Pedro Jukoski, an alumnus of the Master in Sport Business Online at Johan Cruyff Institute, has an extensive background in volleyball, having played for top-tier teams such as FC Barcelona
Pedro Jukoski’s passion for volleyball runs in the family. His father, Paulo André Jukoski, won a gold medal with the Brazilian Olympic team at Barcelona 1992. Following in his footsteps, Pedro pursued a career as a professional player, competing for renowned clubs such as Barça Voleibol, Saint-Quentin Volley, and São Paulo/Taubaté.
After establishing his career on the court, he decided to transition into sport management. Looking for a program that would allow him to balance his education with his athletic career, he enrolled in the Master in Sport Business Online at Johan Cruyff Institute.
Flexibility and high-quality education in the Master in Sport Business Online
During the program, Pedro lived in Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil, making the flexibility of the master’s degree a key factor in his experience. “I was looking for a master’s program recognized in the sports industry but also adaptable to my lifestyle,” he explains.
In this interview, Pedro shares his experience in the program, his transition from sport management, and the impact of his project Vôlei 5, a family initiative that combines volleyball with social inclusion.
“Since childhood, volleyball and sport management have been part of my life.”
What led you to study the Master in Sport Business Online at Johan Cruyff Institute?
My journey with Johan Cruyff Institute started three years ago when I was looking for a program that would allow me to study while continuing my professional career. However, my interest in sport management goes way back—since I was a child, I heard my father talk about team leadership, social projects, and sport management in Brazil.
“Johan Cruyff Institute helped me transform that knowledge into practical tools that I could apply in a real professional environment.”
Pedro Jukoski at the 2024 Johan Cruyff Institute Graduation.
How did the master’s program change your perspective on sport management?
After the program, I completed an internship at the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) in Lausanne, Switzerland. I still remember my first day—they welcomed me to the “real world” of sport management.
That’s where major events are planned and key strategies for the future of volleyball are developed. Players are the heart of the sport, but without a well-structured organization, growth and professionalization wouldn’t be possible.
What knowledge from the master’s program have you applied in your work?
One of the most valuable aspects was working with real-life case studies. My final thesis focused on a volleyball school on an island in southern Brazil, addressing three key pillars:
- Social impact, with a focus on education and child development.
- Expansion strategy, analyzing the potential for growth in Brazil.
- Competition and visibility, developing mid-to-long-term strategies, including broadcasting rights and sponsorships.
Currently, we are still looking for sponsors and designing a marketing plan for the next two years.
How did you balance your athletic career with your studies?
Organization was crucial. I started the master’s program while playing in Italy, then moved to the United Arab Emirates, and finally completed it in Brazil. Studying in three different countries would not have been possible without the flexibility of the program.
In Brazil, many universities are not adapted to the life of a professional athlete. However, Johan Cruyff Institute offered a model that perfectly suited my needs.
What advice would you give to athletes considering a career in sport management?
The world of sport management is closely linked to that of athletes, but it requires specific skills that cannot be acquired just through playing. It’s essential for players to start preparing before they retire and look for programs that help them transition into a professional career.
I love my athletic career, but I know it has an end. Sport management allows me to stay connected to volleyball and contribute to the sport in a different way.
Vôlei 5: A volleyball project with social impact
What is Vôlei 5?
Vôlei 5 is a volleyball school in Florianópolis, founded by my father, sister, and me. Our jersey number was always 5, so the name represents our family history.
The project embraces inclusivity by working with individuals of diverse abilities and backgrounds. We provide tailored support in nutrition, mental well-being, and language development, including English lessons, to ensure everyone has the resources they need to thrive.
Recently, we also introduced sport exchange programs with scholarships in the United States and Canada. Our goal is to develop well-rounded athletes—not just in sport but also academically and personally.
What is your vision for the future?
Our main objective is to create a women’s volleyball team in Brazil, coached by a female head coach. Women’s volleyball has huge potential, and we want to contribute to its growth in a country where it is the second most popular sport after football.
