Slovenia announces Best Volleyball Players and Coaches of 2025

The Volleyball Federation of Slovenia (OZS) recently revealed the winners of its annual awards for 2025, following a vote combining over 2,663 online ballots cast from fans with the input from expert commissions for Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, and Sitting Volleyball. These awards celebrate exceptional performances across all disciplines, underscoring Slovenia’s growing strength in Volleyball on the European and world stage.

Volleyball
Jan Kozamernik was named Men’s Player of the Year. The 30-year-old middle blocker captained Slovenia to fourth place in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), eventually earning a spot in the VNL Finals Dream Team. He ranked as one of the top blockers globally this past year. At club level, he contributed to TRENTINO Itas silver medal at the FIVB Club World Championship, along with other domestic and European honours, before moving to Japan’s Tokyo Great Bears. 

Nika Milošič claimed the Women’s Player of the Year award for the first time. The 20-year-old middle blocker helped OTP banka Branik MARIBOR win the Slovenian championship and played a pivotal role in Slovenia’s historic debut at the FIVB Women’s World Championship in Thailand, where she excelled as one of the top blockers and servers. Her standout national team performances led to her first contract abroad with French champions LEVALLOIS PARIS Saint-Cloud. 

Beach Volleyball
Danijel Pokeršnik earned Men’s Beach Player of the Year honours, reflecting his long-standing dominance with a record number of national titles and consistent results on the Beach Pro Tour. Živa Javornik was selected as Women’s Beach Player of the Year for the first time in her career. Partnering with Tajda Lovšin, she secured gold at the Bujumbura Futures event, bronze in Cervia, and silver at the CEV Beach Volley European Cup, alongside a second-place finish for Slovenia in the first round of the CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup. 

Sitting Volleyball
Matjaž Majdič received the Men’s Sitting Player of the Year award for the first time, after captaining Slovenia to gold at the CEV European Championship Division C, thereby securing promotion to Division B in 2026. Tija Vrhovnik was named Women’s Sitting Player of the Year for the first time. She led the team as captain to fourth places in both the Nations League and European Championship, while also contributing to much success for her club.  

Coaching Awards
Žiga Kos was honoured as Women’s Coach of the Year for leading OTP banka Branik MARIBOR to the national title, while Matjaž Hafner received the Men’s Coach of the Year award for guiding ACH Volley LJUBLJANA to a domestic double with national league and cup wins.