Born in Rennes and at heart, Léo-Paul Bougerolles flourished in the Breton capital. First at the Cercle Paul-Bert where he was trained, then at the REC which he has been attending for several years: I only left Rennes for two years, in third and second grade, to go to the junior center in Dinard. But from my first year, Olivier Bouvet called me to train with the REC training center.
For five years, he has progressed within a young group, first in Élite Avenir. At 1.95 m, Léo-Paul Bougerolles stands out: In high-level Volleyball, there are more and more of them. My size helps block well and makes my serves easier as well. The physical dimension is becoming more and more important.
“We are at the heart of the game”
At his young age, 20 years old, this position nevertheless requires a certain experience, but Léo-Paul Bougerolles considers above all the richness of finding himself in this situation: Ferryman, it's the best place, you never get bored. There is always something to do, we are at the heart of the game. It's hard because we have a lot of responsibilities and, at the same time, it's very motivating, interesting and rewarding. When things go well, it's because of you, and when things go badly, it's your fault.
While he turned aspiring-pro at the start of the season, Léo-Paul Bougerolles has benefited, for two matches within the pennant team, from the back injury of the starting passer and captain, Brendan Gouessant.
On the field for the first time against Arles, he was even elected man of the match, before following up last weekend with a new start at Villejuif. I've been with the flag team for two or three years. Even though, previously, I had only made appearances. I was waiting for my turn to arrive, I was ready. I had an opportunity to seize, I took it. I was confident, I knew I wasn't going to do anything wrong when I got home. I was well prepared. I worked to be up to par.
If Léo-Paul Bougerolles does not know what the future will bring, he hopes to settle down a little in the long term. As long as I play, I'm happy. When Brendan recovers, we'll see. For now, I'm taking everything I can, especially confidence.
