Lucija Mlinar, who has had a lengthy career with the Croatian national volleyball team and most recently played for Poland’s Energa MKS Kalisz during the 2023/2024 season, has decided to retire from professional volleyball. Mlinar, turning 29 this May, expressed her decision to close this chapter of her life and begin a new one focused on her personal and professional future.
Having started playing volleyball at the age of nine, Mlinar reflects on a journey filled with accomplishments and growth, not only as a player but also as an individual. “This wasn’t an overnight decision. I have reached the end of my path in volleyball and now wish to fulfill myself in other areas of life,” she shared, emphasizing that her departure is a joyful reflection of her past successes rather than a sorrowful goodbye.
Mlinar reminisced about her early days in volleyball under the guidance of coaches who left a lasting impact on her career. She also noted the potential continuation of the Mlinar legacy in Croatian volleyball through her sister, Maša Mlinar, a promising young player for Dinamo.
Highlighting her remarkable career, Lucija fondly recalled winning the gold medal at the 2013 Mediterranean Games in Mersin and achieving success in the Challenger Cup in Zadar in 2022, which qualified her team for the Nations League. She also cherished her time winning league titles and cups across Europe with clubs like Bekescsaba and Dresdner.
As she steps away from professional play, Mlinar remains open to staying connected to the sport, hinting at potential roles within volleyball governance or coaching, cherishing her ongoing love for the game.
