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From Slovenia to Florida and to the Summit of College Volleyball -- Julija the perennial champion!

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After an insanely consistent tradition of winning everything there was to win both in her home country of Slovenia, representing her national team in European competitions, and helping her first stop in the US, the University of Maryland Baltimore County to a Conference Championship and playing in the NCAAs, Julija Grubisic Cabo did it again!

Not only did she help lead Florida Southwestern to a 3-peat, and the national title for NJCAA D1 college volleyball, but she did it in style. She helped with her experience and leadership mold this young group, the "United Nations of College Volleyball" Coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen put together, and through a full battle-tested season Julija rose to yet another level of competitive excellence, collecting more hardware in the process!

- National Champion
- Player of the Year
- NJCAA D1 National Championship MVP (vs. Miami Dade)
- NJCAA D1 First Team All-American
- FL State Final MVP (v. Miami Dade)
- Citrus Conference Player of the Year

Julija sat with our Nomos media team to reflect on her story, the past couple of years, and the recent season winning it all with FSW :

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Julija, Congratulations on winning the championship! Thank you!

- What does this achievement mean to you personally, and how does it feel to have contributed such a significant role for your team?
I think this achievement showed me how amazing it can feel when all the work, visions, and goals you talk about throughout the season create this final outcome that combines pure love for the game and the hunger to get better each day. Being a part of a team like this is an honor and feels like a reward on its own.

- What were the biggest challenges your team faced this season, and how did you overcome them to claim the title?
I think we put a lot of effort into creating a good culture and getting to know each other better. We all come from different places and each player contributed a lot into creating a joyful, yet competitive environment. The first time our culture was challenged was after our first loss. We all had to be mature and respond in a way that would impact the team in a positive way. We reacted responsible and became even hungrier for winning, which was seen in our practices, as well as it challenged us to connect even more. Another obstacle on our winning path was the Hurricane, which disturbed our regular schedule and challenged us to be flexible and our best on the court even when the circumstances were against us.

- Can you share a memorable moment from the championship journey that stood out for you, either during a game or with your teammates?
There was this one moment in the quarter-final of the National Championship game against Utah Eastern that I always look back on. It was the fifth set and we were down two points and I could sense some doubt on the court, even though we were all about to give it our all to win. We were still down a point, and our setter Camilla entered the court with the most calm, confident and focused glaze. As she goes back to the serving line, she says:’’Now, let’s win this’’. She served, kept them out of system, then made good setting decisions and our hitters executed the plan perfectly. And soon after that, we won what ended up being the most important set of the season.

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- Coming from Slovenia to the U.S. is a huge step (Talk about the demands and issues you had to overcome in this journey... )
Moving away is a challenge on its own, whether you move to a neighboring country or to the other side of the world. Coming to the U.S. takes a lot of courage and dedication to the sport, and a lot of competitiveness and desire. At the end of the day, you get to play the sport that you love. It does take adjustment and patience, as some rules or general habits are different compared to how I was used to doing things at home. But different does not mean bad.You are just as much of a student as you are an athlete, therefore I learned how to find a balance between the two in a way that allows me to excel on the court and in the classroom. I learned to be competitive and I learned that in order to win, you have to focus on the process rather than the output. Our team talked a lot about communication, how to be contagious in a positive way and how we have to ‘’think about the root not the fruit’’. My favorite thing about it all is the fact that I get to share all the joy and success with the team.

 

- How did NOMOS support (and how Nomos continues to support) you in making this dream of studying and playing volleyball in the U.S. a reality?
NOMOS is offering me constant support by helping me understand college sports and the recruiting process after JUCO that can be confusing at times. As U.S. College sports is filled with regulations and rules, NOMOS helps me stay on top of it all and gives me the best advice when needed.

- How do you think NOMOS plays a role in connecting you (and other girls) with opportunities that align with both your academic and athletic goals?
I think NOMOS has a lot of connections with coaches and schools, way more than a player alone could ever have. Therefore, NOMOS knows and respects my goals and visions and helps connect me with schools that align with that.

- How has this experience influenced your perspective on what you want to achieve in volleyball and your academic pursuits?
I think it gave me courage and helped me create and shape my visions for my future. By knowing I have people helping me take full advantage of my skills and level of play, I know that I will be exposed to opportunities that are the best for me.

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- What advice would you give to other young athletes in Slovenia or Europe, who are dreaming of a similar path to study and compete in the U.S.?
I would say go for it. I know it might seem scary to think about studying abroad and outside the comfort zone, but playing in the U.S. is one of the best decisions I have made, and NOMOS made it possible. I suggest connecting with people such as NOMOS agency to get the connections and help you need in order to find the best fit for your needs and desires.

- Looking back, how do you feel about the journey that brought you here? Are there specific people, including any specific Nomos members if applicable, that you’d like to thank for their support?
As my journey is not a typical one, I have a lot to be thankful for. Firstly, I am grateful for where I am right now. Therefore, a big thanks goes out to the FSW athletic department, my amazing team and Coach Thais. I am also grateful for Tassos from NOMOS who helped making this happen, my sister Barbara, my family, coach Kasey and the girls from UMBC, the school I played for my freshman year and I still have a lot of love for.

- Where would you like to see yourself in 5 or 10 years from now...
I would love to see myself be as happy and grateful as I am now. I would love to be a Coach and help girls achieve their goals and make their volleyball dreams come true. I really hope one day I get to influence little girls and help their love for the sport grow.

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