International Volleyball Hall of Fame - Holyoke, Massachusetts USA
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Tomasz Wojtowicz

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Born: September 22, 1953 in Lublin, Poland

Enshrined: 2002

Country: Poland

Category: Male Indoor Player

Biography

Tomasz Wojtowicz began his volleyball career with the Polish Junior National Team. He was spotted early by the National Team coach, Hubert Wagner, and invited onto the Polish National Men’s Team. Born in Lublin in 1953, Wojtowicz became the pivotal player who marshaled the dark horse Polish National team into the top rankings of the world in the 70’s.

Wagner recognized that Poland’s longtime rival, Russia, was winning all major volleyball competitions with a team strategy of pure power. Wagner developed a modification of Coach Yasutaka Matsudaira’s quick attack, revolving team strategy around the middle blocker, Tomasz Wojtowicz.

Wojtowicz, the team lynchpin, was an exceptionally powerful leaper, hitter and spiker. Not only did he excel at defensive play as the middle blocker, he pioneered the concept of back-row hitting, sending spikes across the court and through the opposing team.

Wojtowicz and the Polish National Team won a Gold Medal at the 1974 World Championship and a Gold Medal at the 1976 Olympic Games. The Olympic Gold Medal victory was a major upset in volleyball in that era, when the Japanese and Soviets dominated.

He also won five Silver Medals at the European Championships in 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981 and 1983. He continued playing volleyball in the Italian Leagues in the mid-1980’s, winning the Champions Cup in 1985. Wojtowicz was also the inspiration for the first victory on the road for an Italian Club Team in the Soviet Union.

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International Volleyball ​Hall of Fame
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Holyoke, MA  01040  USA
Phone: +1 413.536.0926
Email: info@volleyhall.org
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  • HALL OF FAMERS
    • Inductees
    • Eligibility & Voting Process
    • Awards >
      • Court of Honor Award
      • William G. Morgan Award
      • Mintonette Medallion of Merit
      • President's Award
    • Induction Celebration
  • VISIT
    • Hours & Admission
    • BUY MUSEUM TICKETS
    • Group Tours
    • PRIVATE EVENT RENTALS
  • MUSEUM
    • Virtual Museum Tour
    • In The Museum
    • Digital Exhibits >
      • William G Morgan - Father of Volleyball
      • History of Volleyball
      • Basketball & Volleyball
  • SUPPORT
    • Induction Celebration >
      • Class of 2021 Fan Vote
      • 2021 Nominees
    • Nationwide Ride & Run >
      • Why We Ride
      • Schedule & Locations >
        • Ride Holyoke
        • Ride Orlando
        • Ride Houston
        • Virtual Events
      • FAQ
      • Volunteer
      • Sponsors
      • Donate
    • Donate Today
    • Donor Listing
    • Memberships
    • AmazonSmile
    • Hall of Fame Training
  • NEWS
  • SHOP
  • MORE
    • About Us
    • Internship Program
    • Board of Directors