After a playing career that delivered a world championship, an Olympic bronze medal and two European titles, Jelena Blagojević is applying the same winning mentality to coaching. Now an assistant coach with the Serbian national team and head coach of DevelopRes Rzeszów in Poland, the former international is committed to passing on the lessons she learned over two decades representing her country while helping create more opportunities for women in volleyball coaching.
Volleyball was always going to remain part of Blagojević’s life. Long before her playing career came to an end, she already knew she wanted to stay involved in the sport.
“What motivated me to join the coaching staff was my desire to stay involved in volleyball,” Blagojević said. “I always knew that, after finishing my playing career, I wanted to remain in the sport.”
Having represented Serbia for two decades, she said coaching became the natural next step after retirement.
“I played professional volleyball and represented the Serbian national team for 20 years,” she said. “I competed in two Olympic Games and became a two-time European champion. Volleyball has always been a part of my life.”
Her ambition was always to give back to the sport that shaped her career.
“Even when I was young, I knew that one day, after I retired, I wanted to become a coach and pass on everything I had experienced during my career to the younger generation,” Blagojević said. “I wanted to teach them the way my coaches taught me.”
Representing Serbia continues to hold the same meaning for Blagojević, even though her role has changed from player to coach. She said working with the national team has allowed her to continue learning while remaining part of volleyball at its highest level.
“I was part of the national team for 20 years, and wearing the national jersey and representing your country is always a very special feeling,” she said. “I have always been proud, and now, from the other side of the court, I still feel that same pride.”
She said coaching has provided another opportunity to grow within the game.
“This role gives me valuable experience, allows me to learn from different coaches, and gives me the opportunity to compete again at the highest level of international volleyball.”
Blagojević also welcomed the FIVB initiative to increase the number of women working within national team coaching staffs, saying it creates more opportunities for women to contribute their experience and knowledge to the sport.
“I believe the FIVB’s idea of bringing more women into national team coaching staffs is an excellent initiative, and I am very happy to be part of it,” she said.
She credits her own coaching journey to the opportunities she has received within Serbia’s national programme.
“I was fortunate to join the national team in 2022 with Coach Daniele Santarelli, and after that I continued working with the Serbian National Team,” Blagojević said. “I feel very fortunate to have been part of the national team for several years.”
She hopes more women will follow the same path in the future.
“I am also happy to see more women involved,” she said. “I hope that, in the coming seasons and years, we will see even more women coaches because I truly believe there are many who can bring valuable experience and knowledge to our sport. I hope to see more and more women coaching volleyball.”
Having worked with coaches from different backgrounds throughout her career, Blagojević believes leadership and personality matter more than gender.
“I believe a coach should bring strong leadership, positive energy, and good communication with the players,” she said. “I don’t think gender makes a significant difference.”
She said every coach she has worked with has contributed to her own development.
“As both a player and a coach, I have worked with many different coaches, each with a different approach and mentality, and I have learned something from every one of them,” Blagojević said.
Ultimately, she believes success comes from earning players’ trust.
“In the end, I believe it is more about personality and the ability to give players confidence that they can improve and become great athletes,” she said. “Gender is not the most important factor, but I am convinced that many women coaches have the same qualities as male coaches. I hope that, in the future, we will continue to see positive change.”
That message also shapes the advice she offers to women considering a coaching career.
“Be confident. Be brave. Face everything with courage and do not be afraid,” Blagojević said.
She acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable but believes they should never discourage aspiring coaches.
“We all make mistakes, and we always will, but believe in yourself and share the passion you have for volleyball and everything the sport has given you,” she said. “Keep learning, keep improving, and continue growing in every way.”
Blagojević believes real progress will be measured by the number of women who step into coaching and inspire those who follow.
“I think success will be when we see more women coaches in the future,” she said. “That is the first thing that comes to my mind because I truly believe women coaches can bring new energy and perhaps a new vision for volleyball.”
She also believes their influence will extend well beyond the sidelines.
“I am certain they will also inspire and support the next generation of young women in the sport.”
