Orefice to lead Slovenia women at least until 2026

The Volleyball Federation of Slovenia (OZS) and the head coach of the Slovenian women’s national team, Alessandro Orefice, have extended their collaboration. The Italian coach will guide the team, which is set to make its historic debut at the World Championship in Thailand later this year, at least until the end of 2026.

The Slovenian women’s volleyball team will face an eventful international season. It will begin with preparations in May, followed by matches in the European Golden League in June and July. In early August, the Slovenians will compete in the CEV EuroVolley 2026 qualifiers and the season’s highlight will be their debut at the World Championship in Thailand, taking place from August 22 to September 7. 

Alessandro Orefice, who took over the team last year, will lead the players through these three challenges and even further beyond. The president of the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia, Metod Ropret, revealed the decision to extend his contract until at least the end of the 2026 season: “I am happy that we have agreed on a contract extension with Alessandro. We are aware that we hired him during an incredibly challenging period and that he faced a difficult situation, one unlike anything women’s Volleyball in Slovenia had experienced before. With his enthusiasm and energy, Alessandro convinced the players to follow his lead, bringing some of our best players back to the team. I am confident that his energy will continue to drive the team’s growth, especially as we prepare for our first World Championship appearance. I am confident that Slovenian women’s volleyball has many bright moments ahead.”

Orefice also expressed his excitement about the extended collaboration: “I am truly happy, honoured, and proud that the federation’s leadership offered me a contract extension. When I took over the team last year, we started practically from scratch and achieved a lot in just four months. Moving forward, I want to continue developing this team in the right direction, and I firmly believe we can be among the leading teams in the competitions that lie ahead. I am highly motivated to keep working, and this extension allows me to focus not just on short-term goals but also on mid- and long-term objectives.”

Orefice closely follows the performances of Slovenian players in international leagues as well as in their domestic championship. He is confident that the national team has talented players and a bright future ahead: “I am keeping a close eye on the Italian, Polish, German, Russian, and Romanian leagues, as well as the Slovenian league. I also watched the Slovenian Cup final. I try to stay updated on the players’ form and have already been in contact with some of them about the upcoming national team season. I believe this summer will be very different from last year, as the players are eager to join the team. I am already looking forward to the positive atmosphere and the hard work that awaits us.”