Forced to pick between a degree and volleyball, Serbian student chooses both

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Jelena Novakovic stepped on United States soil for the first time less than five months ago. The Belgrade, Serbia, native dropped life as she knew it to come to America to pursue her dream.Her dream was to come to the U.S. to get a quality education, while also playing volleyball. Penn State gave her the opportunity to do just that."I heard that players that come here have a chance to finish university and to play volleyball at a really high level," Novakovic said. "So that's the reason [I came]. I could have both education and volleyball here."In Serbia, things are much different young athletes. They either choose volleyball or college; it is rare to do both simultaneously. Many volleyball players in Serbia go on to play professionally instead of attending college, but that wasn't the desired path for Novakovic.She grew up in an athletic family, with a father who played professional handball and two brothers who played basketball and soccer. Novakovic tried tennis, swimming and ballet before she found her sport -- volleyball.She began playing volleyball at age 11. She played on club teams and the Serbia Junior National Team. When it was time to think about leaving Serbia to play volleyball in the United States, Novakovic sent her volleyball video to Penn State, among other schools, hoping she would get the opportunity to play in America."She was willing to take the jump and come to school in the United States to enhance both her volleyball and her academic future," head coach Russ Rose said.Novakovic said she chose Penn State so she could play volleyball, study and be a part of the best volleyball program.Before she knew it, it was time to leave home and start her journey in the United States. While it was a nerve-wracking experience for the freshman business major, Novakovic was eager to see what the States had to offer."I was excited because I didn't know what to expect. As soon as I got here, the first couple of days were strange, but after that I felt really good," Novakovic said. "I really fell in love with this place."Going to college isn't easy for most freshmen, even those who live only a few hours away. Imagine being more than 4,500 miles from home. That's how far Novakovic is from Belgrade. Leaving her family and hometown behind was a challenge for her, but she said the more time she spends here, the easier it gets."It's like I chose to have a new life, a different life with a lot of opportunities," Novakovic said. "And I feel really good now.Novakovic said her teammates also help make the transition easier."All of my teammates are there for me. They know that my parents can't come very often to watch me or be here," Novakovic said. "My teammates and all of my coaches are really good at helping me with that. They understand that sometimes it's hard, but it's really worth it."With the season in full swing and the semester more than halfway done, Novakovic is adjusting well to her new surroundings."She's bright, she's very mature and she has good time management. Even though English isn't her first language, she's handling the academic load well," Rose said. "She's made a great and smooth transition."Novakovic's favorite thing about being a part of the Penn State women's volleyball program is playing in Rec Hall. Thousands of screaming fans is something she's not used to after playing in Serbia."I've never experienced so many people who come to support the volleyball team. It's just amazing. Everything. The band, the Wrecking Crew, the whole atmosphere," Novakovic said. "It's something special."