No Risk, No Victory

— Thank you for joining us today. To start, could you tell us what led you to begin playing volleyball?

I started playing at the age of eight because my older sister was already into volleyball. Around that time, a development program was launched in my hometown, and my parents encouraged me to join for my health as well.

At first, I was so scared of entering the gym that I even cried. I think I was afraid of the unfamiliar environment. But little by little, as I continued training, I began to enjoy it—and before I knew it, I was completely immersed in the sport.

— When did you start thinking about pursuing a professional career?

I began to think about becoming a professional when I started competing in junior tournaments. To make that dream a reality, I decided to leave my hometown and join a club team. It wasn’t easy to live away from my family, but I made up my mind and committed myself to pursuing my dream.

— What has been the most influential lesson in your career so far?

It was something I learned at the age of 19 from José Roberto Guimarães, the head coach of the Brazilian national team. He taught me that to compete at the highest level, you must pay attention to every detail and relentlessly refine the precision of your play—because that is what “creates evolution.”

There’s also a phrase that has stayed deeply with me ever since:

"Those who take no risks do not deserve to win.”

The worst thing isn’t failure. It’s the fact of not having tried—that is what lingers as regret.

Because of that belief, I have challenged myself not only as an opposite (an offense-focused position) but also as an outside hitter (a key role in both offense and defense). I have always chosen the path that expands my potential.

— Having played across leagues around the world, what made you choose Japan?

At first, I left Brazil for Italy to take my game to the next level. Then, as my next step, I chose Japan.

One reason was that every time I faced Japan in international competitions, I was struck by the precision of their play. They minimize errors and persistently keep the ball in play. That level of quality was a huge inspiration for me.

I had also heard from players who had played in Japan about how good the overall environment is. I was convinced that the experience here would help me grow even further.

— What was your impression after actually playing for DENSO AIRYBEES?

I’ve learned not only in terms of technique, but also in how to approach things.

There is a strong sense of respect among the players, and teamwork is valued above all else. Even off the court, there’s a natural warmth—players call out to and support one another—making this place where I feel comfortable and supported.
Another thing I’ve noticed is the effort to remain calm in any situation. Each player understands that their own “individual actions have an impact on the team.”

What struck me the most is that everyone gives 100 percent to their role. There’s no difference in dedication between those who are on the court and those waiting for their opportunity.

— What do you value most in your daily training?

I always ask myself before training:
“What kind of condition am I in today?”” Can I give my best? “”What can I do for the team?”

By continuously reflecting on myself, I give everything I can each day. I believe that noticing even the smallest changes and valuing steady accumulation is what leads to growth.

Matches are not something you can win simply by wishing for victory.
What you have built up over time is what ultimately appears in the results.

— Where does your consistency and ability to keep delivering results come from?

It’s about spending each day in a way that allows me to say, before I go to bed, that “I’ve done everything I needed to do.”

I make sure I understand why I do things and fully commit to them. And then I keep believing and moving forward. It’s that accumulation that builds confidence.

— What do you keep in mind in high-pressure situations?

I believe that “both my opponent and my ally exist within me.”

It’s easy to blame yourself for mistakes. But I try to speak to myself with kindness.
“It’s okay. Let’s focus on what I can do in the next step.”

Controlling your thoughts is not easy—I still find it difficult at times.
Even so, I’ve come to realize that accepting myself ultimately leads to better performance.

— What are your goals for the future?

As an athlete, I want to continue pushing the limits of what I’m capable of. I feel that I still have room to grow, and I believe I may encounter something that will transform my performance entirely.

In this incredible environment in Japan, I want to keep expanding those possibilities. Thinking about that still fills me with excitement.

— Finally, do you have a message for readers who are pursuing their own challenges?

Believe in yourself and embrace the challenge.

Feeling fear or uncertainty is natural. I’ve experienced those moments many times myself—coming to Japan was no different.

But it was by taking that first step that I became who I am today.

Feeling fear is not a sign of weakness.
The future changes depending on whether you take that step forward.

It’s whether you choose to step forward that changes your future.
If my journey can encourage even one person to take that step, I would be very happy.

*The information in this article is current as of March 2026.