How did you first learn about the opportunity to study and play sports in the U.S.?

First time I heard about it was at a pretty young age, I was 14 or 15 years old. It was through one of my old coaches introducing me to one of the Slovenian players already studying there. I reached out to her, she told me about her experience, and from that day on, all I had in my mind was “I want this, I want to go to the US”.

What was the recruitment process like for you? Did you work with a coach, agency, or handle it yourself?

I love telling this story, because I had a pretty interesting and adventures process (haha). Firstly, I was fortunate enough to have good connections - with the girl already studying in the US, my national team coach knowing my dream, recommending me to the schools. Being in the national team from a young age helped a lot. At that time we were competing in European Championship, World Championship, Youth Olympic games, so the coaches were recruiting at the events, reaching out to me. However, because I was set on where I wanna study at such a young age, I could take my time deciding where I want to go. Moreover, before making my final decision, I was even able to go on an official recruiting visit to get a full experience of a lifestyle in the US. I have committed to the University of San Francisco my sophomore year of high school, I was thrilled, but after, things got a little complicated. The coach I originally signed with resigned a couple months before I was supposed to go to San Francisco. After a long reconsideration, and some other barriers I also decided to resign from the University of San Francisco. The coach helped me find other universities, and I came across the University of Pittsburgh. After one video call I knew I found a place where I wanted to go, so I committed to the University of Pittsburgh 4 months before I was supposed to go to the US originally. Nevertheless, no matter how stressful my recruitment process became at some point, I am so grateful for the entire experience and how everything turned out. I had the best 4 years of my life at the University of Pittsburgh. 

What challenges did you face during the application process (e.g., scholarships, paperwork, visas)?

Back in 2016, both SAT and TOEFL tests were still mandatory for international students. I found those tests pretty challenging, mainly because of the length of the exams. When I first applied for the SAT test, I didn't know what to expect, so after writing it, I wasn't fully satisfied with the results but it was good enough for the University of San Francisco, so I accepted it. After committing to a different university, they asked to retake the test. I agreed to it, but I was short on time, there were no exam dates available in Slovenia, meanwhile I was studying and preparing for the end of the high school exams called “matura”, I was in fear I would not be able to manage everything. But I was determined. I had exams in high school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Friday afternoon I drove to Zgreb, Croatia, wrote the SAT exam, got great results. Meanwhile, I was filling out other paperwork for Pittsburgh, waiting for the results of my “matura”. As soon as I got them, I applied for the visa, they bought me a plane ticket, and got my visa a day before I flew to Pittsburgh. Overall, the whole process was stressful, uncertain, a lot, but I was too determined to achieve my dream. In the end everything worked out perfectly, so if you really want something, do the work for it, I can guarantee you at the end it will work out in your favor.

What was a typical day like balancing sports, academics, and personal life?

At first, it was overwhelming, but once I got into the flow, it became more manageable. My days were packed:

• 7:00-8:30 AM – Morning weightlifting (and sometimes extra volleyball reps if we didn’t have class immediately after)

• 8:30 AM-12:00 PM – Classes

• 12:00-2:00 PM – Rehab, preparing for practice

• 2:00-5:30 PM – Volleyball practice

• 6:00-8:30 PM (twice a week) – Night classes

In addition, student-athletes were required to spend eight hours a week in the study hall, where we could do homework, meet with tutors, talk to advisors, or hang out with teammates. If we didn’t complete these hours, we faced extra conditioning as a penalty!

What were some of the biggest cultural differences or adjustments you experienced?

My main and only was food. I struggled with it for 4 years. I simply couldn't find the right food diet that would have fulfilled me. Naturally, I am a picky person, I am trying to eat clean and healthy, but that is so hard to do in the US. Other cultural differences didn't cause me any other difficulties. 

Did playing a sport help you integrate or make friends more easily?

I am an easy going, pretty social person in general, so integrating and meeting new people has never been a problem for me. However, playing a team sport definitely helps you make friends more easily, and for that I am extremely grateful.

How did studying and playing sports in the U.S. impact your personal growth?

It impacted me enormously, it shaped me into a woman I am today. It helped me grow into a more resilient, open minded, mature woman. I was lucky enough to be surrounded with people that pushed me when I felt most uncomfortable, off and on the court. Coach constantly challenged us, teaching us how to react in situations we don't have control of, and encouraged us to read psychological books. I enormously progressed with the language. At the beginning of my journey in the US, I spoke English pretty decently. I just felt a bit shy when talking in front of a bigger group of people. Now, my brain thinks in English. After four years, I got a double major. I love public speaking. So studying and playing in the US impacted on me enormously, as a woman and as a player.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as an international student-athlete, and how did you overcome it?

At the beginning, maybe I underestimated how intense and busy my days would be. First couple months I was struggling with finding the right balance of everything. From early morning lifts, classes, long practices, classes after, adjusting to the 6 hour time difference. The culture and volleyball style was different, which did not necessarily cause challenges, I just needed some time to get used to it.

What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting your journey in the U.S.?

Personally, there wasn't anything specific because I kinda knew what I was getting myself into. The girl already studying in the US prepared me for the majority of the things. I have talked to some of my former teammates ahead. But from a financial spectrum, not knowing that once you open a bank account in a different country, you need to report it to the Slovenian financial administration because of the tax declaration.

What advice would you give to international students who dream of studying and playing sports in the U.S.?

If you have an opportunity, GRAB IT. The whole process of getting there might be stressful, difficult, a lot, but in the end, it is so worth it. SO WORTH IT. I have spent the best 4 years of my life in Pittsburgh. Now, I have more people/friends there, than in my home country Slovenia. I gained a second family, a second home. I am still in contact with the coaching staff and the girls regularly, if I can, I go back to Pittsburgh every year.