In the dynamic world of professional sports, transitions are often about adapting to new roles. But for Jana Kulan, a former elite volleyball player who graced courts in ten different countries, her shift into coaching is nothing short of a revolution. Kulan isn`t merely teaching the game; she`s fundamentally rethinking how it`s introduced, played, and loved, with a singular, often overlooked, focus: making volleyball a profoundly fun experience for everyone.
The Unconventional Path to the Sidelines
Jana Kulan’s journey to becoming a coach was, by her own admission, serendipitous. After a challenging period in her private life, volleyball offered a familiar refuge, albeit from a new vantage point. A pivotal FIVB Coaching Course Level 1 in Estonia, led by renowned instructor John Kessel, served as her epiphany. «His words and teaching made me understand that Volleyball could still play a pivotal role in my life,» Kulan recounts, «even though I would look at it from a very different perspective than before.» This experience not only charted a new course but also forged a mentorship and friendship that continues to inspire her today.
Transitioning from the pampered life of an elite athlete to the selfless role of a coach demands a seismic shift in perspective. «As a player, you feel like life revolves around you,» Kulan explains, «whereas as a coach you are there primarily to serve others.» This means being the first to arrive, setting the tone, and embracing the responsibility of leadership. It`s a «completely different ball game,» she observes, one that requires humility and an unwavering commitment to the team.
A Collaborative Approach: Beyond Tactics and Technique
Kulan doesn`t navigate this new terrain alone. Her husband, a steadfast partner since 2014, is also her coaching collaborator. Their synergy is evident: Jana meticulously focuses on tactics and technique, while her husband excels at managing people, fostering team cohesion, and streamlining communication. This complementary partnership underscores a core tenet of Kulan’s philosophy: there is no one-size-fits-all solution in coaching. Success demands adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to «think outside the box,» constantly tailoring approaches to suit diverse individuals and cultures.
This nuanced understanding has been honed through her extensive international experience, both as a player and coach, across countries like Slovakia, Azerbaijan, Czechia, India, Japan, Vietnam, and Turkey.
Re-engineering Fun: Spiking First, Passing Later
Perhaps Kulan’s most radical idea lies in her strategy for engaging youngsters. Acknowledging that today`s youth grapple with societal pressures – from social media`s emphasis on perfection to a perceived struggle with failure – she believes sport can be a vital crucible for building resilience and character. However, to truly hook them, the game must be fun from the outset.
Too often, coaches dedicate weeks to rudimentary skills like overhead passing, which for beginners, can be tedious and frustrating. Kulan proposes flipping this traditional script: «Let kids start with spiking – smashing the ball – so they can experience the excitement and reward of the game from their very first days.» It`s a bold move, almost irreverent to purists, but one born from a profound understanding of human psychology. Why delay the gratification when you can unleash the exhilarating power of the spike immediately? The logic is simple yet profound: «The more the fun, the more likely they are to return and to stick with the sport.»
Volleyball for Everyone: A Global Canvas of Inclusivity
Kulan champions volleyball as a truly universal sport, accessible to all, irrespective of physical attributes or perceived limitations. She challenges the common misconception that only tall players can excel. Recalling her clinics in India, where participants questioned their potential due to stature, she pointed to Japan, a nation whose national teams consistently rank among the world`s elite despite their players generally being shorter. «We should look for solutions rather than for excuses,» she asserts, showcasing a pragmatic optimism.
Her vision extends even further into the realm of inclusivity with Sitting Volleyball. Citing the Netherlands, where 3,500 of 4,000 Sitting Volleyball players have no disability, Kulan highlights the boundless potential for engagement. It`s a powerful testament to the game`s adaptability and its capacity to transcend physical barriers, welcoming diverse bodies and abilities onto the court.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: The Female Coach`s Resolve
As a female coach, Kulan has also encountered unique hurdles. She recalls coaching in Türkiye, where she sensed an almost competitive challenge from male counterparts across the net – an unspoken sentiment of «I cannot lose to a team coached by a woman!» This experience underscores the ongoing visibility struggle for women in coaching. Kulan wholeheartedly endorses initiatives like FIVB`s decision to mandate at least one female member on a team`s coaching staff, recognizing the critical role of role models.
«If females become more visible, others will realise that they can do the same. We need role models to look up to, trailblazers showing the way so that others can follow in their footsteps.»
Her ultimate hope is for a level playing field where quotas become redundant, and coaches – regardless of gender – are judged solely on merit. It`s a vision of equality that resonates deeply with her commitment to fairness and opportunity.
A Global Tapestry of Wisdom: Japan, Vietnam, and Beyond
Kulan’s globe-trotting career has woven a rich tapestry of experiences, each contributing to her holistic coaching philosophy. Japan, with its impeccable organization and players` unparalleled discipline and respect, offered lessons in systematic excellence. Vietnam, where she seamlessly blended playing and coaching, reminded her of the sheer joy and unadulterated fun that volleyball can offer. These diverse cultural immersions have not only forged her character but also instilled a deep appreciation for varied approaches and perspectives.
The Second Life of a Volleyball Revolutionary
Jana Kulan exudes a rare blend of self-belief and humility, an unyielding readiness to challenge herself and conventional wisdom. She encapsulates her leadership philosophy with profound simplicity: «True leadership, especially in coaching, is not about always having the answers or doing all the talking. It is about knowing when to step back, creating space for others to speak and act, and being open to multiple perspectives.»
Her «second life» in volleyball has just begun, and it promises to be as impactful as her first. By championing fun, inclusivity, and adaptive leadership, Jana Kulan is not just coaching a sport; she is cultivating a movement. She is inviting a new generation to discover the intrinsic joys of volleyball, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, and demonstrating that the path to success is often paved with smiles and shared passion.
Torin Vale