Slovenia is a small country nestled in the heart of Europe with a rich and vibrant volleyball culture. Over the years, Slovenia has produced some of the best volleyball players in the world.
From Olympians to World Champions, Slovenia has had an impressive list of players who have made their mark on the sport. In this article, we will take a look at some of the greatest Slovenian volleyball players of all time.
We will look at their individual accomplishments, their contributions to the sport, and the legacy they have left behind.
1. Klemen Cebulj
Klemen Čebulj is an impressive Slovenian volleyball player who has achieved great success with both his club team, Asseco Resovia, and with the Slovenian national team.
With Slovenia, he has been a part of the team for the past several years and has been a runner-up in the European Volleyball Championship three times, in 2015, 2019, and 2021. This is a huge accomplishment and speaks to Čebulj’s talent and skill as a volleyball player.
He is a versatile player and has been able to help his team achieve success on many different levels. He has been part of several teams that have gone on to win championships and he has also helped lead the Slovenian national team to success.
He is a great player and a great ambassador for the sport of volleyball.
2. Gregor Ropret
Gregor Ropret is a Slovenian volleyball player who has achieved great success in the sport. He is a member of the Slovenian national volleyball team and the Italian club Sir Safety Perugia.
With Slovenia, he has been the runner-up in the European Volleyball Championship three times, in 2015, 2019 and 2021. This is an impressive feat, especially considering the high level of competition in European volleyball.
Ropret is undoubtedly a talented and successful athlete, and his performances with Slovenia and Sir Safety Perugia have earned him great respect in the volleyball world.
He has become an inspiration to many aspiring volleyball players, and his determination and hard work have paid off in the form of three consecutive runner-up finishes in the European Volleyball Championship.
3. Eva Pavlović Mori
Eva Pavlović Mori is an accomplished volleyball player from Slovenia. She plays the setter position and is a member of the Slovenia women’s national volleyball team.
Her impressive career includes competing at the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship. Eva’s volleyball career began when she was young. She played with her local club, and eventually made her way onto the national team.
Since then, she has been a key player for her country’s volleyball team. Eva has been praised for her leadership and her strong defensive play. At the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship, Eva Pavlović Mori shined.
She was a key contributor in helping her team reach the quarterfinals. Her performance earned her recognition as one of the top players in the tournament. Eva Pavlović Mori is an impressive volleyball player who has represented Slovenia with pride.
Her dedication to the sport and her accomplishments make her an exemplary role model for young volleyball players everywhere. She is a testament to what hard work and determination can accomplish.
4. Saša Planinšec
Saša Planinšec is an accomplished Slovenian female volleyball player. She is currently playing as a middle-blocker for Aydın Büyükşehir Belediyespor, a professional volleyball club in Turkey.
Planinšec has been an active volleyball player since her teenage years and has represented her native Slovenia in international competitions.
In 2016, she helped lead her team to a bronze medal in the European Championship. Throughout her career, Planinšec has demonstrated an impressive level of skill and agility, making her an invaluable asset to her team’s success.
Her ability to accurately anticipate the opponent’s moves and her quick reflexes allow her to be an effective blocker.
She also has the physical strength necessary to outmatch her opponents at the net. Planinšec has received numerous accolades for her efforts, such as being named Slovenian Player of the Year in 2016 and being named to the All-Star team at the 2017 European Championship.
She is considered one of the best middle-blockers in Europe and is a respected leader on her team. Her impressive performance on the court has helped Aydın Büyükşehir Belediyespor to achieve success in Turkey’s top division.
5. Jan Kozamernik
Jan Kozamernik is a highly talented volleyball player from Slovenia. He currently plays for the Italian club Trentino Volley and the Slovenia national team.
At the national level, he has achieved great success, having been a runner-up in the European Volleyball Championship three times in total, in the years 2015, 2019, and 2021.
His impressive performance has made him an important part of the team and has helped Slovenia gain recognition in the international volleyball arena.
Kozamernik has also become a role model for aspiring Slovenian volleyball players, inspiring them to reach their highest potential.
6. Tine Urnaut
Tine Urnaut is a professional volleyball player from Slovenia. He currently plays for the team JTEKT Stings and is also part of the Slovenian national team.
Urnaut has had great success with the Slovenian national team, being the runner-up in three European Volleyball Championships. This includes 2015, 2019 and 2021. Urnaut has become a star player for the team, with his impressive performances in the European Championships.
