In the demanding world of professional sports, transitions are often fraught with uncertainty. Yet, for Jana Kulan, a name once synonymous with elite volleyball play across ten different nations, her journey from the court to the coaching bench represents not an end, but a vibrant new beginning. Her mission? To infuse the sport she loves with an undeniable element of joy, transforming how young players experience and embrace volleyball.
From Elite Player to Dedicated Mentor
The shift from athlete to mentor, as Kulan profoundly puts it, requires a complete paradigm change. As a player, one often finds themselves at the center of attention, with a support system catering to their needs. The coaching role, however, demands a reversal: “You are there primarily to serve others,” she states, a stark reminder that the spotlight now belongs elsewhere. It’s an early start, a tone-setting presence, an entirely different game.
This profound revelation came partly through a serendipitous encounter at a FIVB Coaching Course Level 1 in Estonia, guided by the legendary John Kessel. Kessel`s insights didn`t just reframe Kulan`s perspective; they reignited her passion, showing her a new path to impact the sport. Her journey is also a shared one, benefiting immensely from coaching alongside her husband since 2014. Their dynamic partnership allows Kulan to hone in on technical and tactical nuances, while her husband excels in team building and communication – a truly complementary synergy that highlights the importance of diverse strengths in leadership.
Navigating the Modern Youth Landscape
Coaching youngsters today, Kulan observes, presents its own unique set of complexities. The competitive fire that fueled her elite career isn`t always mirrored by her proteges, many of whom simply seek camaraderie with friends. This divergence isn`t a deficit; it`s a reflection of a vastly different social landscape. Today’s digital age, with its relentless pursuit of curated perfection on social media, often leaves young minds ill-equipped to handle setbacks. “Youngsters seem to struggle to deal with failure,” she notes, a poignant observation that underscores a critical void in their development.
Yet, Kulan sees this as volleyball’s profound opportunity. Through the sport, children can learn not just how to win, but crucially, how to navigate loss, to rise stronger from defeat, and to forge resilience essential for a well-rounded life. It’s a subtle yet powerful lesson that transcends the scoreboards, building character that extends far beyond the court.
The “Fun-First” Philosophy: A Game-Changer
Kulan`s most revolutionary insight centers on the very beginning of a player’s journey. Traditional coaching often prioritizes weeks, if not months, of rigorous, sometimes monotonous, technical drills like overhead passing. While vital eventually, these basics can feel like a chore for beginners, stifling natural enthusiasm. Kulan proposes a bold inversion: “Let kids start with spiking – smashing the ball,” she champions. Why? Because the sheer exhilaration of a powerful spike, the immediate reward of hitting the ball with force, is the most potent magnet for retention.
This ‘fun-first’ strategy isn’t about neglecting fundamentals, but about strategically sequencing them. By hooking young players with the sport`s most exciting elements early on, coaches foster a deep-seated love for the game, ensuring they return week after week, eager to master the necessary skills to replicate that initial thrill. It’s a common-sense approach that, regrettably, isn`t always common practice in youth sports development, often prioritizing rote learning over genuine engagement.
Volleyball for Everyone: Embracing Inclusivity
Beyond engagement, Kulan is a passionate advocate for volleyball’s inherent inclusivity. The perception that volleyball is solely for the tall and powerful is a myth she actively dispels. Pointing to Japan`s consistent success in the global arena despite their players` relatively shorter stature, she asserts, “We should look for solutions rather than for excuses.” This perspective champions strategy, teamwork, and agility over brute physical dominance.
Her vision extends even further, embracing disciplines like Sitting Volleyball. She highlights its unexpected popularity in the Netherlands, where a significant majority of its 4,000 players have no disability. This, Kulan argues, is compelling proof that volleyball truly is a sport for everyone, transcending physical limitations and demonstrating its universal appeal.
Breaking Barriers as a Female Coach
Kulan`s journey hasn`t been without its gender-specific hurdles. Recounting an experience in Türkiye, she notes, “The male coach… saw in me an extra motivation – as if the two of us were battling, and not our teams – with an attitude of, ‘I cannot lose to a team coached by a woman!’” This isn`t just an anecdote; it`s a window into the subtle, yet persistent, biases still prevalent in sports. Female coaches remain an “uncommon sight,” making initiatives like FIVB’s decision to mandate at least one female member in coaching staff vital for visibility and representation. “We need role models to look up to, trailblazers showing the way,” Kulan stresses, envisioning a future where merit, not gender, is the sole criterion for judgment.
Global Wisdom and the Art of Leadership
Her extensive playing and coaching career has spanned the globe, offering invaluable insights. Japan’s meticulous organization and player discipline, Vietnam’s rediscovery of sheer fun – each country contributed unique threads to the tapestry of her coaching philosophy. These diverse experiences, Kulan affirms, “have forged me and made me the person I am today,” shaping a leader who balances self-belief with essential humility.
Ultimately, Kulan`s approach to leadership is as profound as her technical acumen. She believes true leadership isn`t about having all the answers, but about creating space for others, listening deeply, and embracing multiple perspectives. “While we cannot control everything, we can influence a great deal,” she concludes. By challenging oneself and fostering growth in others, a coach not only improves their team but also evolves as an individual. In a competitive world where success often seems paramount, Jana Kulan reminds us that there is always “a place for everyone to feel welcome and to fit in.” Indeed, her vibrant `second life` in volleyball has only just begun, promising a future where joy and development go hand-in-hand.
