In the world of international sport, a 31-year hiatus is more than just a gap; it`s a generational shift, a testament to enduring challenges, and, in rare cases, a prelude to a magnificent comeback. Such is the narrative unfolding for Ukraine`s women`s volleyball team, poised to make their long-awaited return to the FIVB World Championship in Thailand. This isn`t merely a participation; it`s an empowered return, a culmination of strategic investments, coaching acumen, and sheer athletic grit.
The Unthinkable Gap: Three Decades in Waiting
To put the 31-year gap into perspective, consider this: only one player from the current Ukrainian squad, the formidable middle blocker Svitlana Dorsman, was even born when her country last competed on this elite global platform in 1994. At that time, she was a mere nine months old, perhaps dreaming of future spikes and blocks from her crib. Now, at 31, Dorsman stands as the seasoned anchor, a living bridge between a distant past and a promising present.
This long absence underscores the magnitude of their qualification for the 2025 World Championship. Having secured their spot as the sixth world-ranked non-qualified team, and currently holding the 15th position in the FIVB World Rankings, Ukraine`s steep ascent is no accident. It is, by all accounts, a meticulously supported journey.
The Catalyst: FIVB Volleyball Empowerment
Behind every remarkable rise, there often lies a crucial enabling force. For Ukraine, this force is the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program. Since 2022, through an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding, this program has been instrumental in sustaining and advancing Ukraine`s indoor and beach volleyball activities. With an allocation of $250,000 for 2025, bringing the total investment from FIVB and Olympic Solidarity to a staggering $901,724 over three years, one might say this isn`t just financial aid; it`s a profound vote of confidence in the nation`s athletic potential.
This substantial support hasn`t just kept the lights on; it has fueled a consistent string of successes:
- CEV European Golden League Champions: Victories in both 2023 and 2025, a clear indicator of regional dominance.
- CEV European Championship: Reaching the round of 16 in 2023.
- Olympic Dream Deferred (Slightly): A sixth-place finish in Pool A of the FIVB Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifier, narrowly missing out on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. A near miss, perhaps, but a testament to their competitive standing.
A New Chapter: Coaching Transitions and Fresh Momentum
The strategic leadership off the court has been as pivotal as the talent on it. Under the guidance of Bulgarian coach Ivan Petkov, Ukraine achieved significant milestones, including the 2023 Golden League title and their Olympic qualification bid. However, as sports narratives often unfold, new chapters bring new leadership. Polish coach Jakub Głuszak took the reins in January of this year, and his impact was immediate and undeniable.
Under Głuszak, Ukraine secured their second European Golden League championship in June, a victory that not only solidified their standing but also propelled them to 15th in the FIVB World Rankings. Crucially, this triumph secured their debut in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), replacing relegated Korea. From being absent from the global stage to securing a spot in one of volleyball`s most prestigious annual competitions – the trajectory is steep, and impressive.
The Vanguard: A Blend of Veterans and Rising Stars
As Ukraine prepares for their World Championship campaign in Pool H alongside titans like Japan, defending champions Serbia, and Cameroon, the spotlight falls on the squad that will carry the nation`s hopes. This team is a compelling mix of seasoned experience and burgeoning talent.
- Svitlana Dorsman: The aforementioned veteran middle blocker, returning to the squad after resting during the European Golden League, will provide crucial defensive stability and leadership at the net alongside Diana Meliushkyna and Uliana Kotar.
- Daria Sharhorodska: Crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of this year’s European Golden League, the setter will be instrumental in orchestrating Ukraine`s offense. Her playmaking ability will be key against top-tier opponents.
- Anna Artyshuk: The opposite hitter has emerged as a consistent and reliable attacking outlet, likely to be one of the first names on Głuszak’s team sheet.
- Krystyna Niemtseva: As captain and starting libero, she will not only lead the squad but also anchor the team`s crucial reception and floor defense.
- Yuliia Dymar & Oleksandra Milenko: These outside hitters displayed remarkable consistency over the summer, and their form will be vital as the team embarks on this global adventure.
Their World Championship journey begins against Serbia on August 23rd, followed by Japan on August 25th, and concludes their pool phase against Cameroon on August 27th. Each match will be a rigorous test, but the team arrives in Bangkok with a spring in their step, buoyed by recent successes and the knowledge that they are backed by significant international support.
More Than Just a Game
Ukraine`s return to the global volleyball stage is more than a sporting event; it`s a powerful narrative of resilience, strategic development, and the unwavering spirit of a nation. It demonstrates how focused investment and dedicated effort can bridge decades of absence and propel a team towards elite competition. As Svitlana Dorsman finally gets to play on the World Championship stage, not as a nine-month-old spectator, but as a pivotal player, it marks not just a personal full circle, but a triumphant national one.
Marcus Blakely