He is a key player for the Slovenian team and is highly regarded by his teammates and opponents alike. Urnaut’s success in the European Championships has not only made him a star in Slovenia but also internationally.
He is one of the most recognized players in the world of volleyball and his accomplishments will no doubt be remembered for years to come.
7. Dejan Vinčić
Dejan Vinčić is a highly accomplished Slovenian volleyball player. He currently plays for the German club VfB Friedrichshafen and is also a part of the Slovenian national team.
Vinčić has had tremendous success with the Slovenian national team, having been the runner-up of the European Volleyball Championship on three occasions. He was part of the second-place team in 2015, 2019 and 2021.
This is an incredible feat and speaks to the immense talent and hard work Vinčić has put in over the years. He is a great example of a dedicated athlete, and his commitment to the sport is something to be admired.
8. Urban Toman
Urban Toman is a professional volleyball player from Slovenia. He currently plays for OK Budva in the Slovenian Volleyball League and for the Slovenian National Volleyball Team.
Toman has had success throughout his career and was part of the Slovenian National Team that competed in the 2017 Men’s European Volleyball Championship. During the championship, Toman and the Slovenian team were able to make it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated.
Toman has also won multiple awards and honors throughout his career, including the Slovenian Volleyball Player of the Year award in 2012. He is also an active member in the Slovenian volleyball community, participating in various events and activities throughout the country.
Toman is an impressive player and his accomplishments are a testament to his dedication and hard work.
9. Tonček Štern
Tonček Štern is a professional volleyball player from Slovenia who currently plays for the Greek club Olympiacos and the Slovenian national team.
He has been part of the Slovenian team since 2019 and has been a key component of their success in the European Volleyball Championship. In 2019, he helped Slovenia reach the finals of the tournament, where they eventually lost to France.
Two years later in 2021, Tonček and Slovenia were again in the finals, and this time they were the runners-up, losing to Italy. His impressive performance has made him a key member of the Slovenian national team and his contributions have been invaluable.
Tonček’s dedication and hard work have earned him the respect of his team and fans alike, and he will continue to be a major part of the Slovenian national volleyball team for years to come.
10. Mitja Gasparini
Mitja Gasparini is a former Slovenian volleyball player who has had a successful career with the Slovenia national team. He was part of the team that finished runner-up at the European Championship in 2015 and 2019.
This is a great accomplishment for Gasparini, as the European Championship is one of the most prestigious volleyball tournaments in the world.
The Slovenian team have consistently performed well at the tournament, and Gasparini’s contributions have been a key part of their success.
His efforts have earned him recognition from the volleyball community, and he will be remembered as one of Slovenia’s greatest volleyball players.
11. Diko Purić
Diko Purić is an accomplished male volleyball player from Slovenia. He currently plays for the Slovenian team Calcit Volley. Diko has a strong presence in the world of professional volleyball and has represented Slovenia in various competitions.
In 2016, he competed in the FIVB Volleyball World League as a member of the Slovenian national team. His efforts helped the team to achieve a respectable finish in the tournament. Diko Purić is a talented player with the ability to make a difference on the court.
He is a great asset to the Calcit Volley and to the Slovenian national team.
12. Klemen Hribar
Klemen Hribar is a professional Slovenian volleyball player. He plays as Libero in the Slovenia men’s national volleyball team. He has participated in numerous tournaments and events throughout his career, the first of which was the 2006–07 Youth European Championships.
His impressive performance in that tournament led to him being selected as part of the national team. Since then, Hribar has been an integral part of the Slovenian national team, playing an important role in their successes.
He has helped the team to numerous medals in competitions such as the CEV European League and CEV European Championship. As Libero, Hribar is responsible for defending the floor and covering the backcourt, as well as providing a supportive role in the offense.
His defensive prowess and ability to read the court have made him an invaluable asset to the team. Hribar has also received individual recognition for his skill and achievements.
He was named Slovenian Player of the Year in 2010 and recently made the All-Star team of the 2013 CEV European League. He is certainly a player to watch as the Slovenian men’s team continues to make its mark on the international stage.
13. Aleš Kök
Aleš Kök is a Slovenian male volleyball player and has been a part of the Slovenia men’s national volleyball team for some time. He had the opportunity to represent his country on the big stage at the 2015 Men’s European Volleyball Championship.
