The senior from Zagreb, Croatia sets the tone for the Dons with her desire to lead by example, an unbridled passion and enthusiasm for the game and her ability to motivate others and lift team morale. She knows when to speak up and as importantly knows when to keep quiet.
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Her road to captaincy wasn't an easy one. A serious shoulder injury sidelined her for half of last year and wiped out any chances of competing during the sand season. After undergoing surgery, Vlasic's faith in the long and rigorous rehabilitation process was rewarded when she returned to the court in time for the start of training camp in August.
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"Jurja exemplifies everything we want players in our program to be," said Head Coach Gilad Doron. "She works extremely hard, takes volleyball very seriously and is always very well prepared. Her personality and leadership skills are great for her position. She loves responsibility, understands the game and her enthusiasm is very infectious.
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"Over the past three years, she has experienced some success and has also had some setbacks due to some injuries, which I think have made her more appreciative of all of her opportunities. I'm very happy to see her playing so well because of all of the hard work I know she put in just to get back on the court. It wasn't an easy process."
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A Psychology major, it may come as no secret Vlasic channeled the power of positive thinking throughout her rehabilitation process. She aspires to pursue a career as a Sports Psychologist after her playing days are over. Hard working and compassionate, Jurja is practices yoga, loves hiking and can be found studying in one of her many favorite coffee houses near campus (USFAthletics).
