Fresh Head Coach In Jastrzebski, Essential Renewals in Italy

With the dust still settling on the 2025 CEV Champions League Volley, clubs are already hard at work assembling their squads and staff for the next campaign. This week saw elite clubs making headline moves—from Jastrzębski Węgiel’s appointment of a new head coach to key contract renewals across Italy, and many more.

Without a doubt, the biggest announcement came from #CLVolleyM semifinalist Jastrzębski Węgiel, since they have confirmed Andrzej Kowal as its new head coach for the upcoming season. Kowal, 54, is a respected figure in Polish volleyball, having spent ten years at Asseco Resovia Rzeszów—first as a player and then as head coach—guiding the team to multiple Polish Championship titles, a Polish Super Cup, and deep runs in both the CEV Cup and Champions League finals. He steered Cuprum Stilon Gorzów to PlusLiga safety last year. His arrival marks the first time since 2006 that a Polish coach has permanently taken the reins at Jastrzębski.

In Italian #CLVolleyW squads, Savino Del Bene Scandicci welcomed American outside hitter Avery Skinner after two standout seasons at Chieri—including a 2023–24 CEV Cup triumph—and a silver medal with Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the reigning CEV Champions League Volley titleholder Imoco Volley Conegliano then strengthened its core by confirming Cristina Chirichella for 2025–26 as well and Numia Vero Volley Milano also secured national team captain Anna Danesi for a fifth season. The Olympic gold medalist in Paris and two-time VNL champion returns for her second consecutive year after rejoining last season.

Over in Germany, SVG Lüneburg celebrated the return of former captain Jesse Elser. The Canadian outside hitter, 26, skippered Lüneburg to back-to-back CEV Cup finals in 2023–24 before spending a year with Arago de Sète.

Finally, reigning CEV Champions League Volley champions Sir Safety Perugia kicked off their rebuild by signing two promising talents. Federico Crosato, a 2002-born middle blocker arrives after four SuperLega seasons and boasts four youth national titles, and Croatia’s Gabrijel Cvanciger, born in 2003, joins as vice-opposite after debuting in Italy with Grottazzolina. They will surely bring energy and a strong mentality to the Block Devils.

As these clubs finalize their rosters and coaching appointments, the blueprint for the 2025–26 season is taking shape. With seasoned champions, rising stars, and a fresh tactical mind at Jastrzębski Węgiel, fans can expect another electrifying #CLVolleyM and #CLVolleyW season.