Jana Kulan, a former elite volleyball player who competed in ten different countries, has transitioned to coaching with a clear goal: to make volleyball a truly enjoyable experience for everyone. This new journey, though challenging, offers profound fulfillment and satisfaction.
Jana Kulan has taken a bold step to transition from elite player to coach – a move she is enjoying to the fullest!
Earlier this year, Kulan, a former national team standout for Slovakia and Azerbaijan, also joined the European Coaches Commission. Her coaching career began unexpectedly during a difficult period in her personal life. She found that volleyball, even away from elite competition, offered a path to stability. “I was fortunate to attend a FIVB Coaching Course Level 1 in Estonia,” she explains. “The instructor, John Kessel, profoundly impacted my life. I consider him a friend and mentor; his guidance showed me how volleyball could remain central to my life, albeit from a new vantage point.”
Kulan emphasizes that shifting from an elite player to a coach demands a fundamental change in perspective. “As a player, you`re often the center of attention, with many serving your needs,” she notes. “But as a coach, your role is primarily to serve others. You must be the first to arrive, set the atmosphere, and lead by example. It`s an entirely different dynamic.”
Kulan credits her husband, her coaching partner since 2014, for much of her success. “We complement each other wonderfully,” she shares. “He excels at challenging me, people management, team building, and communication, allowing me to focus on tactics and technique.” She stresses the importance of innovative thinking in coaching, recognizing that effective strategies are rarely universal.
Recently Kulan delivered clinics in India, where her lessons were met with much enthusiasm and interest.
Coaching young players, Kulan admits, can be challenging. “My intense competitive drive, common among elite athletes, isn`t always mirrored by the youngsters I coach,” she explains, recalling her time with girls in Czechia who prioritized friendship over competitive achievement. She observes that modern youth face unique pressures from social media, which often present unattainable ideals and amplify the struggle with failure. Kulan believes that sports, especially volleyball, offer a crucial platform for developing resilience, responsibility, and maturity by teaching players how to navigate and grow from setbacks.
Inspired by John Kessel`s influence, Kulan is now dedicated to igniting a similar passion in others. Her recent clinics in India highlighted the strong desire for knowledge among local PE teachers and coaches. “These experiences are incredibly gratifying,” she says, “as I`m eager to share my expertise. It was particularly rewarding when participants told me they hadn`t just learned, but genuinely enjoyed playing volleyball—some for the first time in two decades.”
Kulan believes that emphasizing fun is crucial for volleyball to attract and retain young players amidst stiff competition from other sports. She advocates a revolutionary coaching method: “Instead of focusing weeks on challenging basic skills like overhead passing, we should let kids start with spiking—the most exciting part of the game. This immediate thrill ensures they experience the reward of volleyball from day one, making them more likely to return and stay involved.” She also highlights volleyball`s universal appeal, regardless of physical attributes. To those in India concerned about their shorter stature, she pointed to Japan`s top-tier teams, proving that success isn`t exclusive to height. Kulan also champions Sitting Volleyball, noting its popularity in the Netherlands, where 3,500 out of 4,000 players have no disability, underscoring that volleyball is genuinely a sport for everyone.
Jana`s impressive resume includes also a stint in Vietnam, where she returned to play and acted as coach at the same time as well.
As a female coach, Jana has encountered unique obstacles. She recalls coaching in Türkiye, where she perceived an opponent male coach`s heightened motivation, almost as if it was a personal battle: “I cannot lose to a team coached by a woman!” Recognizing the rarity of female coaches, she applauds FIVB`s initiative to mandate at least one female in team coaching staff. She believes increased visibility will empower more women to pursue coaching. “We need role models, trailblazers to inspire others,” she states, expressing hope that with a truly level playing field, quotas will become obsolete, and all coaches will be judged purely on merit.
Jana projects an image of balanced self-confidence and humility, always eager for new challenges. She draws invaluable insights from her experiences playing and coaching globally, though she understands that successful models aren`t universally transferable. “Japan was exceptional,” she remarks, “with its impeccable organization, disciplined, and respectful players.” In Vietnam, where she served as both coach and player, she rediscovered the sheer joy of volleyball. “These diverse experiences have truly shaped who I am today,” she concludes.
Kulan encapsulates her philosophy with poignant wisdom: “While we can`t control everything, our influence is significant. True leadership in coaching means knowing when to step back, allowing others to contribute, and embracing diverse viewpoints. By challenging yourself, listening intently, and seeking out growth-oriented individuals, you evolve not just as a coach, but as a person. Even in competitive sports driven by success, there’s ample room for inclusivity, where everyone can feel welcome and belong.” Her renewed journey in volleyball has truly just commenced.
