Croatia is currently hosting the FIVB Girls` U19 World Championship, and amidst the international competition, a local talent is making significant waves. At just 16 years old, Asja Zolota has rapidly become a cornerstone of the Croatian team, playing a pivotal role in their early qualification for the Round of 16 from Pool A.
The Croatian squad secured their spot in the knockout phase with two games remaining, thanks to a dominant run of four consecutive victories against Germany, Mexico, Canada, and Egypt. Their performance placed them comfortably atop their pool with 11 points, showcasing both team cohesion and individual brilliance.
Zolota`s individual brilliance has been particularly striking. Despite standing at 184cm, a height that might be considered modest in the upper echelons of the sport, she compensates with remarkable power and an explosive jump. Operating from the opposite position, she has proven virtually unstoppable, whether attacking from the net or executing back-row hits. Her scoring record speaks volumes, consistently leading Croatia in points across all their matches to date.
Her scoring tally includes 22 points in a tight 3-2 win over Germany, followed by 24 points in a 3-1 victory against Mexico. She added 23 points in the thrilling 3-1 contest versus Canada and contributed 16 points in the straight-sets defeat of Egypt. Accumulating 85 points in total so far, she not only leads the entire tournament in scoring but also ranks as the best attacker – a testament to her offensive prowess.
Reflecting on her role, Zolota noted, “I was an outside hitter before I switched to opposite two years ago. My first time playing as an opposite for the national team was last year at the Under 17 World Championship in Peru and I’ve now gotten used to it.” She added with a touch of refreshing candor, “I think I’m enjoying the game more playing as an opposite because it’s an easier role just to spike the ball as opposed to passing and the other many roles required of an outside hitter.” A pragmatic view, perhaps, but one backed by undeniable statistical dominance.
Asja Zolota`s connection to volleyball is deeply rooted in family. Hailing from the coastal town of Funtana, her journey began under the guidance of her father, Abel Zolota. A former professional volleyball player himself, Abel made the significant decision to end his playing career early when Asja was born to be with his family. “My father was a great player,” Asja recounted. “He even played professionally in France but when I was born he had to stop playing and come back home… I feel like he would have achieved a lot if he kept going but he chose family.”
Abel became Asja`s first coach at his club, OK Funtana Vrsar, where he remains the head coach. He laid the foundational skills for her career and leveraged his network to guide her development. Today, he embodies a multifaceted role: father, mentor, and perhaps most notably, her most ardent supporter. “He has always been there for me and is my greatest supporter,” Asja mentioned, smiling. “He comes to my games with drums and is the loudest among the fans which really motivates me.” It`s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the passionate, personal support system fueling her rise.
Her path involved stepping outside her immediate comfort zone at a young age. At only 14, Asja moved from OK Funtana Vrsar to the Slovenian club OK Ankaran, reuniting with Coach Ivica Radočaj, who she had previously worked with on the Croatia Under-17 national team. “I’ve known him for almost my entire life because he is a good friend to my father,” she said, candidly admitting, “I didn’t like him at first…people thought I got the opportunity to play for the national team because he was my father’s friend.” However, her perspective shifted, stating, “Working with him in Slovenia for the last two seasons has been amazing. He has really pushed me to become a better person and player. It’s nice when you move to a new place and you learn to be independent. You learn something new everyday.”
Under the guidance of Coach Svetlana Ilic for the U19 national team, Zolota`s maturity and proficiency have been on full display. She expressed confidence in the team`s ability to surpass their fifth-place finish from the 2023 edition, also hosted in Osijek. “This is the same team that won bronze at the European championship in 2023 but when you get a new coach it changes everything,” she noted. “Ilic is a good coach, she is so much into details and gives us a lot of information about the opponent which really helps us to prepare.” The team`s challenging matches have forged a strong bond. “After the Canada game, it’s the first time that we all cried…we felt like we understood the assignment and gave everything on the court!” she shared, highlighting the emotional investment.
Looking beyond the current championship, Zolota has clear aspirations. While acknowledging the strength of teams like defending champions USA and Poland, she believes the home crowd advantage provides a crucial edge for Croatia to reach at least the semi-finals. “It is achievable if we all believe it and work together as a team,” she stated, urging fans to continue their support. Her future development path includes participation in the upcoming FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship in Indonesia. Longer term, she dreams of representing Croatia at the senior level and has set her sights on playing in Italy`s prestigious Serie A1, specifically naming Antonio Carraro Imoco Conegliano as her dream club. With her mother, Feni Nezirevic Zolota, being half Croatian and half Italian, a move to Italian volleyball feels almost like a natural progression for the talented young opposite.
Asja Zolota is more than just a statistic leader; she represents the blend of innate talent, dedicated coaching, profound family support, and international experience that shapes a rising star. Her performance at the U19 World Championship is a compelling statement of her potential, positioning her as a key figure for Croatian volleyball`s future.
