The junior girls of Budućnost Volley dominantly won the Montenegrin championship title, but that is not the only achievement worthy of respect for Milena Ćetković and her friends this season.
The young volleyball players set the tone for the senior team's play, leading it to the biggest surprise in Montenegrin women's volleyball in recent years - the elimination of Luka Bar in the semi-finals of the playoffs and the first place in the finals after 13 years.
Captain Milena Ćetković, an 18-year-old middle blocker, was named the best player of the junior final tournament, her contribution to the unforgettable series of the senior team of Buducnost against Luka Bar was also crucial.
She definitely has a memorable season behind her.
"We came to the final tournament to play without pressure, but with a clear responsibility to the jersey we wear and to each other. We knew we had the quality and that we could go all the way, so this title is just confirmation of our togetherness. I am especially glad that I was named the best player of the tournament - I am proud that it was recognized, and I am even happier that someone in the middle blocker position received this honor, because it rarely happens. As a captain, I could not be more proud of the team. For me, this was a great end to the season and a big thank you to everyone who believed in us", Milena Ćetković's story for odbojka.me.
She played a miraculous second match of the senior women's playoff semifinals against Luka Bar under a fever. The rival led 1:0 in the series, 2:0 in the sets of the second game, 13:9 in the third set, and had match point...
The rest is history, at least when it comes to Montenegrin club volleyball. Buducnost was rejoicing, turning the series around, and Milena Cetkovic's contribution was perhaps crucial.
"It wasn't just the high temperature, but also the night spent in the emergency room, on IVs, which speaks volumes about my health at the time. It certainly physically limited me from performing on the field the way I normally can and love to, but that's exactly why I was particularly touched by the team's reaction. The girls showed incredible energy and support, as if they wanted to lift me up the way I usually do for them. That moment was special to me and further strengthened our team spirit," says Milena.
One game shaped a season, but one game doesn't make a season. Just like one block, one shot, doesn't make a game...
"I wouldn't attribute our success solely to that emotion and reaction, but primarily to our dedication, discipline, good preparation and tactically played game. All those 'match points' that we managed to save in key moments only show the character of the team."
All in all - a great season for the junior and potential senior national team player of Montenegro.
"This season really means a lot to me. It was extremely demanding and exhausting, but that's exactly why the feeling at the end, when all the hard work pays off, has a special weight. I've made a lot of progress, both as a player and as a person, and I think that's something that's clearly visible on the field."
At the end of 2023, she extended her contract with the Budućnost Volley team.
"Buducnost has a special place for me. I extended my contract a year and a half ago because I believed in the project and the people around me – and I was not wrong. Buducnost truly works at the highest professional level. From the coach, to my teammates, to the entire coaching staff and management – we all have the same goal, the same dedication and the same energy. And you can feel that every day. For me, Buducnost is not just a club, but a family. And I can say that freely, because the relationships we have built go far beyond the pitch. It means a lot to me to be a part of it and it will always mean a lot to me – both emotionally and athletically."
Milena Ćetković "owes" her volleyball beginnings to her older sister.
"I can say that from a young age I was encouraged to engage in some kind of sporting activity, and I always had support in that direction. I started training volleyball because my older sister started that way, so I wanted to try it too. Over time, through a combination of circumstances, I fell in love with the sport. Although I tried various other sports, volleyball was the one that awakened a special emotion and a true love for sports in me - and that's where everything just fell into place."
He jealously guards all his volleyball goals, maybe he'll reveal them one day - when he achieves them.
"I like to keep them to myself, but what I always strive for is constant progress - both in a sporting and volleyball sense, and as a person. I believe that development is something that never stops. Of course, one of my great wishes is to try my hand at some of the world's clubs in the future, because I believe that this experience further shapes a player, but also a person."
Milena's great wish is to soon wear the jersey of the senior Montenegrin national team.
"I believe that it is a great honor and pride for every athlete to represent their home country, so I believe that the coach will see me in the red jersey at some point, just as I see myself."
When he turns around, he sees a big volleyball swing.
"I am an eternal positivist and I truly believe that more and more investment is being made in Montenegrin volleyball. If this direction continues and if everything is done smartly and strategically, I think that a serious awakening and a step to a higher level await us in the future. The potential definitely exists."
Milena looks up to…
"My favorite player is Adenizia Ferreira. I know that you shouldn't have too many idols in life, but I look up to her with great admiration. She is an example to me of what a player should be. The energy she brings to the field and the way she radiates, all of that translates into an exceptional game. For me, that is an ultimate goal that I strive for and that is the direction I want to go," concludes Milena Ćetković.
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