The 2025 CEV Coaches Convention, set to take place in Zadar, Croatia, from September 26 to 28, is proud to announce three highly qualified keynote speakers: Saskia van Hintum, Eric Hodgson, and Nataliia Klimenova. This annual gathering, held on the stunning Adriatic coast, promises to provide European coaches with world-class insights in one of volleyball`s most picturesque and renowned locations.
Saskia van Hintum, an Olympian for the Netherlands in 1996, brings over two decades of coaching experience at the highest levels. She has successfully led Volleyball and Beach Volleyball programs in multiple countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. A pioneering figure among female coaches, Saskia has significantly influenced the careers and lives of many athletes, driven by her deep passion for the sport and her belief that volleyball instills valuable skills for life.
Eric Hodgson, a strong advocate for grassroots volleyball development in the USA, will be returning to the CEV Coaches Convention after his keynote address at the 2023 event in Sofia, Bulgaria. Eric`s path to coaching is unconventional; he wasn`t a former professional player. His journey into coaching began unexpectedly when his 11-year-old daughter decided to play volleyball, sparking his own love for the game and leading him to coaching as a central part of his life.
Nataliia Klimenova, originally from Ukraine and now based in Calgary, Canada, is a successful youth coach widely recognized for her digital media presence. Her volleyball content online has garnered over 100,000 followers. Nataliia is known for her practical and direct coaching style, which inspires both young players and students. She will bring this dynamic energy and approach to the 2025 CEV Coaches Convention. A former professional player and founder of Natke Volleyball, Nataliia is skilled at leveraging digital platforms as effective coaching tools and teaching coaches how to build strong connections with players on and off the court.
For coaches eager to enhance their skills and grow professionally, the convention is an exceptional opportunity. Places are limited, so prospective attendees are encouraged to register early. This event offers a unique chance to connect with a community of coaches dedicated to advancing the sport and to gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately.
Gideon Holt