The 2024-25 DAIDO SEIMEI SV. LEAGUE MEN is ended in May 2025. Despite finishing fourth in the league during the regular season, JTEKT STINGS Aichi managed to secure second place in the "Championship" tournament, which featured the top six teams. At the heart of this breakthrough was Tory DeFalco, who was in his first year with the team. In the middle of the season, although he was forced to play in a different position from his usual position due to injuries to key players, he continued to fight valiantly, leading the team through difficult times and supporting the tenacious efforts from the middle of the season onwards.
When he was young, he naturally started volleyball after seeing his family enjoy the sport together. Although he was not conscious of becoming a professional until college, his career took off  rapidly after his talent was discovered by an agent.
We asked DeFalco to answer an interview in a question-and-answer format, including his thoughts on this season.

■1. Transfer to Japan

Q1. Why did you decide to play in Japan?

Every time I visited Japan for national team activities, I was captivated by the beauty of the country.
I was deeply moved not only by the natural scenery but also by the warmth of the people.
When I received an offer from a Japanese team, I answered "YES" without hesitation. I also wanted to explore a new chapter in my volleyball career and expand my skills as a player, which led me to  JTEKT STINGS Aichi. I'm truly happy to have the opportunity to live in Japan — volleyball feels like a bonus on top of that (laughs).

Q2. How has your life been in Japan over the past year?

The first thing that impressed me was the Shinkansen. By using the bullet train or other trains, I can travel anywhere in Japan and discover new attractions throughout the country.
I also love Japan's yakiniku.

Q3. How do you spend your off-season?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and playing games. Recently, I've also been addicted to golf.
In fact, I started playing golf even before I began playing volleyball, and I enjoyed it with my father from around the age of six. Golf courses offer beautiful scenery and it is a great place to relax.
Unlike volleyball, which is a team sport, golf is an individual sport where you compete against yourself. Playing golf helps me reset my mind and return to the court feeling refreshed.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　【DeFalco and Boyer, who joined this season】

■2． SV League 2024-2025 Season Review

Q1.　Please share your honest thoughts on finishing 4th in the regular season and runner-up in the Championship tournament.

I think last season was a great one.
Around last December, near the end of the regular season, we were leading the league. But after that, due to a series of injuries to key players, the team's morale also dropped sharply. From February to March, when we suffered 11 consecutive losses from there, I felt like I was lost in a forest. Honestly, I didn't think we could make it to the Championship tournament..
It was a very difficult time, but everyone on the team looked to one another and tried to overcome the adversity together.
From that point on, our bond grew stronger. As we kept winning with the mindset of "let's win one game first," the Championship tournament came into view. Eventually, we were able to switch to the mindset of "just one more point" and approach match with renewed focus.
I truly feels it like a miracle that we made it through the regular season and reached the final of the championship tournament. I am truly proud of our team that has continued to work hard to achieve that result.

Q2. What kind of growth have JTEKT STINGS Aichi and DeFalco gained by overcoming the difficult situation?

Last season was full of ups and downs. We faced many injuries and mentally tough moments and there were times when nothing seemed to go right. Still, I kept fighting, and was able to slow down and eventually regain the flow. I believe the biggest area of growth last season was our "tenacity".

Q3. DeFalco has played for club teams in Italy and Poland and has also been selected for the US national team. What are the differences between Japan, Europe, and Japan volleyball that you feel after experiencing volleyball in the past year?

The main difference is the physical aspect. Japan does not have many tall players. However, I think Japanese volleyball is ahead of any other region in the world in terms of ball control such as ball speed and power, as well as the ability to read the flow of the game and react quickly.

■3. The future of DeFalco

Q1.　Please tell us about JTEKT STINGS Aichi's goals for this season.

The goal for this season is to give everything I have and do my best. No matter what happens, I don't want to bring anything unrelated team activities onto the court or let it affect my performance.
The teammates and staff I train with every day understand the team best, so I think it's important for each person to focus on what they need to do without being misled by outside voices.

Q2. DeFalco was appointed vice captain on this season. How do you feel it?

When I was first appointed vice captain, I felt pressure from the responsibilities that came with role. However, by viewing ― "How can I contribute to the team as a vice-captain?"― I also felt that this experience should lead to my own growth, and now I am looking forward to it.
There are players on the team who are both older and younger than me,, but I think the most important thing in communication is mutual respect regardless of age or role , whether captain or vice-captain. That said, I think people earn respect by working hard.. So, first and foremost, I want to set an example for everyone, work hard in practice, and do my best to contribute to the team in as many games as possible during this long season by building my body with solid weight training.

Q3. What do you want to achieve as an athlete and your long-term goals?

When I look back on my career someday, I want to carry these memories in my heart —the beautiful places I have been able to visit, the wonderful people I have met, and the energy I have received from passionate fans around the world.
Among all those experiences, I believe Japan will hold a special place in my memories.

■4. Message to fans

Q1.The design concept of the new uniform is "connecting." The image of the players forming a circle, linking arms and hands, and the wave on the chest represent the expanding circle of "passion" and "energy" of the STINGS family. When do you feel the word "connecting"?

I think the new uniform is truly amazing!
In volleyball, the word “connect” carries two important meanings.
The first is " connect" in terms of a combination plays. When everyone on the court share the same understanding of the play’s purpose, each player can make the best moves and gain an advantage in the game without verbal communication.
The second is "connect" in terms of deeper bonds not only as athletes but also as human. We value communication even off the court. For example, by organizing activities with team mate on our days off, we strengthen our relationships and build a better team.The new uniform concept symbolizes the team’s spirit this season. It may be a small change, but our mission remains the same.

Q2. How do you feel connected to the team and the fans?

The bond within the team is very strong. We laugh together and have a lot of conversations both on and off the court. I think this is very important for team cohesion and creating a positive atmosphere.
And the fans are always truly amazing ―I feel so much love and support from the team! From the first home game to the last, the sight of them wearing uniforms with the JTEKT logo that matches the team and cheering with all their might while waving towels is a great strength. I don’t see this kind of support in other countries. I'm grateful for the support of STINGS fans.