The adolescent Julio Gómez once imagined a future forged with fists in boxing or wrapped in the roaring crowds of baseball stadiums, perhaps even basketball. He knew nothing about volleyball and, quite logically, resisted the proposal from coach Tirki, the first to recognize his potential. Determined to show him the beauty of the sport, she achieved her objective: she obtained the telephone number of his mother, Mariza Gálvez, who became a co-conspirator in convincing her son. A follower of the exploits of the "Morenas del Caribe," she was decisive in pushing him toward the courts.

"I showed up at the Pepe Barrientos Combinado and they took my corresponding measurements. Later I participated in a couple of provincial championships and was admitted to the Mártires de Barbados School of Initiation in Sports."

"There I improved my technique, my physical conditioning, and I acquired a taste for the game. On the sidewalks, if I saw a branch on a tree, I would jump to hit it; while walking, I would mimic approach runs."

Starting in his second year of secondary school, he was scouted for the National School. He was granted the captaincy of Team Cuba during his time in the cadet and junior categories. Notable achievements from this period include victories in tournaments sanctioned by the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation; the collective triumph and the award for most outstanding setter at the 2019 U-21 Pan American Cup in Peru; as well as a tenth-place finish at the World Championship in Bahrain for that age group.

"After going through seventh grade without a fixed position on the court, I assumed my current and only role to this day."

"Regarding arm power, I initially served float serves, but 'el chino' Antonio Miguel made me train with basketballs. Perhaps that method contributed to my strength and to perfecting the touch and control in my sets."

Later, he was included in foreign professional contracts, an experience of great importance, though it presented difficulties as he left without speaking any English, and so he remained for almost a year.

*"I arrived in Hungary with Fino Kaposvár in the 2020-2021 season, and in the following one, I was chosen as their captain. The coaches helped me to watch the block and calculate the right moment to find each attacker."*

"I have been the top server in that country and for other clubs. In one season with Aich/Dob, I also captured the top setter award and was considered the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, which is unusual for my position."

These achievements opened the door for him to the senior national team for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League. He finished the competition with 16 points from attacks – he doesn't hesitate on the second touch – five from blocks, and double that number in aces. He ranked ninth among his peers, with 247 successful sets for a success rate close to 32%.

"One of my most beautiful experiences; we had a good result and we would like to improve it."

Far from resting on the satisfaction of a goal achieved, he maintains his daily effort because, as he tells us: "I have always had this hunger to fight for my dreams."