It was a remarkable experience for Aleš, as he was able to demonstrate his skills, such as great agility and teamwork. At club level, Aleš plays for Astec Triglav, an organization that has seen many successes in recent years.
Aleš has been an integral part of the team and has played a major role in its success. He has helped the team in multiple ways, such as his impressive passing ability and willingness to give his all for the team. With his help, the team has won several championships and cups.
Aleš Kök is a great example of a dedicated athlete who puts in the hard work and dedication to achieve his goals. His commitment and passion for volleyball has been recognized by his team, and he is looked up to by his peers and fans alike.
He is an important part of the volleyball community in Slovenia and a great role model for aspiring young volleyball players.
14. Žiga Donik
Žiga Donik is a professional volleyball player from Slovenia. He currently plays for Merkur Maribor, a volleyball team in Maribor, Slovenia.
In 2016, Donik had the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage when he was selected to be part of the Slovenian national volleyball team that competed in the FIVB Volleyball World League.
This tournament featured some of the best teams and players from all over the world, and Žiga was able to show off his skills and help his team make it to the finals.
He has since gone on to become one of the most successful players from Slovenia, and his story is an inspiring one for aspiring volleyball players.
15. Miha Bregar
Miha Bregar is a Slovenian male volleyball player who is currently part of the Slovenia men’s national volleyball team. He plays the position of Middle Blocker, which is a position that is typically responsible for both offensive and defensive blocks.
Miha has had a successful career, appearing in two major European Championships. In 2011, he competed in the CEV Youth Volleyball European Championship, and in 2012 he competed in the CEV Junior Volleyball European Championship.
At the club level, Miha plays for Mok Krka, a Slovenian team. He has been an important part of the team’s success and has proven to be a reliable athlete. He is a gifted volleyball player, and his presence on the court is often a great asset to his team.
16. Žiga Štern
Žiga Štern is an accomplished professional volleyball player from Slovenia who plays as an outside hitter for Ślepsk Malow Suwałki. He has also represented his country in the European Championship on two separate occasions.
In 2019 and 2021, Štern competed with the Slovenia national team, helping them to secure a second-place finish on both occasions. His skill and determination were integral to his team’s success, and he has become a key player for the Slovenian national team.
Štern is well known for his agility and powerful serve, as well as his ability to read the game and make strategic decisions on the court. He is also one of the leading players in the Slovenian volleyball scene, having earned numerous individual honors and accolades.
His presence on the court has been a major factor in Slovenia’s success in the European Championship, and he will no doubt continue to make a positive impact on the team’s future performances.
17. Sašo Štalekar
Sašo Štalekar is a Slovenian professional volleyball player. He is a part of the Slovenian national team and plays the position of middle blocker. This position requires a player to block any shots that come from the opposing team.
Štalekar is also currently playing for the Berlin Recycling Volleys, a professional team in the German Bundesliga, where he has been for the past several years.
He has been a key contributor to the team’s success as he has helped them win multiple championships and make several playoff appearances. As a member of the Slovenian national team, Štalekar has helped them to the finals of the European Championship on multiple occasions.
His talent and leadership have been essential in helping his team achieve success.
18. Anita Sobočan
Anita Sobočan is a retired professional volleyball player from Slovenia. She was a wing spiker, a position specialized for attacking the opponent’s court from the right or left side of the net.
Sobočan was a member of the Slovenia women’s national volleyball team, a team that has won several European championships. Sobočan’s career highlight was her participation in the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship.
This tournament is an annual event and one of the most prestigious volleyball competitions in the world. Teams from all across Europe compete in a double-elimination tournament to become the European champions.
During the tournament, Sobočan made a strong contribution to her team and Slovenia eventually won the championship for the first time in their history. Sobočan’s performance in the tournament was an important part of her career.
It was a fitting end to her sports career, and she retired shortly after. Her success and contribution to the sport of volleyball will never be forgotten.
19. Anja Zdovc
Anja Zdovc is a Slovenian female volleyball player who plays as an outside spiker in the national volleyball team. She is an experienced player who has achieved great feats in her career. This includes competing in the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship.
On the club level, Anja plays for Vennelles VB, where she has had great success both in the short and long term. Anja is a great example of a player who has taken her career to the highest level and has continued to strive for greatness in the sport.
She is an inspiration to many female volleyball players across the world, and her determination and dedication to the sport is something that many people can learn from.
