LOVB Nebraska Hires Karmen Kočar as Assistant Coach

The former professional setter joins the team after five years coaching in Hungary.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Volleyball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a volleyball coach on the sidelines, capturing the strategic energy of professional volleyball. — LOVB Nebraska has hired Karmen Kočar as an assistant coach for the 2026-27 season, joining head coach Giannis Athanasopoulos in Omaha. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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LOVB Nebraska has officially hired Karmen Kočar as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2026-27 season. She joins the coaching staff led by Giannis Athanasopoulos, who was named head coach in June 2026.

Why it matters

Kočar brings significant international experience to Omaha after helping lead Vasas Óbuda to multiple domestic championships. Her addition follows the recent hiring of head coach Giannis Athanasopoulos to build the team's professional roster.

Karmen Kočar spent five years coaching at Vasas Óbuda, contributing to five consecutive league titles and four Hungarian Cups. She also brings a 15-year background as a professional setter, including a 2017 German Cup MVP honor.

The players

Karmen Kočar

She is a former professional volleyball setter who has transitioned into coaching roles for national and international teams.

Giannis Athanasopoulos

He is the head coach of LOVB Nebraska who previously worked with Kočar at Vasas Óbuda.

The details

Kočar transitioned into coaching following her 15-year career as a professional athlete. Her resume includes five years as an assistant coach under Giannis Athanasopoulos and experience with the Hungarian and Czech women's national teams.

2016: Kočar graduated from the University of Maribor.
2017: Kočar named German Cup MVP.
2019: Kočar began coaching at University of North Carolina.
June 2026: Giannis Athanasopoulos named LOVB Nebraska head coach.
2026-27 season: Kočar serves as LOVB Nebraska assistant coach.

Season Trajectory

This appointment helps solidify the technical structure of the LOVB Nebraska squad as they prepare for their professional campaign. Establishing a cohesive coaching staff is a critical step in positioning the team to compete effectively within the new league format.

Omaha fans will see a coaching staff with extensive history working together in international competition. The continuity between head coach Athanasopoulos and Kočar is expected to influence the team's tactical style and roster preparation.

The takeaway

The hiring of a coach with extensive title-winning experience in Europe suggests a focus on importing high-level tactical expertise to Omaha. Fans can watch for how this international coaching pedigree impacts the team's performance during the upcoming 2026-27 season.