Montenegro lost to strong Slovenia at the start of the new edition of the Europa League, but gained Nađa Peković.
She then defeated Georgia in the second match - again defeating Nađa Peković.
Our national team had a more than successful start, especially in the context of the debut of the 16-year-old coach.
When just a year ago she managed to qualify for the European Championship with the pioneering selection and become part of our first women's selection to go to a major competition, Nađa spoke about "the feeling of soaring and a storm of emotions."
What does she say now, after she got the chance to be part of the senior team's first team at the age of 16?
"My heart is full, I have definitely achieved one of my biggest dreams."
She gradually learned that she would be playing against Slovenia from the start.
"It was a huge boost for me just to see my name on the wider list - proof and recognition that I had progressed, an indication that everything I had done so far had made sense. I didn't expect to be the first technician, and against Slovenia, an excellent national team, but in the training sessions before the match I got more and more opportunities to show myself. I felt that the coach believed in me and as the match approached I felt that I would start, he didn't have to tell me anything. Thank you very much for your trust."
A bold move by Jovo Caković, and the national team could benefit greatly - not only in the future.
"It meant a lot to me to watch those games, not to play them. It was a great, huge experience, especially the game against Slovenia, a top national team, disciplined and incredibly physically prepared. It was a bit easier against Georgia, and I'm glad I felt my first victory in the national team jersey."
Nađa says she had some nervousness - who wouldn't have - but that it disappeared as soon as the first ball went over the net at the "Topolica" arena in Bar.
"I'm happy with how I played, and I'm happy with the attitude I had towards the game. I had tremendous support from my teammates, from captain Nikoleta Perović to everyone else, including the coach and coaching staff. I can't describe how much that support meant to me and how much it helped me. It's simply a pleasure to be part of this team."
Emotions have not yet subsided, and new challenges lie ahead - the second Europa League tournament in Romania and matches with the host and Albania.
"Good opponents, tough games. Kosovo and Hungary await us. We will do our best and I believe new victories are coming," Nađa points out.
From appearing at the European Championship with the cadets last year to debuting in the senior team - everything happened in a flash. The Eurovolley for senior women is coming up in August, and Montenegro will be participating for the first time.
"During the season, I was focused on the younger national teams, so I almost didn't even think about making my debut in the senior team. Everything happened very quickly. The European Championship for senior women is coming up, a big stage, the biggest possible - if I get the chance, I will try to grab it."
Wearing the Buducnost jersey, Nađa Peković also won the Montenegrin Cup last season - so young, so trophy-laden, and already a member of the national team.
"Everything that has happened should be an incentive for me to work even harder, not to be satisfied. It's a good start, but it's just the beginning," says Nađa.
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