Train Like A Pro, Play Like A Pro

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrii Diachkov, Head Coach of Volleyball Advice, located in Katy, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is based on customers that are trying to get better at volleyball. Different levels and all ages, whether it is 10 years old player who is trying to learn base in this sport or a college D1 athlete.

Tell us about yourself

Hello. My name is Andrii Diachkov. I'm a former professional volleyball player. Right now, I'm a Head Coach of 17 Elite at Texas Legacy Volleyball Club in Houston. My volleyball adventure started when I was ten years old. And by my senior year, I got an offer from one most prestigious universities in Ukraine. I've got a full scholarship and the possibility to play next-level volleyball. That was my first small personal victory. In my third year of university education, I signed my first professional contract with one of the local clubs. That's how I started playing professionally. During my successful volleyball adventure, I played in Italy, Greece, Russia, and France. Six years for the National Team of Ukraine. Numerous international competitions and high-level tournaments. At age 23, I become the best Outside hitter in the Country! All this gave me an unforgettable experience of volleyball. During all 15 years of playing in different clubs worldwide, I was trained by other coaches, and not all of them were good ones. Thus I had to analyze my errors and coach myself for better performance on the court. I moved to the United States full of knowledge and a desire to coach. I'm enjoying sharing my volleyball experience with young athletes. Being on different levels and getting the best out of this, I know exactly how to prepare future volleyball stars and get them where they want to be.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is always the clients that are training with me and then achieving some results in the different teams all across the United States. But I really want to share one incredible story. One day I got a message on my Instagram account. It was a dad of 14 y.o. The girl lived in Nashville (TN). He asked me to train his daughter. I told him that I would do that, but they had to be in Houston, and he told me it was not a problem. For the next 3 months, they flew from Nashville every Friday for one day to have 3 hours lesson with me. The same day back. I am sure that this girl will achieve a lot in this life with this motivation to get better. Great example.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing for me is to break bad habits in older age. Unfortunately, if you are not training basics properly, you get used to many wrong moves while playing. By the age of 16-17, when is a good time to find a college to play, those habits pull you back. As a coach, I am dealing a lot with those consequences.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start with something small and slowly grow. Step-by-step process.
Never give up, even if you feel that nothing works.
Create a platform to show your business to others. It works 100%.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://volleyballadvice.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volleyball.advice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volleyball.advice/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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