Jelena Blagojevic: the spiking libero
Story of the day
Often the libero is a role that goes unnoticed, but without libero the teams would be lost. Liberos sacrifice themselves for the team without fear, in defence they fight for every ball even with a no block. A libero is precise and careful in reception and allows the teammates to develop a fast and deceptive game for the opponents. The libero is a fundamental role in Volleyball, essential for the game. We often see breathtaking digs, they fly from one side of the court to the other to save every ball and to give the team an extra chance to get the point.
Many players “were born” libero and have held this role since the first matches played in their career. Others have become so over time for physical reasons. And then, there are those who become libero for technical needs, playing the entire season with the club as a spiker and becoming libero with the national team.
The latter is the case of Jelena Blagojevic.
“Blago”, born in 1988, MVP of the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup 2016 with TRABZON Idman Ocagi, is captain and outside hitter of the Developres SkyRes Rzeszów.
After trying handball and basketball, she decided to take up volleyball with a brief period in beach volleyball.
Jelena is a clever, skilled and multi-tasking player who leads her team exactly as a captain should.
Jelena Blagojevic"Four years ago, during the EuroVolley in Baku I played libero for the first time. At first it was strange because I was used to attack and sometimes I got ready to attack the pipe and the coach would say to me: Jelena where are you going? I like to defend and receive, even in the club although I am officially an outside hitter, I do more of a reception and defense job."
Libero - Team Serbia
She fully understood her role within the national team.
Jelena Blagojevic"When I play for the national team, even if they asked me to play as a middle blocker I would play. Playing for the national team is truly special. Sometimes I miss attacking but I really enjoy this role."
Libero - Team Serbia
It is not always easy to accept these kinds of changes, especially for those who are used to scoring a lot of points during a match but...
Jelena Blagojevic"My height is 180cm so I can't play as a middle-blocker or as opposite in the national team and I try to give my contribution as I can. When I was little I refined the technique a lot. I think the most important thing in these situations is how you accept these changes. Again, it wouldn't be a problem for me to play as a middle blocker in the national team. I still have 20 days and then I'll go back to attack style."
Libero - Team Serbia