Chap’s Wrap: Milan Zarkovic’s extensive experience, energy fuel UCLA men’s volleyball’s success

Chap’s Wrap: Milan Zarkovic’s extensive experience, energy fuel UCLA men’s volleyball’s success

June 8, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Associate head coach Milan Zarkovic has become the central figure in the recent evolution of UCLA men’s volleyball. Arriving in Westwood in September 2025, Zarkovic brought an extensive international resume to the Bruins, helping guide the program to a historic 20-0 start in the 2026 season and earning his third AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year award.

Did You Know? Before his collegiate success in the United States, Milan Zarkovic served as head coach of the Serbian Junior National Team from 2001 to 2013, where he steered the team from an FIVB ranking of No. 28 to No. 1 in the world by 2010.

The Impact of Global Experience

Zarkovic’s influence on the Bruins is rooted in a career spanning more than 20 years across nine international clubs. His background includes a 15-year tenure as a player in Serbia, where he captained Partizan Belgrade from 1982 to 1989 and earned 67 caps for the Serbian national team.

The Impact of Global Experience

Before his arrival at UCLA, Zarkovic spent 12 years with the University of Hawai‘i. During that period, the Rainbow Warriors secured back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, maintaining a winning percentage above 75%. This history of dominance provided the foundation for his quick integration into the high-performance culture at UCLA.

Transforming the UCLA Program

The 2026 season presented significant obstacles for the Bruins, including the departure of 2025 MPSF Player of the Year Cooper Robinson. Despite these changes, Zarkovic’s coaching helped the team achieve the best start in program history, featuring 14 sweeps in their first 20 matches.

Transforming the UCLA Program

Head coach John Hawks has credited Zarkovic for the team’s rapid improvement, noting that the players have fully embraced his unique, vocal coaching style. Even senior players like Zach Rama, who initially found the transition to Zarkovic’s methods challenging, have spoken to the effectiveness of his presence on the sidelines.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Zarkovic’s ability to adapt his tactical approach mid-match—often seen through his vocal guidance during timeouts—suggests that his value lies in his ability to translate high-level international experience into immediate, on-court adjustments for collegiate athletes.

Looking Toward 2027

The Bruins face a transition period as seniors Andrew Rowan, Zach Rama, and Cameron Thorne depart the program. These three players combined for seven AVCA First Team All-American selections, leaving a significant void in the roster.

Analysts expect that coach John Hawks will likely utilize the transfer portal to supplement the returning roster as less experienced players move into primary roles. With Zarkovic remaining on the coaching staff, the program is positioned to maintain its competitive standard as he works to establish a long-term path for the team’s development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Milan Zarkovic’s coaching history before joining UCLA?
Zarkovic coached for over 20 years at nine different clubs and served as head coach of the Serbian Junior National Team from 2001-13. He also spent 12 years at the University of Hawai‘i, where he helped secure two national championships.

How did UCLA perform during the 2026 season?
The Bruins achieved the best start in program history with a 20-0 record. During this streak, 14 matches ended in sweeps, and opponents hit below a .300 percentage in 15 of those contests.

What changes are expected for the UCLA roster in the upcoming season?
The team will lose key seniors Andrew Rowan, Zach Rama, and Cameron Thorne. The program is expected to rely on less experienced players stepping into larger roles and potential additions from the transfer portal.

How do you think the departure of a veteran senior core will influence the team’s tactical approach next season?