The Superstar Illusion: Why It’s Time to Rethink Role Models

Picture a volleyball match. The outside hitter spikes the ball with incredible force, scoring the winning point. The crowd roars, the cameras zoom in, and the headlines will undoubtedly celebrate this star player. But what about the setter who delivered the perfect assist? Or the libero who made a game-saving dig moments earlier? And what about the coach who kept everyone focused under pressure?

Who truly defines success here? The answer isn’t in the spotlight - it’s in the synergy of the unseen.

We live in a world that glorifies superstars—the athletes who dominate highlight reels and social media feeds. But here’s a reality check: superstars are exceptions, not blueprints for success. While their talent is undeniable, their presence can sometimes overshadow the disciplined, selfless players who form the backbone of any great team.

Take volleyball as an example. Teams built around a single star player often stumble when that player is neutralised by a strong opponent. On the other hand, teams that rely on collective effort - where every player knows their role and executes it flawlessly - consistently outperform their competition. The 2021 Women’s European Volleyball Championship proved this when Italy triumphed over more “star-studded” teams by emphasising teamwork, strategy, and trust over individual brilliance.

The Hidden Costs of the Superstar Mentality

Parents and coaches often encourage young athletes to emulate star players, but this approach has its downsides. Superstars thrive on individual accolades, which can create ego-driven dynamics that destabilize teams. A 2022 study in Sports Psychology Quarterly found that teams overly reliant on dominant players experienced higher levels of internal conflict and inconsistent performance.

Meanwhile, teams that prioritise collective growth - like Japan’s women’s volleyball team during their historic 2012 Olympic run - achieve sustainable success through discipline and unity. These teams don’t rely on one player to carry them; they rely on every player to contribute meaningfully.

The truth? Great teams don’t need stars—they need specialists. The setter who reads the court like a chessboard, the libero who sacrifices their body for every dig, and the middle blocker who dominates at the net are all indispensable. Yet these roles rarely get celebrated as they should.

Building Balanced Teams

If you want to build a team that thrives without superstars, here’s how to start:

1. Focus on Strengths Over Stardom

Exceptional coaches don’t chase star power - they cultivate specific excellence. By identifying each athlete’s unique strengths - whether it’s court vision, quick reflexes, or mental resilience - you can develop players who excel in their roles and elevate the entire team.

2. Prioritise Discipline Over Drama

Discipline isn’t about rigid rules; it’s about consistent habits that lead to peak performance. Encourage athletes to develop routines, like pre-match visualisation exercises or detailed post-match reviews, that help them stay sharp and reliable under pressure.

3. Celebrate Collective Success

Shift the focus from individual glory to team achievements. When your outside hitter scores off a perfect assist, celebrate not just the point but also the setter’s precision and timing. This creates a culture where every contribution is valued, reducing ego-driven conflicts and fostering trust across the team.

Why "Ordinary" Athletes Are Extraordinary

The sports world is evolving. More and more teams are realising that success isn’t about having one superstar; it’s about building a cohesive unit where everyone knows their role and excels at it. Coaches who cling to outdated models of stardom risk raising athletes who may shine individually but fail to thrive in team environments.

The future belongs to teams that embrace this shift. Across volleyball leagues worldwide, we’ve seen countless examples of how unsung heroes, players who master their roles quietly but effectively, make all the difference when it matters most.

If you’re ready to move beyond fleeting stardom and build athletes who sustain success, here’s how you can start:

- Stop idolising superstars. Instead, focus on developing specialists who fill critical roles with precision and consistency.

- Invest in character development. Teach athletes how to lead without ego and collaborate without conflict.

- Adopt proven strategies rooted in teamwork psychology. Build systems where every player contributes meaningfully toward collective goals.

The next time you watch a volleyball match or see an ad featuring a superstar athlete, remember this: True champions aren’t born under spotlights, they’re built in moments of quiet discipline, relentless teamwork, and selfless humility.

Greatness doesn’t come from chasing fame; it comes from creating impact where it matters most - on and off the court.