Episode #24
One Match From the Olympics, Then Banned From Egypt | Vince Ruhumuliza | Ep. 24
Former professional beach volleyball player Vince Ruhumuliza has had a strange path through the sport. After growing up in Michigan, Vince moved to Florida to pursue beach volleyball, eventually packed up his life and moved to Rwanda, started Volleyball for Rwanda, competed internationally, and came within one match of qualifying for the Rio Olympics. That final match happened in Cairo. Vince and his partner lost 16-14 in the deciding game against Egypt. What followed included an altercation, an angry crowd, a security escort back to his hotel and, according to Vince, a ban from returning to Egypt on that passport. But this episode starts long before Rwanda. Justin and Vince go back more than 20 years to a very different downtown St. Petersburg, when Vince was giving Segway tours, local bands were still packing small clubs, downtown was a little dirtier, and social media hadn't turned every bar into a photo opportunity. They talk about Vince's professional volleyball career, the culture surrounding beach volleyball, his years in Africa, his near-Olympic run, returning to Florida, coaching athletes and what he's now building with Beach Volleyball Culture Club in St. Petersburg. It's a conversation about sports, travel, entrepreneurship, old St. Pete, taking chances and what happens when you build your life around something you actually love. Follow Vince and Beach Volleyball Culture Club: Website: https://volleyballculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachvolleyballculture/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beachvolleyballculture Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585181109879 Magic Mind https://www.magicmind.com/MAGICMODE20 Use code MAGICMODE20 for 20% off one-time purchases and 48% off subscriptions. Send us Fan Mail Support the show The Vilardi Digital Podcast is recorded and produced at Vilardi Digital Studios in Trinity, FL; where bold stories and big ideas come to life. New episodes drop weekly/monthly. Follow & Connect: Instagram: @vilardidigital TikTok: @vilardidigital YouTube: Vilardi Digital Website: www.vilardidigital.com Want to be a guest or record your own show in our studio? Book a session or apply to be on the pod here: vilardidigital.com/studio Vilardi Digital supports local businesses: Legendary Custom Merch — Fully custom apparel and merch that actually stands out. Vist their show room right here in Tarpon Springs or check them out online legendaryscreenprinting.com
