Earlier this year, Roberta Maioli reached a pinnacle in her coaching career, taking on the role of head coach for Italy`s U19 women`s national team. This was a moment of immense pride for Maioli, whose connection to volleyball began in early childhood, around six or seven years old. She would often accompany her father, the physiotherapist for her hometown`s legendary Teodora Ravenna women`s team – a club famed for winning 11 consecutive national league titles and numerous other accolades.
Maioli expressed her surprise and profound excitement upon receiving the news. “Coaching a junior national team was a dream realized, especially for someone like me who has dedicated many years to nurturing young talent,” she shared. She proudly noted her role in mentoring several athletes who later excelled internationally for Italy, including notable figures like Serena Ortolani, Alessia Gennari, and more recently, Gaia Giovannini, who boasts Olympic gold and a World Championship title.
As a certified physical education teacher, Roberta began coaching at just 18. Her career has since spanned numerous regional and national competitions, primarily focusing on young girls in their formative developmental stages. Having absorbed extensive volleyball knowledge from an early age, she has forged her unique coaching philosophy. “I place significant importance on building empathy with my players,” Maioli explained. “This doesn`t mean I`m always lenient; they understand when it`s time for enjoyment and when absolute focus is required for drills and tasks. My coaching style has certainly evolved over the years, adapting to societal changes and the different needs of today`s young athletes compared to those I mentored previously.”
Maioli believes that while technical knowledge is widely accessible to all coaches, the true differentiator lies in the environment a coach cultivates. “It`s about creating an atmosphere where players can flourish, becoming the best versions of themselves within their physical capabilities. Not every player will reach the senior national team, but every one can strive for personal improvement and achieve their full potential,” she emphasized. “To foster this mindset, I focus on positivity rather than mistakes. Young athletes today often struggle with failure, so dwelling on errors is counterproductive. Instead, I redirect their energy towards defining their dreams and goals, encouraging them to pursue these with utmost energy, dedication, and commitment.”
She further highlighted Gaia Giovannini as an example of how mentality drives success in elite volleyball. “I am fortunate to work at Pallavolo Anderlini Modena, a club where I`ve been able to refine this coaching philosophy,” Maioli stated. “I firmly believe that in volleyball, as in life, we should never dwell on difficulties or setbacks. Our purpose is to embrace challenges and work diligently to achieve our highest possible potential. Volleyball is truly a life school, shaping character in an environment where friendship, mutual trust, cooperation, mediation, empathy, and mutual support are absolutely essential.”
Reflecting on her tenure with Italy`s U19 national team at the World Championship in Croatia and Serbia – an opportunity that followed years of collaborating with coaching icons like Julio Velasco and Marco Mencarelli – Roberta lamented an early tournament injury that hindered her team, despite their resilient response. “Ultimately, it was a truly wonderful experience where we gave our absolute all,” she concluded.
Maioli noted she wasn`t the sole female coach, with Japan also being led by a woman. “It was an invaluable chance to observe diverse coaching methodologies and global approaches firsthand. While I had seen videos, being in such close proximity was incredibly beneficial,” she remarked. Regarding the role of female coaches, she believes their presence as head coaches is increasingly normalized. “However, I strongly feel female coaches should be evaluated purely on merit, not appointed simply because they are women. While providing equal opportunities and a level playing field is crucial, it`s ultimately up to us to prove our capabilities and earn these significant roles.”
Maioli concluded with advice for fellow youth coaches: “It`s vital to communicate openly and honestly, fostering an emotional connection with athletes without imposing stress or pressure. Players need to feel empowered and trusted, allowing them to believe in their own abilities. Simultaneously, they should cultivate self-reliance and learn independent problem-solving. A coach`s role isn`t to offer instant solutions but to equip players with the tools for sound decision-making. To all women aspiring to coaching, I`d say this path demands immense passion and energy, but I have cherished every moment of the journey!” She ended with the Latin phrase, “Ad maiora, Roberta!” (meaning “Towards greater things, Roberta!”).
Finley Blackwood 
Jasper Thornfield