Nataliia Klimenova: From Pro Volleyball to Coaching the Next Generation

Discover the volleyball journey of Nataliia Klimenova — from learning the sport in Eastern Europe, to playing professional volleyball overseas, competing in U SPORTS at Mount Royal University in Canada, and now coaching the next generation through Natke Volleyball.

In this interview, Nataliia shares:

How she discovered volleyball and developed strong fundamentals

What life is really like playing professional volleyball in Europe

Her experience as a student-athlete in Canada

The vision and training philosophy behind Natke Volleyball coaching

If you're a volleyball player, parent, or coach looking for player development guidance, this conversation provides actionable insight into skill progression, mindset, and long-term growth in volleyball.

👉 Learn or train with Natke Volleyball: natkevolleyball.com/about-us

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0:00
4:45 Where is NK from
5:15 Discovering Volleyball *
6:40 What is the hook from volleyball **
9:54 Where does women volleyball rank in Ukraine
11:30 mens Ukraine team results at the VNLs this past summer
13:40 Early volleyball mentors for NK *
17:10 Escaping the War and an opp to play volleyball at MRU *
18:30 Libero dev impact delayed but being forced to be a setter
19:00 Playing pro Beach **
20:25 Path to Istanbul ** Crazy story
23:40 Training camps modelled after RUSSIA **
25:50 Too short for a setter - Libero crazy practice **
28:00 An opportunity opens **
37:30 Early specializations *
39:30 No receive balls overhead in Canada early ages **
40:00 Using lighter balls discussions for youth *
41:50 Tipping and blocking discussions **
45:20 Raising your vball IQ **
48:40 looking at your passer to read where the pass is going **
50:15 NK path to Canada ** NCAA vs U Sport
52:50 UC out because had red colors **
53:50 Needed to work on her English for MRU req*
56:25 level play the 1st year at Usport **
58:30 Competitiveness EU vs CAN **
1:00:00 Transition from EU to CA - especially w younger players **
1:02:10 It was a struggle as a student on a student visa **
1:03:30 Perspective in canada while was was going on in Ukraine **
1:07:40 adapting to different cultures - Dustin Watten **
1:09:10 Emma's concussion **
1:10:15 NK dealing w hecklers **
1:13:15 Semis match Emma **
1:14:10 MVP but had to be drug tested **
1:15:05 When did the coaching bug bite **
1:20:10 Another door opened ** Birth of NATKE
1:23:55 Adding a Setter coach to the business *
1:25:50 This is what its all about **
1:27:00 Seeing the growth of past players and the connection **
1:29:10 Karch **
1:30:15 Talking to Karch
1:30:43 Opp to go watch TEAM USA w Karch **
1:32:10 USA Gym so welcoming l **
1:33:10 Its about the kids
1:33:40 Running a drill w Karch **
1:36:20 Reflecting ****
1:37:35 Tamari comes to Natke **
1:39:50 Changing coaching style **
1:40:10 Bringing a healthier environment to coaching **
1:42:00 Another rewarding moment working w player **
1:45:44 What stood out to NK about the Team USA Karch experience **
1:51:05 This is not how we training in the TEAM USA gym **
1:52:20 Drills or communications habits NK took away from the TEAM USA Experience ***
1:54:20 2 coaches on every court helping out ***
1:56:10 Setter takeaways **
1:58:00 cultivating respectful competitive environments **
2:00:50 Most rewarding part of coaching **
2:01:30 What is NATKE **
2:03:30 Pre game rituals **
2:05:20 Resetting **
2:06:00 Mental approach **
2:07:45 External grounding wiggling toes **
2:13:40 punishments **
2:15:20 Kawika and Erik **
2:17:10 Kawika setter training **
2:18:20 TJ sanders setting **
2:19:35 Some of the little things that helped NK be a better passer **
2:20:15 platform is a racket **
2:21:55 Trex arms **
2:24:10 Know you servers before the game and read the serve before it crosses the net **
2:25:40 Ask the players questions vs give them answers **
2:28:10 Hitters lessons - Victor
2:29:50 Middle in 5 *****
2:31:40 head coaches shouldn't look at private coaches as competition ***
2:34:20 Toughest position in volleyball **
2:36:40 mason Brigg **
2:39:20 Away from volleyball
2:40:00 Who is next - tama