Ziva Recek-Blackmon, Recruiting Coach

University of Florida

[email protected]

My experiences in volleyball range from a long career as a collegiate and professional athlete, and a coach at a club, high school and collegiate level.

I was born and raised in Kocevje, Slovenia, and visited the United States with Slovenian Youth National team as a teenager, to compete in many tournaments over the summer. After I graduated high school, I was offered a full scholarship at the University of Florida, where I played as an Outside hitter from 2012-2015. Along with playing on the outside, I also got some experiences playing Right side hitter for Slovenian Senior National Team, attending European championship and other professional tournaments/leagues in Europe. As my playing career came to an end, I could not imagine separating myself from a sport that gave me so many wonderful opportunities.

I started my coaching career at a high school and club level in Gainesville, FL, then continued my college coaching career at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. Currently, I live in Jacksonville, FL, with my husband Billy and our two sons Brody and Bryce.

Working for NCSA allows me to share my knowledge and experiences about recruiting process from a player’s, as well as coach’s perspective. I enjoy working with young athletes and families, and truly believe there is a place for every athlete to play at a higher level with the right amount of passion and dedication present on a consistent basis.