For the first time in a while, we have a full team, an outstanding coaching staff, compete in a group where we can hold our ground, and the support from the Volleyball Federation for this generation of Montenegrin volleyball players.

These are the four key factors, according to Mina Dragović, that led her and her teammates to historic success—qualifying for the European Championship, as reported by odbojka.me.

Nonetheless, these are not the only factors—achieving cohesion requires much more. Quality and talent, effort and commitment—these elements require careful selection, something that Jovo Caković excelled at this summer.

“We’ve waited a long time for this success, and now we truly understand what it means for us, for our volleyball, our sport, and our country. To say we are overjoyed is an understatement; this has been the best summer of my career,” shares Mina Dragović.

At just 25 years old, Mina holds nearly nine years of experience with the national team, making her one of the “senators” of the squad. She has been a guiding example for younger players…

“I am extremely proud of my younger teammates for their dedication and effort. Many on the team are only 20 years old and not accustomed to this level of pressure. Those of us who have more experience with the national team were there to assist and encourage them. When they exhibited the same commitment, it created a fantastic synergy, ensuring great outcomes,” she explains.

The matches in Montenegro’s Golden League, marking their inaugural participation in a competitive setting, served as preparation for two crucial qualifiers. The players got acclimated to the new coach and coaching staff while adapting to a different training regimen.

Almost a month after the first training session under Jovo Caković, the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Goražde took place. The stands were packed, creating a challenging atmosphere. Montenegro was trailing at 18:12, then 21:16 in the first set…

“That set was pivotal; we seemed to need that experience to break through our hurdles. We worked hard this summer to get to these two matches, and the psychological pressure was immense. After we managed to turn things around and gain a 1-0 lead, everything felt easier. I’ve always been one to fight till the end, whether it’s for the national team or in club matches. Even when down 24:17 in a set, I’ve learned that such deficits can be overcome,” says our stellar middle blocker.

Montenegro reversed their fortunes, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 in Goražde and clinching a spot in the European Championship with a round to spare. Yet, the qualifying journey was not complete.

Mina elaborates on the importance of winning against Latvia in Kolašin last Sunday:

“We aimed to prove that our presence at the European Championship is well-deserved. We put in hard work this summer to ensure we could secure the top position in our group. The match was tough; we lost the first set but rallied again, with uncertainty looming throughout. This also showcases the mental resilience of our team, as we’ve clinched numerous uncertain sets in critical matches. Beating Latvia was the moment we felt completely fulfilled, knowing it was time to celebrate.”

She continues passionately:

“This is profoundly meaningful to me; I’ve been part of several generations that came close but fell short. I’ve experienced many disappointments, so this achievement feels like fulfilling the most beautiful dream in volleyball.”

The ambitions of this team extend beyond merely qualifying for the European Championship.

“If this summer has been the best, we’ll strive to make the next one even more remarkable. I firmly believe we haven’t said our last word.”

This means everything to me; I’ve been on teams that got close but didn’t succeed, enduring numerous disappointments. This marks the realization of my greatest volleyball dream,” says Mina.

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