Defying gravity: how Omri Roitman’s heart and hustle define Israel’s EuroVolley campaign
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The floor at Arena 8888 does not show mercy. When a Volleyball is spiked at over 100 kilometers per hour, or deflected awkwardly off a block into the perimeter board area, logic dictates that the point is over.
Unless Omri Roitman is on the court.
Israel’s EuroVolley campaign in Sofia has been a grueling test of character. On paper, consecutive defeats to European powerhouses Ukraine and Poland write a tough narrative. But inside the arena, the atmosphere tells a different story - one of pure grit, fueled largely by the jersey wearing a different color.
Roitman, Israel’s starting libero, has fast become one of the tournament’s most electrifying figures. Fans and opponents alike have taken notice of "the move" - a heart-in-throat, body-sacrificing sprint past the court boundaries to chase down lost causes.
Omri Roitman"There is simply no option for that ball to hit the floor."
Player of Israel
"It’s strictly 100% commitment to my teammates, the coaching staff, my family, my wife, and all the people who support us."
That unyielding defensive mindset didn't begin on the Volleyball court. Growing up, Roitman was fully committed to soccer before discovering Volleyball around age 13. Naturally defensive, the transition to libero felt like second nature. Yet, establishing himself on the international stage required a deeper personal evolution.
Omri Roitman"The most significant change I went through, both technically and mentally, was learning not to try to be 'like' someone else."
Player of Israel
"Not trying to move, act, think, react, or play like other players, but rather being the most authentic version of the player I am."
That authenticity paid off early. Joining the senior national team at a young age, Roitman seized the starting position by his second campaign and never looked back.
"Leadership isn't something you're handed; it's something you grab with both hands," he says. Now a team leader, he advises younger players stepping onto the big stage to trust their path and embrace the grind: "Believe in your path, and work hard day in and day out - knowing there will be plenty of sacrifices along the way."
In a sport often dominated by towering attackers and highlight-reel spikes, the libero’s work can easily go unnoticed. Roitman sees it differently.
"The libero role can sometimes feel very unglamorous. You aren't the team's scorer, and often you barely touch the ball," Roitman explains.
Omri Roitman"On rare occasions, a libero gets the opportunity to shift the energy dynamics in a single second of magic. Being a libero isn't just a position; it's a mindset of protecting the team and its energy flow. It's an art form."
Player of Israel
He recalls a defining moment in the European League a year ago - a set-point dive against Czechia that mirrored his recent acrobatics in Sofia - as one of the most incredible plays of his life.
As Israel continues its push toward the Round of 16, Roitman remains focused on the ultimate goal. For him and his teammates, the scoreboard only captures part of the game. The rest is found in the extra step, the crash into the boards, and the unwavering belief that as long as the ball is in the air, the sky is the limit.