Another signing with an international pedigree for Tinet Prata, who will be playing in the No. 3 spot is Belgian international Wout d’Heer. Born in 2001, 203 cm tall, d’Heer is a master of the Super League, a championship he’s been playing in for five seasons, first with Trento (with whom he won the league, the Italian Cup, and the Super Cup), then with Taranto, and last year with Civitanova.
“I think I’ve grown a lot in these five years of the Super League,” says the Belgian center while playing with his national team in the VNL, “both technically and tactically because, compared to the Belgian league, it’s a big step forward. After all, it’s the most competitive league in the world, and there must be a reason. I arrived in Italy at 19 and now I’m 25, so I think I’ve also matured as a person.”
You’ll be one of the most experienced players in the Super League, having played for both top teams and clubs that needed to stay up. What do we need to do to stay up?
“Every game and every point will be important and decisive, and we’ll have to face them with the spirit of never giving up. Giving more than 100% in every match.”
What convinced you to accept Prata’s offer? Were you already familiar with the club?
“I knew the club, but above all, I spoke about it with the Boninfante family: Dante was my coach in Taranto and Mattia was my setter this season. They spoke highly of it, and I was happy to seize this opportunity.”
How would you describe yourself as a player? What are your strengths?
“First and foremost, I believe I’m a player who can, wants to, and still needs to grow. I want to be even more complete. If I had to name my strengths, I’d name my blocking and serving.”
Help us get to know Wout d’Heer off the court. What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any particular hobbies or passions?
In my free time, I like to go out with my girlfriend. We live together here in Italy, so we always take advantage of the opportunity to explore new places. I’m a big sports fan, and as a true Belgian, I love cycling.
