Tea Juric Competing on FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour
Jun 16, 2015 | Women's Beach Volleyball
NEW ORLEANS -- Fresh off of a historic sophomore campaign with the Tulane sand volleyball team, rising junior Tea Juric has been making the most of her summer, competing on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. Partnering with veteran Dalida Vernier, the Croatian duo have competed in the Prague and Lucerne Opens and the Porec Major.
"Coming from a small country where sand volleyball is not the most popular sport, this was a big deal for someone like me," Juric said. "Playing with the top teams in the world is just a new lesson in life and something that taught me to be a better player and person. Watching my opposition warm up and their movements and behavior, it was just a step forward in my career."
The Porec Major took place June 2-7, where Juric and Vernier were slotted in Pool A against world class opposition, which included No. 1 Larissa Maestrini and Talita Antunes of Brazil, No. 10 Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan of Canada, and No. 31 Emily Day and Jennifer Kessy of the United States. Despite a 0-3 showing, Juric reveled in the opportunity to play the top-team in the world, in addition to a 2012 Silver Medalist in Kessy, all in her home country of Croatia.
"The emotions are hard to describe because it's just something you need to feel," Juric continued. "I played against the No. 1 team in the world in my own country. Being on the other side of the court, living your dream, it just made me happy in the end to shake their hands and wish them congratulations. I am now even more motivated and look forward to playing some more on the world tour."
Juric's sophomore campaign at Tulane alongside Jackie Wegner, witnessed the duo become the program's first 30-match winner, first back-to-back AVCA National Championships qualifier, and first to reach the Round of 16 elimination bracket for the national pairs title.
"I am thrilled for Tea that she has the opportunity to compete internationally against the best players in the world," Tulane head sand volleyball coach Wayne Holly said. "The experience will improve her dramatically and create memories that will last a lifetime. I know she is proud to be able to compete for her country, and I'm proud of how she has embraced this learning experience."
