Sorry, basketball coaches, but Luci Curkovic is a one-sport athlete.
The 5’10” Aquinas High School sophomore only plays volleyball, and she does it well.
She had a “great game” Tuesday against the Augusta Eagles despite the fact that the Fighting Irish lost, according to Coach Ettele Toole. Curkovic had nine kills on 11 attempts, four aces and five digs on the night.
Curkovic has played volleyball since she was in sixth grade. Her sister, Daniella, who is an Aquinas junior, introduced Luci Curkovic to the sport. Daniella Curkovic is currently sidelined with an injury.
“I used to not like it,” said Luci Curkovic.
Now, she plays the sport year-round.
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When the Fighting Irish finish the season, she’ll play for an elite team in Greenwood, S.C., where Toole is her coach again. During the summer months, she plays outdoor volleyball.
Playing year-round gives players like Curkovic an edge over players who only play for their high schools or play multiple sports, said Toole.
The Aquinas volleyball team is pitted against some heavy hitters from Savannah schools that are in its region.
“They have been building their programs for years. The biggest thing is they all have local club programs,” Toole said.
Toole, an Aquinas alum who played volleyball at the collegiate level, said she wants to guide players such as Curkovic who have dreams of playing volleyball in college.
Some athletes will say it doesn’t matter where they go to school as long as they can play their sport, but Toole cautions them on this, depending on their career goals. Plus, they need to enjoy the school they are attending.
Other players only have their focus on Division I schools, but Toole said Division II volleyball can be just as competitive and exciting.
“I want them to find a happy medium,” she said.
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As for Curkovic, Toole said the sophomore not only has great athletic skills, but she also has some great character traits that make her a well-rounded individual.
“She’s very coachable, very trainable,” Toole said. “She takes criticism well. Some people take it personally. She knows how to take it so that she can get better.”
She’s also a team player, Toole continued. And when her sister is on the court with her, they play well off each other.
While she started off not enjoying the sport, Luci Curkovic said she loves it now.
“It’s a high-paced game. There’s so much adrenaline. It’s unlike any of the other sports,” she said.
Aquinas’s next match is Sept. 2 at home against Richmond Academy. The junior varsity game starts at 5 p.m. with the varsity game starting at 6 p.m.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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