Kostas Tampouratzis plays a dual role as volleyball player and beach volleyball coach
Athens, Greece, April 22, 2015 – Having dual roles in sport may not be an unusual thing, but Kostas Tampouratzis of Greece took on dual roles in different sport disciplines.
Tampouratzis’ situation is a rare and unique occurrence of being a member of Greece’s volleyball team and a coach of the men’s beach volleyball team since 2013.
“In the last eight years, I have been playing volleyball in the professional level and coaching beach volleyball teams,” Tampouratzis said. “Over the last two years, I have been the coach of the national team.”
Tampouratzis was included in the 25-player extended roster for the 2015 FIVB Volleyball World League.
“I really enjoy being a volleyball player and a beach volleyball coach, but I have to admit that it was a distinctive honour to be called by coach Sotirios Drikos,” Tampouratzis added. “When he called me, I understood that he has a great plan for the squad. I felt really motivated to be part of this new era of the national team and I will show my best in the World League.
Tampouratzis seem to have mastered the art of balancing his act, but also knows when to isolate these two different worlds and roles.
“I really enjoyed taking on both roles and have the experience to deal with this unique situation,” Tampouratzis said. “If I will be in the World League lineup, I will be fully committed to the volleyball national team and I will take a break from my coaching role.”
Greece will be back in the World League after a decade of absence. The team will play against China, Mexico and Slovenia in Group 3.