Slovenian assistant coach Karmen “Kiki” Kocar is proving that every woman on the sidelines can inspire another to follow. As part of the Czech Republic women’s national team coaching staff at the Volleyball Nations League, she embraces the opportunity to compete at the highest level while showing aspiring coaches that there is a place for women on volleyball’s biggest stage.
“Being part of the national team is a great honour,” Kocar said. “My biggest motivation is the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the world, and I believe the Volleyball Nations League is currently the highest level of competition in volleyball. Just to be part of it, I am very grateful to be here.”
Representing women coaches at the highest level carries a responsibility that extends beyond match results. Kocar hopes her presence on the international stage encourages more women to pursue coaching and demonstrates that opportunities continue to grow.
“Being part of the national team and the Volleyball Nations League is, as I said, a great honour. Just being here and representing women coaches means a great deal to me. I hope we can show other women coaches that this is a great opportunity and that, in the future, we will see more women coaching at the Volleyball Nations League.”
Kocar believes initiatives that support women coaches are already creating meaningful change by opening more doors at the highest level of the sport.
“Yes, I think this initiative has helped a lot. We saw women coaches before these opportunities became available, but I think this initiative has opened the doors even wider. I hope that, in the future, we will see more women coaches competing at the highest level because I believe we can make a real impact on the sport of volleyball.”
She also believes women bring valuable perspectives that strengthen teams, particularly in building relationships with athletes through the emotional highs and lows of elite competition.
“I think every coach brings different experiences and skills to a team and to the players. From my experience, I can speak to the athletes and relate to them in a different way. I can support them through my own experiences, and physically and emotionally it is often easier for us to relate to them. We know that in sport there are many highs and lows, so in certain situations we can connect with them emotionally and help them in a different way.”
Kocar’s message to aspiring women coaches is simple: believe in yourself and keep working towards your goals.
“I would like to tell all young women who want to become coaches: chase your dreams and work hard. Women coaches are needed in our sport, and I believe we can make a significant impact on volleyball.”
Looking ahead, Kocar is optimistic that the growing presence of women coaches will continue to strengthen the sport.
“I think we are already making an impact in volleyball, and over the years I believe we can demonstrate that impact even more. I hope we continue moving in this direction because I truly believe we can help take volleyball to an even higher level.”
