The Rise of Vukota Čelebić: My Future – The Greatest Inspiration

Less than two years ago, he was a "dreamer on the net", a boy who also draws inspiration from popular Japanese animated films - where volleyball has an important place.

Today, he is a senior volleyball national team member, champion of Montenegro with Budva, bronze medalist at the U18 Balkan Championship with Montenegro, and the best middle blocker of the championship.

Everything he dreamed of and fantasized about until recently, he is now putting into practice on the court, and he is only 17 years old: Vukota Čelebić, one of the greatest talents in Montenegrin volleyball.

Not much has passed since the two "teenage" interviews, and a lot has changed...

"I would say that I am a much better player now, with more big games behind me. The senior national team had a big influence on that, where I started all six games in the Europa League, gained a lot of experience and learned a lot from the older players," says Vukota Čelebić.

In the senior competition, he was equal, in the cadet competition – dominant.

"The goal at the Balkan Championship was to win a medal, which we achieved. I think we can always do better and we will aim for even greater success at the next championship."

The victory over Serbia resonated, as did the only two defeats – against Turkey in the group and Bulgaria in the semi-finals.

"A good match against Serbia, the team gave their all and for that effort we were awarded the bronze medal. We were quite close against Turkey, but in the end they were better prepared than us and took that match, against a strong Bulgaria we entered the match full of energy as a team and gave our all, I would say that Bulgaria struggled the most against us because of our persistence, energy and togetherness on the field. We have progressed a lot since the qualifications for the European Championship, as coach Balša Radulović said, we are a team that is more than ready to compete in the European Championship. What makes us special is that we will die for every ball and no one will play against us without struggling."

Finally, in addition to the collective recognition, there is also an individual recognition for Vukot Čelebić.

"The award for the best middle blocker is a reward for all the effort and work I put in this season and this summer with the national team, and it is also a great motivation for next season with Budva and the upcoming tournaments with the national teams."

He describes the season on the club scene as "turbulent, full of ups and downs."

"Especially on the European stage, but in the end we showed character and defended the title and the Cup trophy. I am grateful to coach Miljan Bošković and the other people at the club who had confidence in me to play the final series against Buducnost when Matija Ćinćur was injured, I think I played an important role in all the games and helped the team in every way I could."

Vukot's season – something he will remember most – was definitely marked by his performances in the senior national team.

"I expected to be nervous and there was, but when I stepped onto the field, it all disappeared, it's a great pride to play for my country on the biggest stage. As a young player, it meant a lot to me to play against serious national teams and to share the field with some of the best players in Europe," Čelebić points out.

So, a senior national team player, a champion of Montenegro with an important role in the senior team, the best middle blocker in the championship, and still - a dreamer at the net...

“What inspires me the most today is my future. I want to see how far I can go if I give my all every day. My goal is to become the best version of myself, both as an athlete and as a person, and that desire is what drives me the most.”