Having played elite volleyball in ten countries worldwide, Jana Kulan has now transitioned into coaching with a clear goal: to make volleyball an enjoyable experience for everyone, emphasizing fun above all else. Though coaching presents its own set of difficulties, Kulan finds the journey incredibly rewarding and personally enriching.
Earlier this year, Kulan, a former standout for the national teams of Slovakia and Azerbaijan, also joined the European Coaches Commission. Her entry into coaching was almost accidental, occurring during a difficult personal period. Volleyball became her means of regaining stability, though this time not solely as a player. She explains, “I was lucky to attend an FIVB Coaching Course Level 1 in Estonia, led by John Kessel. That experience fundamentally altered my life. I’m fortunate to consider him both a friend and a mentor. His guidance helped me see that volleyball could still be central to my life, albeit from a fresh viewpoint.”
The shift from elite athlete to coach is far from simple. Kulan notes, “You must entirely rethink your approach. As a player, you’re often the center of attention, with many people supporting you. As a coach, your main role is to support others. You should be the first to arrive at practice, ensuring players see you as soon as they enter the hall. You set the entire atmosphere. It’s an entirely different dynamic.”
Kulan also credits her husband, her partner since 2014, for his significant support. “We coach together and our skills perfectly complement each other. He excels at challenging me, while I concentrate on tactics and technique. He’s adept at people management, team building, and improving communication.” Jana emphasizes the importance of unconventional thinking in coaching, understanding that a single method cannot be universally applied.
Coaching young athletes can be difficult, she admits. “As a former elite athlete, I possess a strong competitive drive that isn’t always present or understood by my players. In Czechia, for instance, I coached girls who saw volleyball more as a social activity with friends than a path to high-level achievement. Today’s youth also navigate a vastly different social landscape. Social media promotes unattainable ideals, and many struggle with failure. However, Kulan believes that sports, especially volleyball, can build mature, responsible, and well-rounded individuals by teaching them to overcome setbacks and grow stronger from them.”
Inspired by John Kessel’s impact on her own transition, Kulan is now dedicated to igniting that same passion in others. Her recent clinics in India revealed a significant hunger for knowledge among local PE teachers and coaches. “These experiences are immensely gratifying, particularly because I’m so eager to share my expertise,” she states. “It was truly satisfying when participants told me that, after two decades, they had not only learned new skills but also genuinely enjoyed playing volleyball.”
Kulan believes that fun is crucial for volleyball to compete with other sports and retain young players. She argues, “Coaches often dedicate extensive time to complex technical skills like overhead passing, which can be frustrating for beginners and diminish enjoyment. I propose reversing this: let children begin with spiking, experiencing the immediate excitement and reward of hitting the ball from day one, rather than waiting to master less engaging fundamentals. The more fun they have, the more likely they are to continue with the sport.” She further emphasizes volleyball’s universal appeal, regardless of physical stature or ability. Addressing concerns from shorter players in India, she pointed to Japan, a top-five team globally despite its players generally being shorter than those from other nations. “We must seek solutions, not excuses,” she urges, also advocating for Sitting Volleyball. She highlights the Netherlands, where 3,500 of 4,000 Sitting Volleyball players have no disability, proving that “volleyball is truly for everyone, not just the tall or powerful.”
As a female coach, Jana has also faced unique obstacles. She recalls coaching in Türkiye, where she perceived a male opposing coach as being extra motivated, thinking, “‘I cannot lose to a team coached by a woman!’” This highlights the rarity of female coaches, which is why she commends FIVB’s mandate for at least one female coaching staff member per team. “Increased visibility for women will inspire others. We need role models and pioneers to light the path,” she states. “Once equity is established, quotas will ideally become unnecessary, and all coaches, regardless of gender, will be evaluated purely on their merit.”
Jana presents herself as someone who balances confidence with humility, constantly seeking new challenges. She draws invaluable lessons from her experiences playing and coaching in various countries, understanding that successful approaches aren`t always transferable. “Japan offered a remarkable experience, with its exceptional organization, disciplined, and respectful players,” she notes. “In Vietnam, where I both played and coached, I rediscovered the sheer joy of volleyball. These diverse experiences have profoundly shaped who I am today.”
Kulan concludes by articulating her philosophy: “Though we can’t control everything, our influence is significant. Genuine leadership, particularly in coaching, isn’t about knowing every answer or dominating conversations. It’s about stepping back, allowing others to contribute, and embracing diverse viewpoints. By pushing your own limits, actively listening, and engaging with those who foster your growth, you enhance yourself both as an individual and as a coach. Even in competitive sports, which are often focused on winning, there should always be a welcoming space for everyone.” Her new chapter in volleyball has just started.
Finley Blackwood