As a player, he played as a setter. He was in the same class as Michał Winiarski. He played for Jastrzębski Węgiel, with whom he won the Polish Cup. After hanging up his boots, he became a coach.We invite you to read the interview with the new assistant coach of IBB Polonia London, Sławomir Master.
You recently took on the role of assistant coach for IBB Polonia London. What are your first impressions after joining the club?
Polonia has drastically changed since I last played for them in 2007. The club has grown into a diverse organisation that is run by professionals who are passionate about volleyball. This is one of the reasons why I was excited to join the club.
Together with Bartek Kisielewicz, who is undeniably a living legend of IBB Polonia London, you are working together. How would you evaluate this collaboration so far?
Bartek is a highly motivated and dedicated coach who guides and supports players. It has been great to work together and learn from each other.
The team faces quite a challenge with a tough start to the season, but recent performances are encouraging. What are the goals for this season?
Currently, we are working hard to get out of the relegation zone. Our end-of-season goal is yet to be determined. However, we have started the new year stronger and are hungry for wins.
Did you know or perhaps already work with any of Polonia’s players in the past?
Yes. My long-term friend, Chris Hykiel, who I played with for Polonia in the early 2000s, is here. He is a highly experienced and motivated player and coach, a real asset to the club. His passion for volleyball and experience motivate others.
Let’s take a step back into the past. You used to play volleyball yourself as a setter. Does the experience you gained on the court help you in your role as a coach?
Yes, both Bartosz and I played as setters in the past, which allows us to prepare and discuss strategies collectively.
During your career, you played for Jastrzębski Węgiel – one of the best and most successful clubs in Poland, which has been competing internationally for years with great success. What does it feel like to win the Polish Cup as a player? How do you remember that experience?
I consider myself lucky and privileged to be part of the team that season. We had great players and a professional, well-rounded coaching staff from whom I could learn every day. Winning the cup was a wonderful addition to that great experience.
You also played for IBB Polonia London from 2005 to 2007. How do you remember that time?
After moving to the UK in 2004, Polonia and Chris welcomed me with open arms. It was a great opportunity to connect with the Polish community and experience volleyball abroad.
You were also part of the extended squad for the England national team at the London Olympic Games. Is that right?
Yes, I was part of the programme for three years. During that time, we trained in Sheffield and played in the Dutch league for the entire season.
We want to verify something. We’ve heard that you were in the same class as Michał Winiarski. Can you tell us more about that?
As juniors, both Michał and I were selected to join the Volleyball Academy run by the Polish Volleyball Federation. We are the same age and were in the same class, going through the same training programme. We also played on the court together for over two years.
The Christmas and New Year break is just behind us. What can we wish for you and the team?
Simply to keep winning.