SERBIAN WOMAN MAKES HISTORY IN U.S. COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL: Kristina Perić Breaks Two-Decade-Old Record and Becomes Female Athlete of the Year! (VIDEO)

While many dream of earning an athletic scholarship in the United States, Kristina Perić has gone several steps further—becoming one of the top collegiate volleyball players in the entire country.

The Belgrade native, who spent the past few years playing for Post University in Connecticut, has completed a season rarely seen at the collegiate level. She broke a university record that had stood since 2005, finished the season as the top NCAA Division II player according to AVCA statistics in six different categories, and recently received the prestigious Female Athlete of the Year award for the 2025/26 season.

Kristina was also named to the CACC First Team and the East Region First Team. However, she says this award means much more to her than just another trophy.

“To be honest, this recognition means a great deal to me because it validates everything I have invested over the past few years. I’m especially happy that it comes from Post University, where I spent two wonderful years while completing my master’s studies. This award marks the perfect conclusion to a very successful chapter of my collegiate career.”

A Historic Season With 621 Points

She finished the season with an incredible 621 points, writing her name into the history books of her university. However, she says she never focused on the numbers throughout the year.

“To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about records during the season. Everything happened naturally, and I’m very happy that I managed to break a record that had stood since 2005. Behind it all is a tremendous amount of discipline—from daily training and paying close attention to every detail to fighting for every last point in every match.”

When asked to name the match that earned her this prestigious recognition, she says there wasn’t just one defining moment.

“I can’t single out one specific match because I don’t believe awards like this are won based on a single game. In sports, consistency is what matters most—from one match to the next. As more experienced people like to say: ‘Step by step.’ It is consistency and constant hard work that produce results like these.”

Wearing the Captain’s Armband Means More Than Leading on the Court

In addition to finishing as the top scorer in NCAA Division II, Kristina also served as her team’s captain. For her, leadership extends far beyond what happens on the court.

“Being a captain carries great responsibility. It’s not just a role on the court, but off it as well. A captain is expected to lead by example through their behavior, attitude toward teammates, and reactions in every situation. I gained that experience back in Serbia, where I also served as captain on several teams.”

It All Began in Serbia

Although she is continuing to build her career in the United States, Kristina emphasizes that the foundations of her success were built in her homeland. She began playing volleyball in 2011, captained the youth teams of OK Crvena zvezda, was twice named a Young Talent of the Republic of Serbia by the Volleyball Federation of Serbia, played for Crvena zvezda, Kralj, and Radnički Belgrade, and was also a member of the Belgrade representative team.

“Of course that means a lot to me. The experience I gained in Serbia helped me bring many volleyball skills and ways of thinking to the American collegiate scene.”

There Were Tears, But Never Giving Up

Success, of course, did not come without difficult moments and challenges.

“I never doubted my abilities, but there were certainly difficult periods. It’s not always easy working with different coaches because everyone has their own philosophy, and it takes time to adjust. There were hard moments, tears, but also many wonderful memories. I believe that persistence, discipline, and self-confidence can overcome every obstacle. My motto has always been—never give up.”

Serbia Is Opening Doors for Other Volleyball Players

Kristina says it means a great deal to her that she represents Serbia through her performances and has helped draw greater attention from American coaches to Serbian athletes.

“I’m happy if my results have helped make Serbian athletes even more recognized at American universities. I think it’s already noticeable because many coaches now ask me if I can recommend talented volleyball players from Serbia. That’s proof that our athletes are respected and that the quality coming from Serbia is highly valued.”

America Is a Dream, But…

To young women hoping to follow a similar path, she says success comes only through dedication and hard work.

“America offers outstanding opportunities for student-athletes. Athletic scholarships mean you don’t have to worry about tuition, accommodation, meals, books, sports equipment, and many other expenses. Of course, the beginning isn’t easy because adapting takes time, but that’s part of every new life challenge. My advice is to believe in yourself, work hard, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.”

Two Master’s Degrees, A Career in Her Profession, and a New Chapter in Life

Alongside her historic season on the court, Kristina was simultaneously building an impressive academic career. She completed her first master’s degree in Business Intelligence and Analytics last year and is now close to finishing her MBA.

“I believe I have achieved my biggest dreams in collegiate volleyball. After that, I plan to dedicate myself fully to the profession I studied for and have already begun pursuing in Stamford.”

Still, volleyball will always remain part of her life.

“Volleyball will, of course, always be a part of my life. I’d love to pass on my experience to younger generations and continue working as a coach in the United States. As they say—once a volleyball player, always a volleyball player,” Kristina concluded.