Rzeszow, Poland, December 4, 2017. There is no denying that Hélène Rousseaux is one of the best players in this season’s roster of Developres SkyRes RZESZOW, the Polish team that earlier this season crowned with success their historic debut in the CEV Volleyball Champions League. However, apart from her impressive Volleyball skills, there are a few more things you should definitely know about this talented girl.

So, let’s start from the beginning. Hélène was born on September 25, 1991. She grew up in a very sportive family – both her parents played Volleyball, as does her brother Tomas, who this season is playing in Poland as well.

Before choosing Volleyball, she was involved in some other sports, but finally she decided to follow the example of family, and decided to go all for Volleyball. “My parents let me choose what I wanted to, but from the time I started, I already knew that Volleyball was what I wanted to do for a living,” she explains.

Hélène started her professional career in 2008 in Vilvoorde. She played there only for one year and after that, she decided to move to Switzerland and play for Volero ZÜRICH, where she spent two years. The next destinations were in Poland – where she joined the ranks of Budowlani LODZ and Bank BPS Fakro MUSZYNA. In 2013 she decided to go to Italy, joining her brother Tomas there.

“There was a time when we both played in Italy – he was in Monza and I was in Busto, and it was really cool. We were spending a lot of time together, we have a very good relationship,” she says.


Hélène Rousseaux together with her brother Tomas

After spending three years in Italy, Hélène decided to move to Turkey, and she openly acknowledges why she did so. “It was because of their financial offer. However, my Turkish club suffered some financial problems, so I had to move again. Let’s be clear – Volleyball is my passion, but at the same time it’s my job, so I could not stay in a place where I didn’t get my money.”

Rousseaux received an offer from Developres SkyRes, and after speaking to the coach, she decided to return to Poland. As she admitted, working with Lorenzo Micelli was the main reason why she signed with Developres. “Lorenzo explained to me his vision of the team, what my role would be. And I thought that athletically this would be the best option for me to come and play in a team where the coach is good, as well as the organisation, and I am very happy with my decision,” she continues. “What is more, ‘Eli’ as she is nicknamed by her friends, had an easy comeback – mainly because she has a very strong group of friends in Poland, including Volleyball players Kaja Grobelna and Dominika Sobolska.

Having so much experience, Rousseaux is a very self-confident player. She knows her worth on the court; that is why she is a lot calmer. “I remember myself when I left my country for the first time, I was 17, and I see myself now as a totally different person. And there is no other explanation for that than experience. I have seen a lot of good things, bad things and I learned to expect more than it may happen.”

Hélène is a very friendly, open person. She has a big heart for the people who are close to her, like family and friends – she portrays herself as a very loving person who will do everything for the people she loves. Her place in Belgium is never empty – almost every day she spends there time with friends, making barbecues or simply having a great time together. “I am not a very calm, peaceful woman. I always want to do something, explore new things and places – I especially love travelling!”

There is no denying that everyone who has ever looked down through her Instagram can be sure that her biggest love is Italy. She is especially in love with Modena, and with the people there. She has a lot of friends in Italy and she definitely feels that it is like a second home to her.