Olympiacos PIRAEUS has taken a significant step in elevating Hellenic Volleyball back onto the European stage. The Greek champions are the nation`s first club to reach the elite CEV Champions League group stage since 2001. A key figure driving this season’s success is Serbian middle blocker Jovana Stevanović, a decorated player boasting a remarkable collection of medals and individual accolades from the world’s major competitions.
The Champions League Challenge
Olympiacos earned their place in the group stage by successfully navigating the qualifiers, defeating Belgian side Asterix Avo BEVEREN and Hungarian champions Vasas Óbuda BUDAPEST.
“What we lack is experience. None of our players are at the highest level yet, but now is the moment when they must adapt to competing with the best. With hard work, fighting spirit and desire, we can achieve a good result,” Stevanović explains.
In the Greek Championship, Olympiacos currently holds second place with a 6-2 record, trailing their undefeated city rivals Panathinaikos ATHENS.
“It’s still the start of the season. We have a demanding Champions League schedule ahead of us, followed by the Greek league and the Cup. We will see how it all goes, but we must always aim for victory,” she says optimistically.
System and Synergy
Compared to last season, the reigning Greek champions underwent a roster transformation, bringing in five new players—including Stevanović—and introducing the Serbian coaching duo of Branko Kovačević and Lazar Tabaković.
“Bane (Branko Kovačević, head coach) has done an excellent job with our system. He knows Volleyball better than anyone else – it is impressive. He created a system in a team without major international experience, where everyone knows their place and role. Our first Champions League win is his work,” she emphasizes.
That initial group stage victory—a historic triumph over Eczacıbaşı in Round 2—marked a crucial turning point for the Greek club.
“It’s natural that everyone’s opinion changed after that win. Our confidence grew, and you can clearly see the progress since the start of the Champions League. Now people are quietly asking what we need to keep going in the competition,” Stevanović notes with a smile.
The Greek league continues to strengthen, with clubs like Panathinaikos, Panionios, Kifisias, and PAOK vying for the top spots alongside Olympiacos. “Of course, we are among the favorites. But that’s part of the game – we must stay ready and avoid looking too far ahead. Every next match is the most important one. Spring is still far away,” she says calmly.
Beyond the Serbian coaches, Stevanović shares the court with fellow Serbian player Milica Kubura.
“When I was younger, I didn’t pay attention to whether I played with someone from Serbia. Now it means a lot to have ‘my people’ around me. Communication is easier, the approach is easier. I’m calmer. We think similarly, both in Volleyball and in life. We simply understand each other,” she says sincerely.
A Decorated Career and New Focus
With the Serbian national team, Stevanović amassed an astonishing 10 medals, including:
- Olympic silver (2016);
- Two World Championship golds (2018, 2022);
- Silver at the 2015 FIVB World Cup;
- A full set of European Championship medals: gold (2017), silver (2023), and bronze (2015);
- Three additional bronzes from the 2015 European Games, the FIVB 2017 World Grand Prix, and the FIVB 2022 Volleyball Nations League, where she was named Best Middle Blocker.
She reflects on her decision to step away from international duty:
“I am no longer part of the national team, and that definitely extends my career. On the other hand, I achieved incredible results that I can be proud of. Today`s athletes are the gladiators of a new generation. Sport has become so demanding that no one waits for anyone… National team preparations and competitions last five to six months. Now I see how much easier it is when you can preserve both body and mind,” Stevanović explains.
Her most notable club achievements include winning the 2016 CEV Champions League title with Pomi CASALMAGGIORE and the 2023 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship crown with Eczacıbaşı Dynavit.
The Quest for the Tenth Title
New challenges loom for Olympiacos in their European campaign. “In the Champions League, we are going match by match. Our first goal was to reach the group stage, and now we are taking steps forward.”
Stevanović then reveals her highly personal and ambitious goal for the club:
“My personal wish is to earn a star on the jersey. Olympiacos has nine titles so far – if we win the tenth, we get the right to add a star above the crest. I would really love that. And of course, to win everything in Greece,” Stevanović concludes with optimism.
Olympiacos will host Serbian champions OK Železničar LAJKOVAC on January 8 in Round 3 of Pool C of the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley 2026 | Women.
Finley Blackwood