【Tomohiro Ogawa】 Name: Tomohiro Ogawa Date of Birth: July 4, 1996 Place of Birth: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Height: 176 cm Position: Libero Dominant Hand: Right High School: Kawasaki City Tachibana High School University: Meiji University Affiliation: Meiji University Athletic Association Volleyball Club University Senior Year: Captain Age at Graduation: 22 【Background】 Ogawa is from Yokohama, Kanagawa. He reportedly started playing volleyball around the 3rd grade of elementary school, influenced by his older sister. Even in his current official profile, he lists his sister's influence as the reason he started the sport. He wasn't always a libero; he has a quite interesting career path. Elementary School: Started volleyball Middle School: Experienced positions like setter High School: Libero in 1st and 2nd year, Setter in 3rd year He played while switching positions. His talent as a libero was highly evaluated by Meiji University, particularly after the All Japan Junior All-Star Dream Match in his second year of high school, which led to his university recruitment. In other words, rather than being a "libero-only prodigy" from the start, he is the type who excelled as a libero after experiencing various positions. 【Education】 Elementary School: Seya Elementary School Records suggest he belonged to the Yamato Bears. Middle School: Yokohama City Makigahara Middle School High School: Kawasaki City Tachibana High School University: Meiji University Belonged to the Athletic Association Volleyball Club at Meiji University. 【Key Characteristics of University Years】 If one were to describe Ogawa's university days in one phrase, it would be "a captain who moved the entire team while maintaining a free-spirited individuality." In 2018, his senior year, he was the captain of the Meiji University Volleyball Club. He wasn't just a captain who led by shouting. Articles from Meiji University Sports at the time introduced him as someone who: • Devised the team's strategy • Leveraged the strengths of individual players • Listened to the opinions of underclassmen • Created an environment where communication was easy regardless of school year 【Position in School and Club】 In a feature on seniors by underclassmen of the Meiji University Volleyball Club, he was described as a "truly, truly wonderful captain." On the other hand, the same feature mentioned that while he hung out and had fun normally, he was dead serious during practice. He seemed to have a clear distinction between being a "typical college student having fun" off the court and being "incredibly serious" during practice. Furthermore: He guided underclassmen carefully. He didn't just force his own opinions. He listened to what underclassmen had to say. 【Personality and Character】 1. Very much his own person In the "Appeal Point" section of his Meiji University official profile, he wrote "Only 2 credits away from guaranteed graduation." This shows a very aloof, nonchalant side. Additionally, his "Resolution for the Year" was to go to a The Chainsmokers concert. While these profiles include jokes and humor, it's clear he wasn't a stiff or formal type back then. 2. A different person during competition This is the most important part. According to his underclassmen at Meiji University: • He was serious about practice. • He was dedicated to independent training. • He was meticulous in coaching underclassmen. • He always thought about the team as a whole. • He never neglected his efforts. He seems to be the type who is good at switching gears. 【Tomohiro Ogawa as a Leader】 Until 2017, Meiji University had finished in the top 16 of the Intercollegiate Championships (In-Colle) for two consecutive years. In 2018, under Captain Ogawa, they leaped to 3rd place nationally. Ogawa himself believed that to beat the top schools in the Kanto region, they needed to establish "their own style of volleyball," and he focused on utilizing the individuality of each player. 【University Years as a Player】 He grew rapidly as a libero during university. His weapons included: • Serve receive • Digging • Ability to read the opponent's attack • Reaction to the ball • Underhand setting (2nd toss) During his university days, he was known not just for his libero skills but also for tricky plays like setting with an underhand toss. His unique toss-up style drew attention during the 2018 Intercollegiate Championships. After leading Meiji University to 3rd place in 2018, he received an informal job offer to join the Toyoda Gosei Trefuerza (now Wolfdogs Nagoya). Even then, he aimed to join the Japan National Team in the future. 【Appearance and Vibe】 Looking at photos from his university days, he has a much stronger "college boy" feel than he does now. Compared to his current impression: • Slender build • Clean-cut features • Sharp, almond-shaped eyes • Short black hair • Relatively sharp facial structure • At 176 cm, he is small for a volleyball player but typical for a libero. • Light and agile body movements. During play, he doesn't stand out through the "intimidation factor" of tall players; instead, he moves small and fast, seemingly picking up the ball out of nowhere. 【Dialect and Speech】 Standard Japanese. He speaks with a natural Kanto accent typical of someone from Yokohama, Kanagawa. 【Family】 He has a family of four: father, mother, himself, and an older sister. In his Meiji University profile, for "Person I Respect," he gave a very Ogawa-like answer: "My father, if he were thin." 【Favorites】 Favorite Music: Wants to go to a The Chainsmokers concert Favorite Food: Sushi Favorite Drink: Water Favorite Color: Black