As an FIVB international referee, Katarina Cepinova brings world‑level expertise to every match she officiates, yet she remains deeply committed to local volleyball, regularly supporting junior tournaments, schools, regional leagues, and new officials. She is known for being approachable, clear, and unfailingly supportive, offering precise, scenario‑specific advice that helps referees grow in confidence and technique. Katarina often gives her own time to observe new referees, providing thoughtful feedback on movement patterns, positioning, signalling, and decision‑making. Her balance of professionalism and warmth makes her a standout mentor. She embodies the idea that learning never stops and lifts the standard of refereeing wherever she goes. 

(Senior HEVO - Eastern)

As a long‑serving Senior HEVO, Joshua supports a network of HEVOs across more than 50 universities - a reach few volunteers can claim. Each week, he independently promotes every university HEVO match, strengthening visibility and connection across the programme. At training weekends, Josh is often the first to welcome new attendees, helping create a safe, inclusive atmosphere for more than 100 incoming HEVOs each academic cycle. He provides regular BUCS updates, encourages cross‑university engagement, and assists London HEVOs with their reporting. His enthusiasm, communication, and deep understanding of the programme make him one of its most influential and dependable contributors. 

(Roots Volleyball Club)

Andre Castro has been the driving force behind the growth and ethos of Roots Volleyball, shaping a club built on integrity, fairness, and opportunity. He champions transparent pathways, insists on fair pay for coaches, and invests deeply in mentoring and coach development raising standards across the wider community. Much of Andre’s impact happens quietly: designing programmes, overseeing safeguarding, managing logistics, and ensuring sessions run seamlessly as he arrives first and leaves last. His work has created sustainable youth pathways that introduce more young people to volleyball and support their long‑term development. Andre’s values‑led leadership continues to elevate everyone around him.