Slovenian volleyball has been on a steady rise in the past few years. Gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, the country has never really been a major volleyball force. Until 2015.
Ever since the appearance of Autocommerce Bled, the former name of the current capital-based club ACH, and their legendary win against the Italian powerhouse Cimone Modena in the final of the 2006-2007 Top Teams Cup, now known as the CEV Cup, the Slovenian champions and local players have been taken seriously. Its young volleyball structure seems to work fine and now the best Slovenian players compete in top leagues around the world. Andrea Giani, a name that needs no special introduction, was the last addition to a project which captivated all neutral European volleyball fans during the summer.
With some more experienced players at his disposal, Giani was not afraid to rely on a 19-year-old middle blocker throughout 2015. Jan Kozamernik had gradually acquired enough confidence to be a regular starter in the senior team and had his contribution for the country’s two finals this year – the first one won in style versus the FYR of Macedonia at the European League, granting thus Slovenia a ticket to the 2016 FIVB World League, while the second one was lost against France in Sofia at the European Championship. And this is a massive step forward for a country that even had difficulties reaching the final phase of European Championships 10 years ago.
Kozamernik, who has not even turned 20 by the time of writing this article, is a member of a talented cluster who are out there to preserve the legacy of 2015. The middle blocker was part of the team that reached the 4th place at the 2014 CEV U20 European Championship in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. This position qualified Slovenia for the 2015 FIVB U21 World Championship in Mexico where they finished on the respectable 7th place. Jan Kozamernik was the tournament’s second best middle blocker.
The youngster plays his volleyball at the country’s talents incubator ACH Volley Ljubljana but you can be certain that his talent and the already serious achievements in his career will earn him a transfer on a brighter scene soon.
Jan Kozamernik
Born: December 24, 1995
Nationality: Slovenian
Position: Middle blocker
Height: 203 cm
Current club: ACH Volley Ljubljana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-1xNUri3GI
