The best Montenegrin volleyball players are preparing for the continuation of the CEV Golden League, the strongest national team competition in which they have competed so far.
Spain and Ukraine in Podgorica (defeats 3:0 and 3:1), Azerbaijan and host Slovakia in Bratislava (today and tomorrow), and Hungary and Portugal next weekend – all strong teams from the high house of European volleyball.
A chance to progress and learn, with "lessons, not defeats", as new coach Jovo Caković has repeatedly emphasized.
The players have been together for almost a month, May and June are special months – 100 percent dedicated to the national team.
"The new coach, the new coaching staff, there are definitely a lot of novelties. Coach Jovo Caković is considered a coach who loves to work, we knew that from before, and now we have felt it firsthand. He works a lot, he dedicates himself to all of us. We train a lot, we have two training sessions almost every day. However, we have already gotten used to it, we have entered the work system, now we are just growing. Most of the girls have known each other for a long time, although the selection is quite rejuvenated compared to previous years," says the service receiver of our national team, Teodora Čavić, for Odbojka.me.
Spain – first match in a new competition, with a new coach – strong rival, new circumstances: Montenegrin players were a little impressed, which is normal.
And not only that...
"Spain was the first game we played with this squad, without any previous friendlies. However, I think it could have been better. We already saw progress against Ukraine, we put up a stronger fight against a much stronger team, which shows that we have quality, we just need more work."
It's all a process of growing up, says Teodora Čavić.
"It is a privilege to be part of the team during the Golden League. This is a new level, it means a lot to us in terms of progress, we are playing against stronger players than ourselves and it will certainly mean collective and individual growth. We expect good matches and a lot of room for progress, I hope we will show that at the tournament in Slovakia. This is an overture to the preparations for the qualifiers. That awaits us in August, we have a great chance of qualifying for the European Championship for the first time and I hope we will meet expectations," says Teodora.
Volleyball player Luka Bar joined the national team after a rather turbulent and interesting end to the club season, in which her team lost the primacy to Buducnost after a long time.
"The series was excellent, Buducnost showed better character and deservedly advanced to the finals. We were missing Dijana Vuković a lot, who unfortunately got injured. The Buducnost team took advantage of that and the girls deserved the victory."
Bar – a volleyball town, and when girls start playing sports, volleyball is a logical choice.
"I would say it was the only option. Volleyball was then, just like now, considered the most popular women's sport, so there was no controversy," says 25-year-old Teodora.
Volleyball, however, is not the only thing that keeps her busy. Her example is a fantastic message to others, not only when it comes to the sport of volleyball.
"In addition to volleyball, I am studying dentistry. My primary focus is finishing college, but I am not neglecting volleyball, in fact – I am dedicated and I hope I will have the opportunity to try my hand outside of Montenegro. You never know, maybe through a stronger league," Teodora concludes.
Maybe the Golden League matches will "help" her with that - so that someone sees her.
Bonus video:
