Ivo Martinović
Ivo’s story:
I have been working as a top volleyball player and later a top volleyball trainer/coach, working in the Netherlands since the 1990s via Spain and Switzerland: A major discovery for me came 20 years ago when I took several personal development courses. I realized that the insights I gained there are also essential for coaching top volleyball players. Getting the best out of yourself, recognizing and addressing your personal limitations can make the difference between being a good athlete and a top athlete.
I also gained insights into the importance of good communication, both within a team and between the coach, team, and players. All of this came together in my work as a sports instructor at Waho, where volleyball could have other (more valuable) meanings besides performance. For example: through volleyball: feeling at home in Wageningen, volleyball as an ideal way to connect with fellow students, socializing, personal development, improving communication, standing up for yourself, boosting self-confidence, inspiring, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, etc., etc.
My role, my values for interacting with young students, and my approach have given me enormous energy, inspiration, and general confidence in our future in recent years. The younger generations know even better how and what than I could have imagined. Wahosi, thank you, sporty regards, and good luck to everyone!
Posit.Ivo!
Ivo’s teams say:
“Ivo is an iconic person for WaHo! Over the years he has trained many teams with such great joy and positivity, something admirable and truly remarkable. Next to being a great trainer, Ivo is always in for a laugh and a drink at the sports pub after training. With his yearly barbecue he even invites our members over to his house to enjoy a nice meal and just to come together and have a good time because as Ivo always used to say; just have fun! that’s the most important thing.”
Ivo has trained many teams at WaHo during the last decade. He has become an honorary member in 2025.
Jacques van Leersum
Jacques’ story:
“My name is Jacques van Leersum, a pure local and born in the Hoogstraat under the church tower at the Market Square. I started as a water polo player at the Wageningen swimming and polo club “de Rijn” but when the League went to Sunday they had a talent less because I had to look for another sport: volleyball. All the competition matches were played in two gyms at Arnhem on Saturdays. Before we started the match we had to clear the court and carry the chairs and a heavy piano up-stage. Therefor I am very pleased that I train beautiful students for a long time already in the beautiful accommodation of the University Sport Centre. A real sports festival and you’re invited too!”
Jacques teams say:
“Beyond any doubt, Jacques is the most memorable person you’ll ever meet at WaHo. He’s been with us for many decades, yet his enthusiasm is as vigorous and his trainings as energetic as ever. In his free time he also coaches gentlemen one, and wherever they take him he knows some old WaHo members. He enjoys a beer in the canteen, and is always delighted to recite his stories, vision, or advice. You’ll recognize him by his red scarf, his laughable quotes, his beard after summer holidays, and his typical English ‘blunders’ (he can’t train, because he’s blessed).”
Jacques has trained many WaHo-teams over the last decades and is enjoying his retirement now. He has become an honorary member of WaHo in 2019
