Zadar, Croatia, is poised to host the 2025 CEV Coaches Convention, an event eagerly anticipated by volleyball strategists and mentors alike. Among the distinguished speakers, one name stands out for her profound and multifaceted journey through the sport: Saskia van Hintum. With an impressive record spanning over four decades—17 years as an elite professional player and 22 as a full-time coach across both indoor and beach disciplines—Van Hintum arrives not merely as a speaker, but as a living embodiment of volleyball`s evolution.
The Unconventional Path to Authentic Leadership
Van Hintum’s decision to accept the invitation to speak at the Convention is rooted in a desire to foster genuine connection among peers and to generously impart the extensive knowledge gleaned from years of navigating both indoor and beach volleyball arenas. Her career defies simplistic categorization, proving that success isn`t confined to a single role or discipline. She’s seen the game from every conceivable angle, from the receiving end of a powerful serve to the strategic helm of a national team.
More critically, Van Hintum views her platform as an opportunity to champion female coaches, asserting that true excellence in leadership isn`t just about tactical prowess, but about an unwavering commitment to authenticity. In an era where “personal branding” sometimes eclipses genuine connection, Van Hintum`s emphasis on sincerity feels refreshingly, well, authentic. It`s a pragmatic reminder that athletes respond best to coaches who are true to themselves, rather than those adopting a manufactured persona. After all, a team can spot a performance off-court just as easily as on it.
Dissecting the Art of Setting: A Dialogue on Evolution
Attendees at Van Hintum’s session can anticipate a departure from the traditional lecture format. Her presentation promises a dynamic, dialogue-based exploration into the ‘art of setting’ – a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of the game. This isn`t just a technical deep dive; it`s a historical journey through the evolution of training methodologies. She plans to dissect how the expectations placed upon coaches, and crucially, the evolving needs of athletes themselves, have transformed over the years. This promises to be less about rigid drills and more about understanding the fluid, human element of athletic development, a topic often discussed but rarely broken down with such seasoned insight.
A Fundamental Plea: Early Physical Education
Beyond the tactical intricacies of elite play, Van Hintum brings a vital perspective on youth development. Her recent involvement as assistant coach for Germany at the Girls’ U19 World Championship has cemented a conviction she intends to vocalize at the Convention: the urgent, almost neglected, need for robust early physical education. It`s a subtle but significant nudge towards preventative rather than corrective development, ensuring future generations aren`t just skilled, but fundamentally sound. The idea, apparently radical in its simplicity, is that a well-prepared body is the foundation for a well-honed athlete. One might wonder if the rush to specialize too early sometimes overlooks the basic mechanics of human movement, a point Van Hintum seems ready to underscore.
“The urgent need for early physical education is paramount. We are seeing deficiencies that could be avoided if foundational movement skills were properly developed at a young age.”
Embodying the Convention`s Movement
Van Hintum’s holistic approach perfectly resonates with the core themes of the 2025 Convention: “The Coach in the Centre,” celebrating the pivotal role of coaching; “Inspiration in Motion,” reflecting the dynamic nature of growth; and “Not Just a Convention, a Movement,” underscoring a commitment to lasting change. She views coaching not as a static profession but as a continuous journey of learning and adaptation, thriving on trial and error. This philosophy makes her more than just a speaker; she embodies the movement itself, offering a living example of a career built on perpetual development and genuine engagement.
Saskia van Hintum’s presence at the 2025 CEV Coaches Convention is more than just a speaking engagement; it’s a testament to a career built on continuous adaptation, learning, and an unyielding belief in the power of genuine leadership. For those seeking to navigate the complex, ever-evolving landscape of modern volleyball coaching, her insights promise to be both practical and profoundly inspiring.
Torin Vale 
Gideon Holt