Nina Kontrec: All Around All-Star

Q: How long have you been playing this sport?A: I started playing volleyball when I was 8. I was involved in other sports as well, like track and field, handball, tennis and others, but volleyball was the sport I fell in love with, and it stayed like that ever since.



Q: Do you think playing sports has helped you in other aspects of your life? How?

A: Playing sports has helped me in many aspects of my life. For example, when my schedule is busy and hard, I get even more motivated to do everything at my best. I also think that because of being a part of the team, I am willing to adjust more and be more patient. The list can go on and on. Sports are not only a part of my life-it's who I am.



Q: What are your goals for sports?

A: My goals are usually connected with my team and with my game in the team. I want to do well and improve, so that I can help the team in every way possible. I definitely want to continue playing volleyball as long as I will be able to. I also like to challenge myself. The good thing is that in sports, you can never get bored, because no matter how good/bad you are, you can always improve.



My academic goals are to do the best I can here, at Florida State College, and then transfer to a four year university-most likely Embry Riddle. Then, finish my bachelor's degree, and afterwards-who knows.



Q: Have you won any achievements or awards?

A: Mevza 2004 Youth Girls: Best Libero, Bihac, Bosnia- Beach Volley Tournament 2006: Tournament MVP; Beach Volleyball High school National Championship in Slovenia- 1st place; Beach Volley National 2nd place till the age of 23; FCCJ: all from freshman year (2008): 1st Team All-Conference, FCCJ Coach's Award, FCCJ Fall Volleyball Classic All-Tournament Team; FCCJ Volleyball Invitational All-Tournament Team; from senior year: FCCAA All State/All Region Team, 1st team All Mid-Florida Conference, Mid-Florida Conference Player of the Year, NJCAA 2nd Team All American.



I am proud of the awards, they're something I will be able to look at, when I get older. However, it means more to me, if I am personally satisfied with the way I played-then, winning an award is just the cherry on top.







Q: How do you motivate yourself for games or practices?

A: I have my lucky underwear. no, just kidding ? Sometimes, I watch some games on youtube, before our own match, sometimes I just visualize perfect passes, perfect serves, kills, . It usually works for me.





Q: Do you have any other talents?

A:Yeah, I can easily make a fool of myself when it is not necessary ? I think I pick up sports pretty fast, but don't ever ask me to sing a song. It will be my pleasure, but you will be the one suffering.



Q: How do you think the skills you have learned from playing sports will influence your future?

A: I think I became more open to people, their opinions and criticism. Sports, in one way or another, force you to communicate with people. By doing it well, one gets respect from the teammates, scholarship offers, job interviews, etc.



Q: What is your favorite aspect of playing sports? (i.e. competition, being on a team.)

A: As I said earlier, sports are a part of who I am. I like doing it for fun, competition, or just to calm myself after a long day. It relieves me from stress, with doing sports I get to meet new people, make new friendships, travel abroad, . It's hard for me to choose only one thing. All I can say is, I can't imagine my life without it.



Q: If you could only pick one, would you choose to have good individual statistics or team wins?

A: Haha, that's a tricky question. Probably everyone would answer team wins- I don't know with how much honesty, but that is what I assume. I think it depends on a situation. If it was a game that is not crucial for the team, but it would help me get the scholarship or some other opportunity, then I would say I would choose individual statistics. However, if it was an important game, I would much rather see my team winning, even if I was on the bench. The medal would mean a lot to me, because we would win with team work. But, I enjoy it the most, when my team wins and I play good. There is always one team that loses and one that wins. I just prefer to be on the winners' side. Wouldn't you?