De Kergret’s 20-year journey – Life has come full circle

In 2005, French Volleyball legend Loïc De Kergret founded the Ré Beach Club – a small but ambitious Beach Volleyball hub located on the tiny French island of Île de Ré, off the Atlantic coast, in a community of just ten villages and some 18,000 residents. Twenty years later, the club stands as a national (and international) powerhouse and a symbol of passion for the sport.

This season marked a historic milestone: Ré Beach Club captured the French Championship titles in both the men’s and women’s divisions for the very first time. “To finish the season with both national titles – and then go on to win the CEV Beach Volley European Cup is simply incredible,” says De Kergret with pride. “It’s a dream ending to a remarkable year.”

What makes Ré Beach Club truly special is not only its success on the sand but also its spirit. The club has grown into a tight-knit family, home to 25 young athletes and 23 adults, all sharing the same love for Beach Volleyball. Every player has been carefully selected through a rigorous process, a reflection of the club’s commitment to quality and development. “We have many talented players at the same level,” De Kergret explains, “and it’s wonderful to see how much depth we have built.”

Over the past few years, Ré Beach Club has also forged a strong partnership with the French Volleyball Federation, contributing actively to the national development of Beach Volleyball. “It’s something very special for us,” he adds. “We are not just competing, we are helping to shape the future of the sport in France.”

Beyond his coaching excellence, De Kergret stands out for his unmistakable look, a symbol of his authenticity and free spirit. Remarkably, he hasn’t cut his hair since 1994, the year his daughter was born. It has become part of his identity, as iconic as his presence on the court – calm, inspiring, and full of character.

For him, this moment carries deep personal meaning. Twenty years ago, as the captain and setter of TOURS VB, he celebrated a Champions League victory in Thessaloniki – one of the proudest moments of his indoor Volleyball career. Now, two decades later, he has achieved the equivalent in Beach Volleyball, this time as a coach and founder of his own club.

“Winning then as a player and now as a coach, exactly twenty years apart and in the same country it feels like life has come full circle,” De Kergret reflects. “Ré Beach Club is more than a team. It’s family, passion, and perseverance – the heart of everything I love about this sport.”

Click here for further information on the CEV Beach Volley European Cup 2025 Final.