For Nataliia Klimenova, an acclaimed speaker at the 2025 CEV Coaches Convention, volleyball transcends mere sport; it represents a profound journey towards realizing dreams, healing past wounds, and finding life`s purpose. Her evolution from a dedicated athlete to a pioneering coach is defined by unwavering resilience, invaluable lessons she eagerly shares, and a steadfast resolve to innovate coaching methodologies.
From Margins to Meaning
In her formative years, Nataliia navigated a volleyball landscape that prioritized physical stature over individual talent and potential. Despite being repeatedly told that the sport wasn`t for her, she persevered.
They told me volleyball was a dead end, but it became my escape.
Her journey was arduous, fraught with low-wage work, prolonged periods abroad, profound loneliness, and the inherent challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. The emotionally stifling and silent environments she encountered proved even tougher. Nevertheless, she clung to the sport, gradually transforming her personal struggles into a powerful sense of purpose.
A New Model of Coaching
Today, Nataliia`s coaching is guided by a distinct mission: to safeguard, empower, and genuinely understand every young athlete she mentors.
I am determined that my players will not endure the hardships I faced.
Her coaching philosophy rests on foundations of trust, emotional security, and mutual accountability. She views discipline not as an exercise of power, but as a collaborative partnership.
Growth Isn’t Always Graceful
Klimenova acknowledges that improvement is a gradual process, often messy before it becomes polished. She advises players and coaches alike:
To truly get better, it will likely appear unrefined before it becomes graceful.
Instead of striving for immediate perfection, she champions a brave approach where athletes are encouraged to take calculated risks, embrace errors, and discover their optimal performance through persistent effort.
More Than Winning
Central to her methodology is the profound conviction that sport serves as a vital life instructor, extending far beyond mere competition.
A Legacy of Empathy
Nataliia Klimenova`s coaching approach simultaneously repudiates detrimental traditional practices and champions a superior alternative: an environment where young individuals feel valued, secure, and are encouraged to develop with dignity. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like the legendary Karch Kiraly, whose unparalleled success speaks volumes, Nataliia is profoundly influenced by his training methodologies. Dedicated to maximizing these insights, she meticulously adapts and transmits these learned lessons to her young athletes, tailoring them to each individual`s requirements.
Volleyball vs. Other Sports
Pondering the intricate beauty of volleyball coaching, Nataliia highlights that triumph in this sport hinges on precision, synergistic teamwork, and effective communication—a stark contrast to individual sports where results are predominantly tied to singular performance. Volleyball, by its very nature, cultivates strong bonds among teammates and imparts crucial lessons in collective effort and adaptability.
Why Attend the 2025 CEV Coaches Convention?
When questioned about her motivation to attend the CEV Coaches Convention as a participant, were she not a speaker, Klimenova underscored the vital importance of maintaining an open mind in coaching. She remarked:
True growth frequently stems not from revolutionary revelations, but from routine discussions and collective experiences. I once adhered to a rigid, `black-and-white` coaching philosophy, believing in doing things only as they`d always been done. However, through numerous interactions with fellow coaches and players, I`ve gradually transformed my perspective. Now, I embrace the notion that while one method may be valid, alternative possibilities should always be explored.
About Nataliia Klimenova
Nataliia Klimenova is a distinguished Ukrainian professional volleyball player and coach, boasting over two decades of extensive experience in the sport. Her illustrious career spans top-tier competitions across Europe and Canada, where she has garnered numerous National Championships, MVP accolades, and the esteemed Master of Sports title as part of the Ukrainian National Team. She has excelled in both Indoor and Beach Volleyball on the international stage, most recently serving as the starting libero for Mount Royal University in Canada, contributing significantly to their national silver medal win in 2022.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood