Divna Ratković's story is one that confirms that top results are not a matter of chance, but of years of hard work, discipline, and a clear goal. From her school days in Bar, where she excelled in both the classroom and on the sports field, to the prestigious Rice University in the United States, her journey is an example of successfully balancing an academic career and professional sports.
While still in Montenegro, Divna laid the foundations for what would later become an impressive international career. “My education in Montenegro was marked by great dedication to school and sports,” says Ratković. She graduated from the “Jugoslavija” Elementary School and the “Niko Rolović” High School with the highest grades – a 5.0 GPA and a “Luča” diploma, while in high school she was also awarded the title of athlete of the generation.
However, there is much more to these results than just grades. From her earliest days, her life was organized around a rigorous schedule. She played tennis and athletics simultaneously, disciplines that require different physical and mental abilities. “From a young age, I played tennis and athletics simultaneously and achieved notable results in both sports,” she says.
In tennis, she achieved results that placed her among the best young players in Europe – she won more than 60 national and over 10 international tournaments, while in the under-16 rankings she was among the top eight in Europe. At just 14 years old, she became a member of the national Fed Cup team. In athletics, she also dominated, winning national titles in disciplines from sprints to middle distance, as well as in the long jump and relay.
Video: Divna Ratkovic
Such a level of commitment required enormous sacrifice and family support. “The big challenge was the daily organization, because during high school I traveled to Podgorica for training every day,” Ratković recalls. It was this combination of discipline, logistics, and support from those closest to her that shaped her character and prepared her for the challenges that followed.
The turning point in her career came in her first year of high school, when she started receiving offers from American universities. Thanks to her results at ITF tournaments, where she was among the top 150 juniors in Europe, her work was recognized on a global level. “I ended up receiving a total of 51 full scholarship offers,” Ratković points out. Such a number of offers from NCAA Division I universities is exceptional even internationally.
The choice of university was carefully considered. After numerous conversations with coaches and familiarization with the American system, she decided on Rice University in Houston. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to continue developing my academic and athletic career, and the American system proved to be the best option for me,” she explains.
Rice University, often called the “Harvard of the South,” is known for its exceptionally high academic standards and selectivity. Although it ranks alongside the Ivy League in terms of educational quality, it also offers athletic scholarships, making it a unique choice for student-athletes. “Rice combines a top-notch education with a strong athletic program,” says Ratković.
Her studies are focused on economics, one of the most prestigious programs at the university, and she is also improving her skills through studies in sports management. Both programs are among the top ten in the US, which further confirms the rigor of her academic path. Teaching at Rice is characterized by an interactive approach, high demands and continuous work throughout the semester.
Coming to Houston was a new experience, but also a challenge. “The city is large and dynamic, and the university campus is well-maintained, green, and very pleasant to live in,” Ratković describes. She particularly emphasizes the residential system, where students live in smaller communities that encourage networking and collaboration. As a member of Duncan College, she quickly adapted to the new environment.
An important role in the adaptation was also played by the so-called O-Week – an orientation week during which new students go through the process of getting to know the university and their colleagues. “This is the period when the first friendships are formed and when students adapt more easily to the new environment,” she explains.
Still, the life of a student-athlete at Rice University is extremely demanding. Her daily routine starts early and ends late, with a strictly defined schedule. “My day is very dynamic – lectures, three- to four-hour workouts, recovery, then studying and preparing for tests,” says Ratković. The days when workouts start in the early morning hours are especially tiring.
Despite the intensity of the obligations, the system is designed to provide students with maximum support. Academic advisors, coaches and professors work together to ensure that students successfully balance all obligations. “Professors are understanding of the obligations of athletes, but at the same time they expect seriousness and responsibility,” she emphasizes.
Rice University is also known for its top-notch faculty, including world-renowned professors and Nobel Prize winners. Close collaboration with NASA and strong programs in engineering and space exploration further contribute to its reputation. It is precisely such an environment that encourages students to develop critical thinking and innovation.
Divna particularly highlights the subject of macroeconomics and the professor Amélie Carlton“Her lectures encourage critical thinking and help me understand the material better,” she says.
“When it comes to my professional direction, I want to develop in the field of economics, especially in the direction of economic analysis, working with data, and understanding financial and business systems. I would like to work in a dynamic and demanding environment where I can apply the knowledge I have acquired and continue to progress. I am also considering continuing my education through a master's program, in order to further improve my knowledge.”
In addition to her academic commitments, an international environment also plays a significant role in her life. Rice University has students from all over the world, which allows her to experience different cultures on a daily basis. “I spend most of my time with my tennis teammates and friends from college,” Ratković points out.
Her university record confirms her continued success – she has won numerous academic awards, including Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-District titles. On the athletic front, she has achieved outstanding results, including the title of champion of the American Athletic Conference.
A special moment in her career was winning the team title, when the Rice women's tennis team became conference champions for the first time in history. “I was named the most outstanding player of the tournament, which is a special recognition for me,” she says.
This success opened the door to the NCAA tournament, which features the best university teams in the US. With this, Divna once again confirmed that she belongs at the very top of university sports.
In his rare free moments, he tries to take advantage of the opportunities offered by life in America – from visits to the NASA center to sporting and musical events. However, free time is a rarity due to his intense schedule.
When it comes to the future, her plans are clearly defined, but she is also open to new opportunities. “I want to develop in the field of economics, especially through data analysis and understanding financial systems,” says Ratković. She is also considering continuing her education through a master's degree, while sports remain an important part of her life.
The experience of studying abroad further shaped her. “I learned to be more stable under pressure and to accept challenges as part of everyday life,” she concludes.
Although she has not yet made a final decision about where she will continue her career, one thing is certain - Divna Ratković is already a symbol of the success of the new generation of young people from Montenegro, who are confirming their knowledge and talent on the global stage.
About Rice University
Rice University is one of the most prestigious private universities in the United States, founded in 1912 in Houston, Texas. It is a highly selective institution and regularly ranks among the top 20 universities in the United States. It is known for its small student population and exceptionally favorable student-faculty ratio, which allows for an individualized approach to teaching. The university cultivates a strong research character, especially in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, economics, and business.
Rice is often called the “Harvard of the South” for its combination of academic excellence and reputation. It is also unique in that, unlike the Ivy League universities, it offers athletic scholarships and actively participates in NCAA Division I competitions. The university’s campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the United States, with large green spaces and distinctive architecture. Another feature of Rice is its residential system, where students live in smaller colleges that encourage community and cooperation.
The university has a close relationship with NASA, as Houston is home to the Johnson Space Center, which further strengthens its programs in space exploration and technology. Rice is also known for its historical significance - it was at its stadium that President John F. Kennedy gave his famous speech about landing a man on the moon in 1962.
Rice University's faculty and alumni include Nobel Prize winners, such as Robert Curl i Richard Smalley, who were awarded for their discovery of fullerenes. Their work places Rice among the leading institutions in the fields of chemistry and nanotechnology. The university is known for attracting top researchers and professors from around the world, allowing students to work with the highest-ranking experts.
When it comes to famous alumni, Rice has produced a number of notable figures. Among them is James A. Baker III, former US Secretary of State and one of the key figures in American politics. There is also Peggy Whitson, one of the most famous NASA astronauts, who holds the record for the longest time in space among American astronauts. The university has also been attended by members of the famous political family Bush, including George P. Bush.
Rice also has a significant impact in the business world – its alumni hold leading positions in major companies and financial institutions. Although relatively small in terms of student numbers, the university has a strong global impact thanks to the quality of its education and selectivity.
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