The FIVB Men's World Championship is turning out to be quite the showcase for top-tier players. Two of them, Polish libero Jakub Popiwczak and Japanese libero Tomohiro Yamamoto, are former wards of now-Farm Fresh coach Alessandro Lodi.
It's a small world, after all.
The 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship, hosted by the Philippines, is turning out to be quite the showcase from upsets, reverse sweeps, and even a 40-38 frame.
It also became the stage for world-class liberos, such as Poland's Jakub Popiwczak and Japan's Tomohiro Yamamoto. Both are former wards of Italian coach Alessandro Lodi, who is now the head coach of the Farm Fresh Foxies in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) in the Philippines.
Jakub Popiwczak (Poland)
Lodi was part of the Jastrzebski Wegiel staff in the Polish league in Popiwczak's first season as a starter in 2015-16.
"He was very specific about reception, so he he taught me some things that I remember until today," the 29-year-old Popiwczak shared to One Sports.
He made three excellent digs against Romania. He did even better against Qatar, registering seven excellent receptions for a 50% efficiency rate.
Jakub Popiwczak keeps the ball alive for Poland against Romania in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
After two Poland wins in the FIVB Men's World Championship, Popiwczak figured in the upper ranks when it comes to receptions with a success rate of 32.14%.
"It was clear that he would have a bright future and it has been nice to see him establish himself among the best Polish liberos and a member of one of the world's best national teams," Lodi told One Sports of the Polish libero.
World No. 1 Poland, the reigning VNL champions, are already assured of a spot in the Men's World Championship Round of 16. They're out to take the title from defending champion Italy.
[ALSO READ: Jakub Kochanowski says Poland is all hands on deck heading into FIVB Worlds Round of 16]
Tomohiro Yamamoto (Japan)
Meanwhile, Yamamoto is a veteran libero for Ryujin Nippon, having made four World Championship appearances and six for the Olympic Games.
He used to suit up for FC Tokyo under Lodi before transferring to Osaka Bluteon in Japan's SV.League.
"He taught me the basics of volleyball, like the proper way to be a libero, how to receive a ball, and other fundamentals," Yamamoto told One Sports in Japanese.
"I look forward to the day we can play volleyball together again, and even if it’s not on the same team, I look forward to facing him across the court."
Tomohiro Yamamoto keeps a ball in play for Japan against Canada in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Against Turkiye, Yamamoto made nine excellent receptions for a 53.33% efficiency. He made four more against Canada, with a 100% efficiency.
He currently figures in the top six among the best diggers in the tournament.
"He was an outstanding young libero who'd learn fast and see the game like few could," Lodi said of the Japanese player. "The simplicity of his moves makes a difference in him - nowadays we see lots of players hopping around on the court, wasting motions."
"Yamamoto is still and composed, and moves efficiently; not only a pleasure to watch but also a great model for any young player."
[ALSO READ: Ran Takahashi admits Japan dealing with ‘many issues’ after early exit in FIVB World Championship]
While Japan has been shockingly eliminated from the tournament, Ryujin Nippon can still end their campaign on a positive note against Libya.
And in this small world, there's still plenty of lessons to be learned.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | 32 teams compete in 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship]
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.