Czech Republic’s Triumph on the Sand: FIVB Empowerment Propels a Nation to Olympic Glory

The Czech Republic has long been a passionate supporter of beach volleyball, a sport deeply rooted in the nation’s tradition and spirit. Post-Tokyo 2020, the Czech Volleyball Federation (CVF) faced the daunting task of rebuilding their team. Their solution? Pairing seasoned veteran Barbora Hermannova with rising talent Marie-Sara Stochlova, a decision that planted the seeds of an extraordinary journey.

This bold move was bolstered by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Program, which introduced the internationally renowned coach Sebastian Menegozzo to their team. This collaboration laid the foundation for success, culminating in Challenger medals and a coveted qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Building a New Era

“We had a team of two blockers with no prior experience in defence, paired with a player who had never competed at the top level before,” Menegozzo recalls. “Marie made her debut at the FIVB Challenger in March 2022—our first appearance as a national team.”

For Hermannova, who has been a professional player since 2011, the Empowerment Program marked a turning point:
“As a player starting from scratch, I’ve never seen a project like this. It allowed us to fully focus on beach volleyball without financial worries, thanks to the support provided for our coach’s salary,” she shares.

Thriving Under Pressure

While Hermannova brought experience, Stochlova continued to grow under the guidance of the program. “The challenge of being a professional athlete is significant,” she notes. “But this support enabled me to take big steps forward.”

Their journey was enhanced by international exposure, with training camps in Tenerife providing opportunities to compete with Europe’s best teams. Menegozzo highlights, “The chance to train with elite teams accelerated our development significantly.”

Medals, Milestones, and Motivation

From 2022 onwards, the Czech team claimed an impressive haul of medals:

• Silver at the Beach Pro Tour Challenger in Agadir
• Gold in Dubai
• Bronze in Edmonton

However, their crowning achievement was securing a spot at Paris 2024.

Hermannova reflects, “We’ve won FIVB medals, qualified for the Olympics, and become Czech champions twice. This wouldn’t have been possible without the Empowerment Program.”

Transformative Impact of Empowerment

The program’s influence extended beyond the court. Local coaches gained insight into world-class training methods, fostering growth at the grassroots level.

“This initiative doesn’t just empower players; it inspires the entire volleyball community,” Menegozzo explains. Hermannova adds, “It allows young coaches to learn from top-tier professionals, enhancing the sport’s future in the Czech Republic.”

A Passion That Fuels Success

For the team, beach volleyball is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. Menegozzo emphasizes, “Every training session, competition, and journey feels as exciting as the first.”

Hermannova agrees, “It’s been my passion, job, and challenge for over a decade.” Stochlova succinctly sums it up: “It’s the sport we love.”

The team is committed to maintaining momentum as they prepare for the next chapter. “Without Empowerment, qualifying for Paris would’ve been unlikely,” says Menegozzo. “This program made our Olympic dream a reality.”

Hermannova adds, “My third Olympics feels like the culmination of our journey, but it’s also a stepping stone for the future.”

With aspirations of fielding two teams at the next Summer Olympics, the Czech Republic is poised to continue its ascent in beach volleyball, propelled by the unwavering support of FIVB Empowerment.

“The dream is alive, and the future is bright.