20. Alen Pajenk
Alen Pajenk is a professional volleyball player from Slovenia who plays for Olympiacos Praeus and the Slovenian national team. He is a highly accomplished player, having been a part of the Slovenian national team in the European Volleyball Championship three times.
In 2015, 2019 and 2021, he and his team were the runner-up, narrowly missing the championship title. Pajenk has played a key role in Slovenia’s success in the European Volleyball Championship.
His skill and dedication on the court have been a crucial part of their success, and he has been an integral part of the team’s achievements. He has shown tremendous dedication and commitment to the sport, and he is an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Pajenk’s success in the European Volleyball Championship has made him a highly respected player in the volleyball world. His teammates and opponents alike are impressed by his talent and skill.
His success has also earned him recognition from the international volleyball community, and he has been featured in numerous magazines and articles. Alen Pajenk is a perfect example of what dedication and hard work can do for a player and a team.
His success has been an inspiration to many, and he has shown that with the right attitude and commitment, one can achieve great things. He is a true testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
21. Alen Šket
Alen Šket is a professional volleyball player from Slovenia. He currently plays for ACH Volley, one of Slovenia’s top teams, and is also a member of the national volleyball team. Šket has been a part of the Slovenian volleyball scene since 2011 when he joined ACH Volley.
Since then, he has established himself as one of the top players in the country, and has become an integral part of the Slovenia national team.Šket has played a vital role in the success of the national team, helping them to a number of major international tournaments successes.
He was part of the team that won gold at the 2015 European Games and also played in the 2017 FIVB World League, where Slovenia won bronze in the competition.
Šket also contributed to the team’s silver medal finish at the 2019 European Championship. The talented Šket is known for his excellent technique and court awareness and is highly respected in the volleyball world.
He is an important part of the Slovenian team and is key to their success both at home and abroad.
22. Jani Kovačič
Jani Kovačič is an accomplished volleyball player from Slovenia. He currently plays as a libero for ACH Volley, a Slovenian volleyball club, and is also part of the Slovenian national team.
In 2015, Kovačič represented Slovenia in the European Championship, a prestigious international competition. During the tournament, Kovačič showcased his impressive defensive and passing skills, making him an integral part of the team.
His strong performance helped the team to a successful finish in the tournament. Kovačič’s commitment to the sport of volleyball has earned him the respect and admiration of fans around the world.
23. Gheorghe Crețu
Gheorghe Crețu is a highly respected figure in the world of professional volleyball. He is from Romania, and he has had a long and successful career as both a player and a coach.
As a player, Crețu was renowned for his dedication and hard work, and while his playing career has come to an end, his coaching career is still going strong. Currently, Crețu is the head coach of the Slovenia national team.
He has been in this position since 2018 and has already achieved some impressive results. He has helped the team to reach the semifinals of the European Volleyball Championship and the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Crețu’s experience and knowledge of the game are invaluable to the team, and they have benefited greatly from his leadership. Crețu is a respected figure in the volleyball world, and his dedication to the sport is evident.
He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success, and his story is an inspiration to aspiring volleyball players and coaches.
24. Danijel Koncilja
Danijel Koncilja is a prominent volleyball player who hails from Slovenia. He currently plays for ACH Volley, a club based in Slovenia.
Danijel has had the opportunity to represent his country on the global stage, competing for the Slovenian national team at the 2015 Men’s European Volleyball Championship. He has worked hard to achieve success and has been an important part of the team’s success.
He is highly respected both on and off the court and is an important part of the team’s morale. Danijel is a talented athlete who continues to strive for greatness and bring honor to his country.
25. Jan Klobučar
Jan Klobučar is an accomplished volleyball player from Slovenia. He has been a member of the Slovenian national team since 2015 and has represented his country at numerous international competitions.
At the club level, he has played for United Volleys Rhein-Main in Germany since 2015. During his time there, he has been an integral part of the team’s success, leading them to multiple championships.
He is renowned for his strong passing and defensive abilities, as well as his leadership skills. Klobučar has been credited with helping to develop the game of volleyball in Slovenia and is an inspiration to young players in the country.
His commitment to the sport, and his dedication to the national team, make him a respected figure in the volleyball world.
26. Mark Lebedew
Mark Lebedew is an Australian professional volleyball coach who has been making waves in the sport for many years. He has a long and distinguished career in the sport, having coached teams in Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.
