World ParaVolley is excited to announce the esteemed lineup of mentors for its inaugural Sitting Volleyball Coach Mentoring Programme, set to commence in 2026. This initiative, which sits at the pinnacle of WPV’s coach education pathway, aims to cultivate high-performance coaching excellence globally.

The six mentors selected for the 2026 programme are: Nicole Ban (CAN) Fernando Guimaraes (BRA), Bill Hamiter (USA), Ifet Mahmutovic (BIH), Hadi Rezaei (IRI),  Tu Weiping (AUS).  

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Nicole Ban, a former volleyball player at MacEwan University and Oslo Volley in Norway, transitioned into coaching after injuries ended her playing career. She began as an assistant coach at MacEwan in 2011 and later at the University of Alberta. In 2015, she was appointed head coach of the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, leading them to their first Paralympic appearance in 2016. Under her guidance, the team also qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, achieving a fourth-place finish. In 2024, Ban led the team to a historic bronze medal at the Paris Paralympic Games, marking Canada’s first-ever Paralympic podium finish in sitting volleyball. The team defeated Brazil 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) in the bronze medal match, avenging their previous loss to Brazil in the Tokyo 2020 bronze medal game. Ban holds a Master of Coaching degree from the University of Alberta and was recognized with the 2023 Petro-Canada Coaching Excellence Award. 

Fernando Guimarães, a former professional volleyball player and physiotherapist, has been a pivotal figure in the development of Brazil’s sitting volleyball program since 2009. Transitioning from his playing career, he collaborated with his brother, José Roberto Guimarães, a renowned volleyball coach, before dedicating himself to sitting volleyball. Under his leadership, Brazil’s women’s team achieved a historic gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Sarajevo, securing qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. In the same tournament, he also guided the men’s team to a bronze medal, making him the only coach to place both teams on the podium at a single World Championship. Guimarães has been recognized nationally, earning titles such as Best Brazilian Paralympic Coach twice, and has led teams to multiple national and Pan American championships. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the transformative power of sport, focusing on inclusion and personal growth alongside competitive success.

Bill Hamiter has been the head coach of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team since 2009, leading them to unprecedented success on the international stage. Under his guidance, the team secured their first Paralympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games and continued their dominance with consecutive golds at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, defeating China in the final to claim their third straight title. Hamiter also coached the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team from 2001 to 2010 and again in 2013, leading them to a gold medal at the 2003 Parapan American Games and a berth at the 2004 Paralympics. Beyond his national team roles, he has coached at the club, high school, and collegiate levels, including a tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Central Oklahoma from 1998 to 2005. Hamiter holds a master’s degree in education – kinesiology from Southern Nazarene University. In 2017, he became the first sitting volleyball representative appointed to the NORCECA Technical and Coaches Commission, reflecting his influence in the sport’s development.

Ifet Mahmutović has been the head coach of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s men’s national sitting volleyball team since 2021. In his debut year, he led the team to their tenth European Championship title, defeating Russia in the final and ending a six-year title drought . Under his leadership, the team reached the finals of the 2022 World Championships held in Sarajevo, showcasing their continued prowess on the international stage . Mahmutović aims to guide a new generation of players to emulate the success of Bosnia’s “golden generation,” which includes two Paralympic gold medals and multiple European titles . His coaching tenure reflects a commitment to sustaining Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legacy as a dominant force in sitting volleyball. 

Hadi Rezaei, from Mashhad, Iran, is a legendary figure in sitting volleyball, celebrated for his exceptional achievements as both 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, 2012), along with multiple World Championship titles, including victories in 1998, 2010, 2018, and 2022. His contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2024, making him the first Iranian to receive this honor. Beyond his coaching accolades, Rezaei has served in various administrative roles, including as a member of the World ParaVolley Coaching Commission, reflecting his commitment to the global development of sitting volleyball.

Weiping Tu OAM is a pioneering figure in international sitting volleyball, renowned for his extensive contributions as a coach, technical official, and development leader. Originally from China and later based in Australia, Tu was instrumental in establishing Australia’s first men’s sitting volleyball team in 1997, serving as honorary head coach through 2009, including at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. He has held numerous leadership roles within World ParaVolley, including Director of the WPV Development Centre in Hangzhou, China, and Development Director for Asia Oceania ParaVolley since 2006. Tu has organized and officiated at major international events, such as the World ParaVolley Super 6 Women’s tournaments in Hangzhou and Chengdu, and has conducted coaching courses across Asia. His contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 and World ParaVolley’s Recognition Award in 2020. Tu’s legacy is marked by his commitment to expanding the reach and professionalism of sitting volleyball across the Asia-Oceania region and beyond.

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Each mentor will conduct monthly one-on-one virtual sessions with their assigned mentees and deliver exclusive presentations, providing insights into advanced coaching methodologies. The programme’s structure encompasses four phases: Establishment, Training & Development, Practical Application, and Assessment & Certification, ensuring a comprehensive developmental experience for participating coaches.  

Applications for the 2026 programme will open later this year, with 12 spots available.   Successful candidates will be selected based on their experience, potential, and commitment to professional growth. The programme will cost 300 EUR and aims to attract a diverse range of qualified coaches from across the globe who are seeking to elevate their expertise under the mentorship of these distinguished professionals.

For more information on the coach education pathway and the mentoring programme, please click here.