Most student-athletes enter college facing several changes theymust adjust to. For junior middle blocker Ivana Kuzmic, the changeswere infinite. Kuzmic was faced with adjusting to not only a newcity, but a new country. She left her home in Split, Croatia toattend the University of Arkansas — Little Rock for two yearsbefore making the decision to transfer to LSU. The transition fromEurope to the United States is one that Kuzmic said brought muchculture shock.
“Everything was a big difference. Back in Europe we had adifferent approach to everything, including volleyball,”Kuzmic said. “It’s the same game, but it’sdifferent.”
After making the move to Baton Rouge, she had to adjust all overagain. But, she said the move was only a small discomfort comparedto all the benefits she has gained being at LSU.
“Little Rock is small and LSU is huge, but the volleyballteam is a better team,” Kuzmic said. “The huge campuswas a big shock, but LSU offers Italian and it has a great graphicdesign program. There was just more to offer here.”
Kuzmic, who was named athlete of the year all four years of highschool in Croatia, towers over the team huddle standingsix-foot-four inches. Kuzmic’s height is inherited from hermother who played for the Yugoslavia basketball team. Kuzmic wasyoung when her mother still played and spent many hours in the gym.Therefore, the athleticism Kuzmic acquired has come to nosurprise.
“I tried taking up basketball like her, but I wasn’thappy with it so I took on another sport,” Kuzmic said.
The decision seemed to be best for Kuzmic, and her teammates aregrateful to have her join the team this season. Team members agreethat she brings several qualities to the team on and off thecourt.
“She really adds enthusiasm to the team,” sophomoreoutside hitter Kassi Mikulik said. “If she does somethinggood or bad she is always up. She is always the one doing somethinggoofy — whether it be sticking her tongue out or whateverelse.”
Senior outside hitter/middle blocker Regan Hood has spent fouryears on the team and said she also observes the positiveattributes Kuzmic possesses and adds to their team chemistry thisyear.
“Her play is something other teammates can really strivefor,” Hood said. “She’s always doing her best,and she is doing well for us.”
Off the court, Kuzmic is one of the oldest players, and teammembers said her personality makes it easy for players to look toher for advice.
“She’s more of a mom,” Mikulik said.”She’s 22 years old so she really has a lot more ofexperience than we do. If you need something, you go to her and shewill help you out.”
The mother figure that Kuzmic resembles is something she cannotexperience since all of her family is back in her hometown ofCroatia. Most teammates are surrounded by family after each homegame, but Kuzmic stands alone usually signing autographs. Kuzmicsaid she finds support from fans, and she continues to communicatewith her family and friends back home who support her as well.
“I keep in touch with everyone back home. We talk on thephone and through mail,” Kuzmic said. “I have hugesupport from back home. I keep them with me and in me.”
Kuzmic has already experienced success for the Tigers thisseason. Already half way through the season, she has achievedall-time highs for blocking and points scored in several matches.Kuzmic, along with the rest of the LSU volleyball team, can be seenin action Sunday at home against Kentucky at 1:30 p.m. in the PeteMaravich Assembly Center.