FIU volleyball player joins Montenegro National Team

Rising junior member of the FIU volleyball team, Andrea Lakovic, was recently named to the Montenegro National Volleyball Team, as she began the journey of representing her home country on the court this past weekend.

Lakovic began training camp on May 1 in Podgorica as her squad prepares for the first round of qualifying for the European National Championships, held in Croatia on May 21-23. The second round of qualifying will then be held in Spain May 28-30.

A native of Bar, Montenegro, Lakovic looks to make an immediate impact on her national squad by combining her previous national experiences with her know-how from two years of Division I collegiate competition.

“I have a long history with playing on the national level for my country and I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned in my two years at FIU back to the national team,” said Lakovic. “I’m very glad to have this opportunity to represent FIU, my country and myself.”

A 6-1, middle blocker for the Panthers, Lakovic led FIU to a school-record 32 wins in 2009, as FIU compiled an overall record of 32-4 and a perfect Sun Belt Conference regular season record of 17-0. Her sophomore season included a second straight SBC regular season title, an SBC Championship runner-up finish and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

“It is a big honor to have an opportunity to represent your own country, and we are very proud that Andrea was invited to be a part of her national team,” said FIU Head Coach Danijela Tomic.  “She has worked very hard for the last two years since she came to FIU and her efforts were recognized by being named our team’s Most Improved Player this year.  I have no doubt that she will represent FIU in the best possible way while competing with the Montenegro National Team this summer.”