Two-time world champion Jovana Stevanović hoping to add a star to Olympiacos jersey
Feature
Olympiacos PIRAEUS has taken a major step forward in putting Hellenic Volleyball back on the European map. The Greek champions are the country’s first club in the elite CEV Champions League since 2001. A key figure in this season’s success is Serbian middle blocker Jovana Stevanović, a player with an impressive collection of medals and individual awards from the world’s biggest competitions.
“I have a similar role here as I had both in clubs and in the national team. I try to contribute with my experience, but also with knowledge and temperament. It’s a great feeling to be part of a team that is progressing like this and writing history."
Olympiacos reached the group stage after eliminating Belgian side Asterix Avo BEVEREN and Hungarian champions Vasas Óbuda BUDAPEST in the qualifiers.
“What we lack is experience. None of our players are at the highest level yet, but now is the moment when they must adapt to competing with the best. With hard work, fighting spirit and desire, we can achieve a good result,” she explains.
In the Greek Championship, Olympiacos currently sits second with a 6-2 record, behind city rivals Panathinaikos ATHENS, who remain unbeaten.
“It’s still the start of the season. We have a demanding Champions League schedule ahead of us, followed by the Greek league and the Cup. We will see how it all goes, but we must always aim for victory,” Stevanović says optimistically.
Compared to last season, the reigning Greek champions reshaped their roster, adding five new players - including Stevanović - along with the Serbian coaching duo Branko Kovačević and Lazar Tabaković.
“Bane (Branko Kovačević, head coach) has done an excellent job with our system. He knows Volleyball better than anyone else - it is impressive. We worked together in the national team, but not in this way. He created a system in a team without big international experience, where everyone knows their place and role. Our first Champions League win is his work,” she emphasises.
That victory - a historic triumph over Eczacıbaşı in Round 2 - marked a new chapter for the Greek giants.
“It’s natural that everyone’s opinion changed after that win. Our confidence grew, and you can clearly see the progress since the start of the Champions League. Now people are quietly asking what we need to keep going in the competition,” Stevanović says with a smile.
The Greek league has grown stronger year by year. Alongside Olympiacos, clubs like Panathinaikos, Panionios, Kifisias and PAOK are competing for the top.
“Of course, we are among the favourites. But that’s part of the game - we must stay ready and avoid looking too far ahead. Every next match is the most important one. We have a lot of matches coming up, including the qualifiers and the end of the season with the playoffs. Spring is still far away,” she says calmly.
Alongside the Serbian coaches, Stevanović is sharing the court with fellow Serbian Milica Kubura.
“When I was younger, I didn’t pay attention to whether I played with someone from Serbia. Now it means a lot to have ‘my people’ around me. Communication is easier, the approach is easier. I’m calmer. We think similarly, both in Volleyball and in life. We simply understand each other,” she says sincerely.
With the Serbian national team, Stevanović won as many as 10 medals:
• Olympic silver (2016),
• Two World Championship golds (2018, 2022),
• Silver at the 2015 FIVB World Cup,
• A full set of European Championship medals - gold (2017), silver (2023) and bronze (2015),
• Three additional bronzes from the 2015 European Games, the FIVB 2017 World Grand Prix and the FIVB 2022 Volleyball Nations League, where she was named Best Middle Blocker.
“I am no longer part of the national team, and that definitely extends my career. On the other hand, I achieved incredible results that I can be proud of. Today's athletes are the gladiators of a new generation. Sport has become so demanding that no one waits for anyone. If you are injured, they look for replacements immediately. National team preparations and competitions last five to six months. Now I see how much easier it is when you can preserve both body and mind,” Stevanović explains.
In her club career, her most notable achievements include winning the 2016 CEV Champions League title with Pomi CASALMAGGIORE and the 2023 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship crown with Eczacıbaşı Dynavit.
New challenges await Olympiacos.
“In the Champions League, we are going match by match. Our first goal was to reach the group stage, and now we are taking steps forward. My personal wish is to earn a star on the jersey. Olympiacos has nine titles so far - if we win the tenth, we get the right to add a star above the crest. I would really love that. And of course, to win everything in Greece,” Stevanović concludes with optimism.
Olympiacos will host Serbian champions OK Železničar LAJKOVAC on January 8 in Round 3 of Pool C of the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley 2026 | Women.
