In a notable development in Croatian volleyball, former Croatian national team captain Sanja Gamma Popović has made a significant return to the sport, this time from the sidelines. Gamma Popović, who recently joined the Croatian women’s senior national volleyball team as an assistant coach, has now been appointed as the head coach of HAOK Rijeka. Her new role marks a serious re-entry into volleyball, underscoring her transition from player to coach.
Sanja Gamma (Popović), a celebrated former Croatian national team player and multiple international trophy winner, is remembered also for her pivotal performances, including being named the most valuable player in a CEV Cup final. Post-retirement, after embracing motherhood, she is set to contribute her extensive experience to mentoring the younger generation of players at HAOK Rijeka. The club, which aims to revitalize and return to the top tier of Croatian volleyball, has expressed excitement about their future under her leadership.
In addition to her illustrious national team career, Sanja has had an impressive club history, playing in Italy, Russia, Poland, Turkey, Romania, Korea, and Hungary. Among the well-known clubs she played for are Dinamo Moscow, Chemik Police, Novara, Grot Budowlani Łódź, and Chieri.
Joining her in the club’s ambitious project is Ivana Miloš Prokopić, who takes over as the club’s sports director. Both are celebrated former players of HAOK Rijeka and the Croatian national team, and their return is seen as a crucial step toward bringing the club back to prominence.
Sanja Gamma (Popović) playing career
2020/21. Vasas Obuda (HUN)
2019/20. CSM Volei Alba-Blaj (ROM)
2018/19. Chemik Police (POL)
2017/18. Samsun Anakent (TUR)
2016/17. Neruda Bolzano (ITA)
2015/16. MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza (POL) i Leningradka Saint Petersburg (RUS)
2014/15. Grot Budowlani Łódź (POL)
2013/14. Dinamo Moskva (RUS)
2012/13. Polski Cukier Muszynianka Muszyna (POL)
2011/12. VK Prostějov (CZE)
2010/11. GS Caltex KIXX (KOR) and Despar Perugia (ITA)
2009/10. Beşiktaş (TUR)
2008/09. Pallavolo Chieri (ITA)
2006-2008. Asystel Novara (ITA)
2004-2006. HAOK Mladost Zagreb (CRO)
1999-2004. HAOK Rijeka (CRO)
1998/99. Kastav (CRO)
