Alexander Brouwer has spent much of his life competing on some of the biggest stages in beach volleyball. A world champion in 2013 and an Olympic bronze medallist at the Rio 2016 Games, the Dutch star has built a career that has taken him around the world and established him as one of the most accomplished players in the sport.
For more than a decade, beach volleyball has taken Brouwer across continents, from one tournament to the next. The rewards have included medals, titles and unforgettable moments on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
The reality behind that lifestyle, however, also includes long periods away from home and the challenge of balancing life as an athlete with life as a husband and father.
“My family has played a really big part in me becoming a professional beach volleyball athlete. It’s amazing. I have the support and the chance to travel the world and do the thing I love. I play beach volleyball with some pretty tough logistics at home for my wife with three kids now.”
Every tournament brings another journey, another airport and another period away from family. While Brouwer is preparing for competition, life at home continues as normal. School runs, family routines and the day-to-day realities of raising three children do not pause because of a tournament schedule.
It is a reality that has given Brouwer an even greater appreciation for the support he receives from home.
“Yes, what can I say about my wife Hanneke and the kids? The support I have always received has been amazing.
“Of course, it must be difficult for the kids to see their dad travelling so often. ‘There he goes again to play volleyball. Can’t we come too?’ ‘No, sweetheart, it’s a bit too far away.’
“It really is difficult. But the way they get through it, and how Hanneke keeps everything organised at home, managing all the logistics and, amid all the chaos, still bringing so much love to the children, is incredible.
“I hope she can keep it up for a little while longer for me, but I am tremendously grateful for that.”
Professional sport often highlights what happens on the court. Less visible are the sacrifices made away from competition, particularly by the families who support athletes through years of travel, training and time apart.
The demands of life on tour can be especially challenging. Weeks away from home, long journeys and the emotional highs and lows of competition can take their toll. During those moments, maintaining a connection with family becomes more important than ever.
“The way my family helps me to stay grounded when I’m far away from home is by these small interactions on FaceTime.
“It can be tough on tour with the losses and the downsides, and then to just have a small phone call, have a FaceTime, see my kids, talk to my wife, know that I have their support, and see their smiles and faces. It’s uplifting and immediately puts me in a great mood.”
Brouwer’s legacy on the sand is already secure. Yet the role that sits at the centre of this story is not world champion, Olympic medallist or beach volleyball superstar. It is husband and father, supported every step of the way by the family waiting for him at home.
This World Volleyball Day on July 7, pay tribute to your volleyball dad and celebrate the role he has played in your journey. Share a post on social media and add #WorldVolleyballDay for the world to see. And if you’re a volleyball dad yourself, share your story and inspire the next generation.
