World Paravolley is pleased to announce the valued line-up of mentors for his inaugural sitting volleyball coach Mentor program, which starts in 2026. This initiative, which lies at the peak of WPV’s Coach Education Pathway, is intended to cultivate high -quality coaching excellence worldwide.
The six selected mentors for the 2026 program are: Nicole Ban (Can) Fernando Guimaraes (Bra), Bill Hamiter (US), Ifet Mahmutovic (BIH), Hadi Rezaei (Iri), Tu Weiping (AUS).
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Nicole BanA former volleyball player at Macewan University and Oslo Volley in Norway, turned into coaching after injuries had ended her gaming career. She started as an assistant coach at Macewan in 2011 and later at the University of Alberta. In 2015 she was appointed head coach of Sitting Volleyball team for women, which led them to their first Paralympic appearance in 2016. Under her supervision, the team also qualified for the Paralympics of Tokyo 2020, achieving a fourth place. In 2024, Ban led the team to a historic bronze medal at the Paris Paralympic Games in Paris, so that Canada’s very first Paralympic stage finish was marked in sitting volleyball. The team defeated Brazil 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) in the Bronze Medal game and avenged their earlier loss against Brazil in the Bronze Medal Game in Tokyo 2020. Ban achieved a Master of Coaching Degree of the University of Alberta and was recognized at the Petro-Canada Award 2023.
Fernando GuimarãesA former professional volleyball player and physiotherapist, has been a crucial figure in the development of the sitting volleyball program of Brazil since 2009. He worked with his brother, José Roberto Guimarães, a renowned volleyball coach, before devoting himself to Volleyball. Under his leadership, the Women’s team of Brazil won a historic gold medal at the 2022 world championships in Sarajevo, with which the qualification for the Paralympic Games in Paris was guaranteed. In the same tournament, he also led the men’s team to a bronze medal, making him the only coach who placed both teams on stage at a single world championship. Guimarães is nationally recognized and earns titles twice such as Best Brazilian Paralympic coach and has led teams to several national and Pan -Marican championships. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the transforming power of sport, aimed at inclusion and personal growth in addition to competitive success.
Bill Hamiter has been the head coach of the sitting volleyball team of the US since 2009, which led them to unprecedented success on the international stage. Under his leadership, the team insured their first Paralympic gold medal at the Rio Games 2016 and continued their dominance with successive Golds on the Paralympics of Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, where China was defeated in the final to claim their third consecutive title. Hamiter also coached the American sitting team of the gentlemen from 2001 to 2010 and again in 2013, leading to a gold medal on the Parapan American Games of 2003 and a berth on the 2004 Paralympics. In addition to his national team roles, he coached at the club, secondary school and collegial levels, including an assistant. Hamiter obtained a master’s degree in Education – Kinesiology on Southern Nazarene University. In 2017 he became the first sitting volleyball representative who was appointed as the Norceca Technical and Coaches Commission, which reflects his influence on the development of the sport.
Ifet mahmutovic has been the head coach of Bosnia since 2021 and the national sitting volleyball team of Herzegovina’s National Sitting Volleyball. In his debut year, he led the team to their tenth European championship title, and defeated Russia in the final and finished a six -year title of drought. Under his leadership, the team reached the final of the 2022 world championships in Sarajevo, with their constant bravery on the international stage. Mahmutović wants to guide a new generation of players to simulate the success of Bosnies ‘Golden Generation’, which includes two Paralympic gold medals and several European titles. His coaching official period reflects an obligation to support the legacy of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a dominant power in sitting volleyball.
Hadi RezaeiFrom Mashhad, Iran, is a legendary figure in sitting volleyball, celebrated for his exceptional performance as a player and coach. As a player, he captained iran’s national team to three consecutive paralympic gold medals in 1988, 1992, and 1996. Transitioning to coaching, rezaei led iran to four paralympic golds (2000, 2008, 2016, 2020) and Two Silvers (2004 Titles, Intail Withing, Intail Withing, Intail with Victories in 1998, 2010, 2018, and 2022. His Contributions to the Sport Were Recognized With His Induction to the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2024, making him the first Iranian to receive this honor. In addition to his coaching -sub -divorces, Rezaei has served various administrative functions, including as a member of the World Paravolley Coaching Commission, as a result of his dedication to the global development of sitting volleyball.
Weiping TU OAM is a groundbreaking figure in internationally sitting volleyball, known for his extensive contributions as a coach, technical officer and development leader. Originally from China and later located in Australia, TU played an important role in the establishment of the first men’s volleyball team of Australia in 1997 and served as honorary head coach until 2009, including on the Sydney Paralympics 2000. He has held countless leadership roles within World Parer in -caravolly, including CHANCE, Since 2006, and under the Department of the in -caravolly, including Director of the Inmaravolly, understopment, and below, and under the Director of the Inaravolly, and under the Director of Het Inmaravolly, Development director for Asia Oceania Paravolley. TU has organized and organized at major international events, such as the World Paravolley Super 6 Female Tournaments in Hangzhou and Chengdu, and has coaching courses about Asia. His contributions are recognized with several awards, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 and the World Paravolley’s Recognition Award in 2020. TU’s inheritance is characterized by his dedication to make the reach and professionalism of sitting volleyball in the Asia-Oceania region and then.
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Each mentor will perform monthly one-on-one virtual sessions with their assigned mentees and deliver exclusive presentations, provide insight into advanced coaching methods. The structure of the program includes four phases: establishment, training and development, practical application and assessment and certification, for an extensive development experience for participating coaches.
Applications for the 2026 program will be opened later this year, with 12 places available. Successful candidates will be selected on the basis of their experience, potential and dedication to professional growth. The program costs EUR 300 and wants to attract a diverse range of qualified coaches from all over the world who want to increase their expertise under the mentoring of these distinguished professionals.
Click here for more information about the Coach Education Pathway and the mentor program.
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