Who is Coach Nev

Nevena Stefanov Taylor

Founder & Director · Head Coach

Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, Nevena “Nev” Stefanov Taylor discovered volleyball at age 8 and earned a spot on the Serbian National Youth Team by 14. At 18 she moved to the United States on a full scholarship to UAB, where she became one of the most decorated setters in program history.

As a senior she was named Conference USA Setter of the Year and an AVCA Division I Honorable Mention All-American, finishing with 5,562 career assists — second all-time at UAB. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Nutrition/Dietetics from UAB.

Coaching through UAB summer camps revealed her true calling: mentoring young athletes and building confidence through sport. That calling led to BlockOut Academy and Alabama Setter Country — whether you train in Homewood or join virtually from anywhere, Coach Nev meets you where you are and maps the next step forward.