The Polish Women’s National Team was founded in 1947. In their first official international appearance the White and Reds lost to Czechoslovakia 3-1, nevertheless Poland soon joined the group of the world’s top teams and recorded significant achievements throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, including two Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo 1964 and Mexico 1968.

Since then, however, the last three decades were not so successful. A sudden and a very enjoyable change came in 2003.

New Head Coach Ryszard Andrzej Niemczyk, who came back to the post after 26 years from his first stint, brought new spirit and gave inspiration to the previously faithless players of the National Team. He somehow induced them to show their best on the court, which they did. Poland’s rising power was visible during the World Grand Prix continental tournament in August, when they finished as runner-up claiming a spot for the 2004 Grand Prix.

Furthermore, the Poles pulled off a huge surprise during 2003 European Championships in Turkey, knocking over the hosts in straight sets in the final to claim gold.

Malgorzata Glinka was honoured as the Best Scorer of the tournament, while the team’s captain Magdalena Sliwa, received the award for the Best Setter.

The debut of the Polish Team in the World Cup was marked with an eighth place finish with Glinka receiving the MVP honour of the tournament and 100 000,- USD money award from FIVB.

During the European Olympic Qualification Tournament the team played well and beat Russia and Germany but lost to Turkey in semi-finals losing its chance to qualify for 2004 Athens.

In 2005 the National Team proved its superiority by defending the European Championship. Now it is preparing hard to continue its stream of success on the road to World Championships in Japan where it hopes for a medal position.

After a line of success a stagnation period came in 2006. Despite the vast preparation plans the National Team was not able to reach the level it peaked in previous years. After losses in Monterux and at the World Grand Prix it ended up only 15 in the World Championships in Japan.

Coach Niemczyk due to health problems resigned from his function even before the Championships.

He was succeeded by World famous Marco Bonitta who was engaged to lead Polish National Team to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The new coach took on the job with a great impetus and strived throughout 2007 to rebuild Poland’s position in the ranking gaining 4th place in the European Championships and just missing a ticket to Beijing in the European Olympic Qualification Tournament in Germany early in the year.

In May 2008 the Team managed to end up victorious in the World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan and after 30 years of absence Poland’s Women's Team could again feel the atmosphere of the Olympic Games. It was though a major pressure for the players who finally did not manage to reach the final.

2009 with a newly selected and very experienced coach Jerzy Matlak rounded up with a major success. Despite a short preparation period and a number of young players in the roaster, Poland managed to stand on the podium of the 2009 European Championships winning the bronze medal.

2010 commenced with a fairly good start at the Montreux Volley Masters where they finished fifth. The team looks towards further work and a hope for a success in the World Championships and finally 2012 Olympic Games.  

MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS:

Olympic Games: Bronze Medals in 1964 and 1968

World Championships: Silver Medal in 1952, Bronze Medals in 1956 and 1962

European Championships: Gold Medal in 2003 and 2005, Silver Medals in 1950, 1951, 1963 and 1967, Bronze Medals in 1949, 1955, 1958, 1971 and 2009

Jerzy Matlak was born on 21st of June 1945. He holds the Mastership class coach diploma and speaks French, German and Russian. He is a well-respected figure among both players and coaches in Poland as he got to be known for his successful career at club level, winning 18 Polish Championship medals and nine Polish Cup medals. In total he has been working as a Volleyball coach for over 35 years playing apporximately 50 matches a year.  He is no a stranger to the national team, having coached Polish senior women in 1984-85.

Jerzy Matlak was hired as coach of the Polish women’s national team at the beginning of 2009, following a stint as coach of Polish club team Farmutil Pila.

Matlak’s experience has given renewed hope to a team looking to repeat the success it had in 2003 and 2005. The road to success began already in the first year of working with the team as it ended with bronze medal of 2009 European Championships.