Israeli Women's Volleyball League Kicks Off With New Team and Coaching Insights

The Israeli Women's Volleyball Premier League is set to begin on Friday, October 8, 2026, with 11 teams participating, including the newly added Hapoel Mate Asher. Ahead of the season, coaches shared their expectations, insights on roster changes, and the challenges they anticipate.

The league's structure includes a first stage of two full rounds, followed by a second stage where the top six teams advance to an upper bracket and the remaining five compete in a lower bracket, each playing one round. The playoffs will feature the top four teams in semi-final best-of-three series, with the winners advancing to a best-of-five championship final.

Maccabi Ashdod, the reigning champion and cup winner, aims to continue its dominance and establish itself as a consistent top club, with a return to European competition also a significant goal. Coach Lior Lok emphasized building team chemistry, stating, "We built a team where everyone feels part of the same unit, and the connection in the locker room is excellent." He stressed the importance of team reliance over individual players, especially foreign ones, in crucial moments.

Maccabi Hadera, after losing to Ashdod in last year's finals, is focused on team cohesion and aiming for a title. Coach Ania German highlighted the excellent relationships between Israeli and foreign players, noting that while foreign players are expected to provide a significant boost, overall team connection is crucial for success.

M.S. Ramat Aviv, which finished 10th in its debut season, aims to improve and reach the upper playoff bracket, considering a semi-final appearance a major success. Coach Eden Pasternak pointed to upgrades in player quality and squad depth as key improvements.

Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Ata, after battling relegation last season, is targeting a mid-table finish, aiming for 5th-7th place and developing young local players. CEO Guy Holtzman noted the team's good chemistry despite not yet completing its foreign player roster, and the addition of an assistant coach to focus on youth development.

M.S. Eilaboun's primary goal is to remain in the league, a challenge given the three-foreigner limit and professional gaps. Coach Saher Saman emphasized building a team with a mix of experience and youth, focusing on commitment and belief to overcome disparities.

Maccabi Haifa aims to build a club with European standards within two years, focusing on improving training programs, coaching staff, and professional capabilities, while also developing young Israeli players and competing for all domestic titles. Professional Manager Chaim Kessel highlighted the importance of integrating Israeli and foreign players, noting that the team with the best integration will have a significant advantage.

Hapoel Mate Asher, in its first season in the Premier League, aims to be a competitive and stable team in the middle of the table, with significant progress from its young players being a measure of success. Coach Sean Kessel noted the excellent chemistry and quick integration of foreign players.

Maccabi Tel Aviv's success this season will be measured by developing Israeli players. Coach Noam Elbaz expressed excitement about working with the team and seeing six youth players move up to the senior squad, emphasizing the club's role in developing players for the entire league.

Maccabi SVA Rehovot aims to finish in the upper half of the table and reach the Final Four. Coach Israel Asher highlighted team bonding and chemistry as key areas of focus, with the addition of Fernanda at the middle blocker position being a significant roster change.

Hapoel Kfar Saba's main goal is to secure a spot in the upper half of the table and build a professional foundation based on club players for future years. Coach Itai Bacherach emphasized the team's reliance on homegrown talent, with eight players and the entire coaching staff having risen through the club's ranks.

Maccabi Bnot Nazareth's success will be measured by integrating young players from the club into the senior team and giving them playing time. Coach Anan Jerjura believes that while foreign players are important, team cohesion and organization are essential for success, and highlighted the strengthening of the Israeli core with the addition of Ella Kolengrov.