His current position is as the head coach of the German team VfB Friedrichshafen. This team is a powerhouse in European volleyball, having won numerous championships over the years.
Under Lebedew’s guidance, they have become one of the top teams in the world. As a coach, Mark Lebedew is known for his innovative and creative approach to the game.
He is a firm believer in the power of teamwork and has developed strategies that focus on a cohesive attack and defense. He is also an advocate for the development of young players, regularly organizing training sessions to teach the fundamentals of the game.
This has led to the steady improvement of the team’s performance over the years. Above all, Mark Lebedew is a passionate and dedicated coach who works tirelessly to ensure the best possible experience for his players.
He is committed to helping them reach their full potential and has been instrumental in leading VfB Friedrichshafen to success.
27. Jan Pokeršnik
Jan Pokeršnik is a highly accomplished Slovenian male volleyball player. He is a member of the Slovenia Men’s National Volleyball Team, representing his home country in international competitions.
In 2015, Pokeršnik competed in the Men’s European Volleyball Championship, a prestigious tournament held annually. At the club level, Pokeršnik plays for Beauvais Oise UC, a French club based in Oise, France.
He has helped the club achieve success in recent years and is an integral part of its roster.
Pokeršnik’s skill and dedication have made him an important part of both his country’s national team and his club team, and he has been a major contributor to the success of both teams.
28. Mojca Božič
Mojca Božič is a Slovenian female volleyball player who plays as a middle blocker. She is a member of the Slovenia women’s national volleyball team and has previously competed in the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship.
On the club level, she currently plays for OK Kamnik, one of the top teams in Slovenia. Božič has enjoyed a successful career as a volleyball player, both on the international and national level.
At the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship, she was an important member of the Slovenian team, helping them to a fourth-place finish.
On the club level, she has been playing for OK Kamnik since 2015, where she has earned a reputation as one of the most consistent players in the league. Božič is a highly respected volleyball player in Slovenia, and her commitment to the sport has been recognized by many.
She is a leader on the court, and her dedication to the game is evident in the way she plays.
Her passion for volleyball is clear, and she is an inspiration to many young players in the country. Through her achievements, Mojca Božič has become an important figure in the Slovenian volleyball scene.
She is a talented player who has worked hard to reach the highest levels of the game. Her success is a testament to her dedication to the sport, and she is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
29. Alberto Giuliani
Alberto Giuliani is an Italian professional volleyball coach who currently holds the position of head coach for the Turkey national team and the club team Hebar Pazardzhik.
He has been involved in volleyball at a high level for many years, beginning with his role as assistant coach for the Italian men’s team from 1994 to 1998. He has also held numerous head coaching positions in Italy, Russia, and China.
Giuliani’s most recent success came in 2016 when he led Hebar Pazardzhik to the Bulgarian league title. This accomplishment then led to his appointment as the head coach of the Turkey national team in 2017.
Giuliani has a highly successful track record as a coach, and his experience and knowledge have been invaluable for the Turkish team. He has helped them reach new heights, and they will be looking to him for guidance as they continue to grow and develop.
30. Božidar Vučićević
Božidar Vučićević is a professional volleyball player from Serbia. He has been part of the Slovenian club ACH Volley for some time now, and he has won the Serbian Championship three times. Currently, he is playing for Arkaz in the Turkish National Volleyball Ligue.
Božidar has established himself as a talented volleyball player with his consistent performance in the tournaments. He has a great sense of the game and knows how to make the most of every opportunity.
His team has been able to make it to the finals of various leagues due to his performance. He is an important part of his team and they look up to him for his leadership and skill on the court..
31. Lucille Charuk
Lucille “Lucy” Charuk is a Canadian volleyball player who had the chance to represent her country at the 2014 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Italy.
She was part of the Canadian national team for the competition, showing her immense talent and dedication to the sport. Charuk was also a student at the University of Houston, where she was able to hone her volleyball skills and become a better player.
She was able to use the knowledge and experience she gained at the university to become one of the best players in Canada.
Charuk has proven to be an excellent volleyball player who is not only dedicated to the sport but also has the skills and determination to reach the highest levels of success.
Conclusion
The best volleyball players in Slovenia have shown that they are capable of competing with the best players in the world. They have made a name for themselves in the international stage and have helped to put Slovenian volleyball on the map.
Their determination, skill, and dedication to the sport have made them some of the best players in the world. They have set the bar high for future generations of volleyball players in Slovenia.
