Olympic silver medalist joins Jovo Caković’s coaching team!

The renowned Serbian volleyball player Tijana Malešević, a world champion and two-time European champion, as well as a silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will serve as a vital resource for the Montenegrin national volleyball team in their pursuit of the European Championship and other upcoming competitions, as announced by the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro.

Having concluded her illustrious playing career nearly five years ago, transitioning to the coaching staff of the senior Montenegrin national team—following her experience with junior players—marks a significant milestone in her coaching journey.

“I am thrilled to join and eager to assist while also learning. The experience I’ve gained on the court is invaluable and cannot be taught; I am confident that I can make a positive impact on the young Montenegrin national team,” stated Tijana Malešević.

How did this collaboration come into being? The key link is undoubtedly Jovo Caković.

“I’ve known Jovo for quite some time; our friendship began when he was part of Zoran Terzić’s coaching team for the Serbian national team. Over the years, that friendship has deepened, and I hold him in high regard, both personally and professionally, as an expert in the field. We have also worked together at a volleyball camp in Zlatibor that I co-run with Nataša Krsmanović, where he has participated several times.”

The idea for Tijana to join the Montenegrin national team’s coaching staff originated from her own desire.

“When Jovo was appointed head coach of Montenegro, I thought it would be a great opportunity to join him. He welcomed the idea enthusiastically, as did the Volleyball Association of Montenegro, and I’m delighted that it has become a reality. I wanted to work with senior players as I’ve coached youth athletes for the past two to three years,” said the 2018 world champion from Japan and the 2017 European champion from Turkey, as well as the champion from 2019 in Azerbaijan.

“With Jovo Caković, I believe I can effectively approach players from a female perspective, identify challenges, and communicate solutions based on my extensive playing experience. In essence, I aim to assist them throughout their maturation process.”

Tijana has previously faced some Montenegrin players during her playing days.

“I played against Nikoleta Perović and Danijela Džaković, and I also know Mina Dragović, who played in Serbia. I still need to meet the younger members of the team, but based on what I’ve observed and discussed with Jovo, I can see that this is a young and exceptionally promising team. Montenegrin players are distinguished by their physical attributes, something many teams, including Serbia, may lack. I believe that with a solid strategy and dedicated effort, we can create something remarkable,” said the 34-year-old from Užice.

The upcoming focus will be the Golden League, followed by the final round of the European Championship qualifiers.

“Strong performances in the Golden League will not only foster camaraderie among the players but will also facilitate our preparation for the qualifiers and subsequent planning for the European Championship,” she noted.

Tijana kick-started her professional career at Jedinstvo in Užice before donning the jerseys of several clubs: Volero, Polish Pila, Agel Prostejov, Belediyesi, Agil Volley in Italy, Nestle Ozasku in Brazil, Turkish Seramiksan, and Volley Alba Blaž in Romania.

She traveled across the globe and made the decision to retire at her peak—at the age of 29.

“I started to feel a bit uninspired; it was after I returned from Indonesia and amid the coronavirus pandemic. I realized I was no longer enjoying the game as I had before, and I didn’t want to continue forcing myself to play, so I decided to call it quits.”

Having won nearly all there is to achieve, she soon embarked on a coaching career. For Tijana Malešević, Montenegro represents a significant chapter in her journey!

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