In a significant shift within European volleyball coaching circles, Finnish expert Tuomas Sammelvuo is set take the helm of Asseco Resovia Rzeszów starting next season, according to reports from Polish news media. This move comes as the current head coach, Italian Giampaolo Medei, is reported by the same sources and some Italian outlets to be returning to Italy to lead Cucine Lube Civitanova, following the departure of Gianlorenzo Blengini who has been appointed as the head coach of the Bulgarian national team.
Tuomas Sammelvuo, who has been at the helm of Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle since 2022, led the team to victory in the CEV Champions League and Polish Cup in 2023. However, in January, Sammelvuo and ZAKSA parted ways after the team’s performance fell short of expectations, particularly failing to secure a spot in the league (9th place) to qualify for the Polish Cup, and showing mixed results in the CEV Champions League group stage.
Sammelvuo boasts an impressive coaching resume, including significant experience in Russia from 2016, where he achieved remarkable success with both club and national teams. His achievements include a gold medal at the 2019 Volleyball Nations League and a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Sammelvuo is currently coaching the Canadian national team and is set to lead them in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
