Jana Kulan, a name synonymous with elite volleyball across ten countries and two national teams (Slovakia and Azerbaijan), has meticulously orchestrated a transition. Not from one club to another, but from the spotlight of the player`s court to the strategic sidelines of coaching. Her mission? To infuse the sport with an element often overshadowed by relentless competition: fun.
From Pro Athlete to Passionate Mentor
Life, as it often does, threw Kulan a curveball. A challenging personal period inadvertently led her back to volleyball, not as a player, but as a student. A pivotal FIVB Coaching Course Level 1 in Estonia, guided by the legendary John Kessel, became her turning point. “The experience literally changed the course of my life,” Kulan recounts, acknowledging Kessel as both a friend and mentor. His teachings illuminated a new path, revealing how volleyball could remain central to her existence, albeit from a profoundly different vantage point.
The metamorphosis from an elite athlete to a coach is rarely seamless. “As a player, you feel like life revolves around you. You are being served by many people,” Kulan explains. “Whereas as a coach, you are there primarily to serve others.” This fundamental shift demands a complete recalibration of perspective. A coach is the first to arrive, setting the tone, a stark contrast to the pampered life of a professional player. Fortunately, she found a complementary partner in her husband, with whom she coaches, allowing her to focus on tactics and technique while he excels in team building and communication.
Redefining “Fun” in Youth Development
Coaching youngsters presents its own unique set of puzzles. Kulan, with her ingrained competitive fire, initially grappled with the differing motivations of her young charges in Czechia, for whom volleyball was often more about camaraderie than conquest. This disconnect, however, catalyzed her most innovative philosophy: start with fun.
“Too often, coaches spend weeks or even months on overhead passing and other technical skills, where ball control is tough for beginners and the fun is minimal. I believe we should flip this approach: let kids start with spiking – smashing the ball – so they can experience the excitement and reward of the game from their very first days.”
This insight, while seemingly simple, challenges decades of traditional coaching methodologies. Why delay the inherent joy of smashing a ball over the net until a child has mastered the often-frustrating basics? Kulan argues, with a touch of pragmatic irony, that by prioritizing the immediate gratification of a successful spike, children are far more likely to fall in love with the sport and, crucially, stick with it.
She also astutely notes the impact of today`s social environment on young athletes. Social media`s emphasis on unattainable perfection and the struggle youngsters face with failure are hurdles that sport, particularly volleyball, can help overcome. Learning to deal with setbacks, Kulan believes, is precisely how sport cultivates mature, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.
A Global Ambassador for Inclusive Volleyball
Kulan`s commitment extends beyond European borders. Her recent clinics in India revealed a profound hunger for knowledge among local PE teachers and coaches. The sheer reward of seeing people not only learn but genuinely *enjoy* playing volleyball for the first time in years underscores her approach`s efficacy. It’s a testament to the idea that expertise, when shared with passion and simplicity, resonates deeply.
She champions volleyball as a sport for everyone, regardless of physical stature or ability. Dispelling myths, she points to Japan`s national team – a top-five contender globally, despite their players often being shorter than their international counterparts. “We should look for solutions rather than for excuses,” she asserts. Her advocacy extends to Sitting Volleyball, highlighting its unexpected popularity among able-bodied individuals in the Netherlands. This truly demonstrates that the sport is not exclusively for the tall or the powerful, but a versatile activity for all.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A Female Coach`s Perspective
As a female coach, Kulan has navigated unique challenges. She recalls a curious dynamic while coaching in Türkiye, where male opponents sometimes seemed to view her presence as an added motivation, almost a personal battle of genders rather than a team sport. “The sight of a female coach remains quite uncommon,” she observes, making the FIVB`s decision to mandate at least one female coaching staff member a welcome step.
Kulan understands the power of visibility and 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 competence, not gender, is the sole criterion for judgment.
Lessons Forged in a Global Crucible
Kulan`s journey has been a masterclass in adaptability, drawing valuable lessons from every country she`s called home. Japan`s impeccable organization and disciplined, respectful players left a lasting impression. In Vietnam, where she uniquely combined playing and coaching, she rediscovered the sheer, unadulterated joy of volleyball. These diverse experiences have not only shaped her coaching philosophy but have also forged her character, creating a balanced individual grounded in self-belief and humility.
Jana Kulan’s approach to leadership is succinct and profound: “While we cannot control everything, we can influence a great deal.” She emphasizes the importance of stepping back, creating space for others, listening deeply, and embracing multiple perspectives. In the demanding arena of competitive sport, she firmly believes there is a place for everyone to feel welcome and to fit in.
With such a clear vision and unwavering dedication, it is evident that Jana Kulan`s “second life” in volleyball has truly just begun, promising a future where joy and development go hand-in-hand.
Torin Vale