In the competitive world of elite sports, few manage to transition seamlessly from the spotlight of playing to the strategic demands of coaching, let alone redefine the very essence of the game. Jana Kulan, a name synonymous with power and precision on the volleyball court, has embarked on such a journey, not merely as a coach, but as a passionate advocate for a more joyful, inclusive, and effective approach to the sport she loves.
From Spikes to Strategies: A Transformative Journey
Jana Kulan’s career as a professional volleyball player spanned an impressive decade across ten different countries, a testament to her skill and dedication. Representing both her native Slovakia and adopted Azerbaijan on the international stage, she experienced the game at its highest echelons. Yet, the transition from being an elite athlete—where, as she keenly observes, “life revolves around you”—to a coach, is a profound shift. It’s a move from being served to serving, from individual glory to collective growth. This pivot was not merely a career change but a personal rediscovery, prompted by a challenging period in her private life, where volleyball, in a new capacity, offered a path to regain control and purpose.
Her path into coaching was serendipitous, marked by a pivotal FIVB Coaching Course in Estonia led by the renowned John Kessel. This experience, which Kulan describes as life-changing, equipped her with more than just technical knowledge; it provided a mentor and a philosophical cornerstone for her coaching ethos.
The “Fun-First” Revolution: Spiking Away the Stereotypes
Kulan`s most distinctive contribution to the coaching landscape is her unwavering belief in making volleyball a fundamentally fun experience, particularly for youngsters. This might sound obvious, but it’s a radical departure from traditional coaching, which often prioritizes exhaustive drills and technical perfection over immediate enjoyment. “Too often,” Kulan notes, “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.”
Her solution? Flip the script. Why not let kids start with spiking? The thrill of smashing the ball, the immediate gratification, the sheer exhilaration—these are the elements that hook beginners. By experiencing the game`s most rewarding aspect from day one, children are far more likely to return, to stay, and to develop a genuine love for the sport, rather than being deterred by the often-arduous initial steps of mastering less engaging basics. It`s a pragmatic, player-centric approach that cleverly uses psychology to foster engagement.
Beyond the Baseline: Inclusivity and Resilience
Kulan`s philosophy extends far beyond just making drills enjoyable. She advocates for volleyball as a sport for everyone. Challenging the pervasive myth that height is the ultimate arbiter of success, she points to the Japanese national teams, consistently among the world`s best despite their players often being shorter than their international counterparts. “We should look for solutions rather than for excuses,” she asserts, a powerful mantra for aspiring athletes everywhere.
Her vision also embraces adaptive sports, citing the remarkable participation in Sitting Volleyball in the Netherlands, where a vast majority of players have no disability. This highlights how volleyball truly transcends physical capabilities, proving it is a sport where strategic thinking, teamwork, and passion can shine, regardless of conventional athletic profiles.
Furthermore, Kulan addresses the contemporary challenges faced by young athletes, particularly the pressure from social media to project an image of unattainable perfection. In an era where “failure” can feel like public humiliation, she emphasizes that sport provides a crucial arena for learning resilience. Overcoming setbacks on the court helps young people develop into “mature, responsible, and well-rounded individuals,” demonstrating that the lessons learned extend far beyond the game itself.
Breaking Barriers: A Female Coach in a Male-Dominated Sphere
Jana Kulan`s journey has not been without its unique hurdles. As a female coach, she has encountered subtle but palpable biases. In Türkiye, for instance, she observed a curious dynamic where male opposing coaches seemed to view her as an “extra motivation,” almost personalizing the match with an unspoken challenge: “I cannot lose to a team coached by a woman!”
This experience underscores the persistent need for greater visibility and opportunity for women in sports leadership. Kulan wholeheartedly welcomes initiatives like FIVB`s decision to mandate at least one female member on a team`s coaching staff. Such measures are vital for creating role models and demonstrating that coaching prowess is not dictated by gender. Ultimately, her goal is for a level playing field where coaches, irrespective of gender, are judged “solely on merit,” a testament to her belief in competence over convention.
A Global Tapestry of Learning and Leadership
Kulan`s extensive international experience has profoundly shaped her coaching identity. From the meticulous organization and profound respect she witnessed in Japan, to the rediscovery of pure, unadulterated fun during her player-coach stint in Vietnam, each country has added a unique thread to her rich tapestry of knowledge. Her collaboration with her husband, a partnership where she hones tactics and technique while he masterfully handles team management and communication, further exemplifies her open-minded approach to growth.
Her leadership philosophy, honed through diverse experiences, is both profound and refreshingly practical:
“I believe that while we cannot control everything, we can influence a great deal. 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. By challenging yourself, listening deeply, and surrounding yourself with people who help you grow, you not only become a better person but also a better coach.”
Jana Kulan is not just coaching volleyball; she is cultivating a culture. She`s building a future for the sport where the joy of play is paramount, where inclusivity is a given, and where every participant, regardless of their background or aspirations, feels a sense of belonging and opportunity. Her “second life” in volleyball has indeed just begun, and it promises to be as impactful and inspiring as her first.
