France’s emerging volleyball talent experiences an extraordinary summer, swiftly transitioning from a U19 World Championship triumph directly into challenging U21 competitions.
Andrej Jokanovic`s summer has been a whirlwind of continuous progress. The 17-year-old outside hitter was instrumental in leading the French team to victory at the Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. His formidable attacking prowess and composed play earned him both the tournament`s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Outside Hitter awards.
The celebrations had barely concluded when he was called back to duty. Within days, Jokanovic moved beyond playing with his peers to testing himself against older, more experienced opponents as part of France’s U21 roster.
This swift transition left little opportunity for rest.
“Initially, it was quite challenging because there was minimal time between the two competitions, perhaps only one or two weeks,” Jokanovic explained. “I joined the U21 squad maybe two days after the final, so it was tough to recover physically and mentally, and to integrate into a new group I didn’t know well. I worked closely with the physical trainer to regain peak form, and I believe we achieved good results during those 15 days.”
Nevertheless, he has consistently proven his capability. Jokanovic has confidently stepped into the U21 team, matching the intensity of play and evolving with each match. The competitive standard has undoubtedly risen, yet he embraces every game as a vital opportunity for personal and professional growth.
“It’s a new standard, a fresh experience, something I’m still navigating game by game,” he remarked. “I strive to give my absolute best to the team. Even with the higher level and increased difficulty, I always push myself to perform optimally.”
This rapid ascent has also reconfigured his life off the court. After returning from Uzbekistan, Jokanovic had only a brief respite at home before his next commitment pulled him back into travel and rigorous preparation.
“I returned to my home in Cannes, where I live in France, and saw one or two friends,” he recounted. “Then I had to go to Paris for administrative tasks related to my plans for next year in the United States. I had just one day to spend with my friends, to try to disengage from volleyball for a bit, but it was really difficult. Even after only two days of pause, I was eager to get back to volleyball because it’s my sport, and I love it immensely.”
That administrative visit to Paris wasn`t merely routine paperwork. It was directly connected to his significant next chapter. Jokanovic is set to cross the Atlantic in 2026 to pursue college volleyball at UC Irvine, a program recognized for its international reach and a history of welcoming French players.
“Next year, I’m heading to UC Irvine,” he confirmed. “There was a French player, Hilir Henno, who completed his studies there this year, and he provided tremendous assistance throughout this process. We managed everything collaboratively, and I finalized the administrative details in Paris afterwards.”
The prospect of this move greatly excites him, especially after meeting future teammates at the U21 tournament.
“It’s going to be an incredible experience,” Jokanovic stated. “There’s already one player from Canada and another from the USA here at the U21s who play for UC Irvine. I began discussing their experiences with them, and it’s truly fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it.”
For now, however, his unwavering focus remains on France’s U21 campaign. The team is currently playing without several regular starters, which presents both challenges and valuable opportunities. Jokanovic sees his contribution as essential.
“My objective, naturally, is to exert my utmost effort and play as intensely as I can,” he affirmed. “I believe that if I perform well, I can be an effective substitute for the missing players and truly assist this team.”
It has been a summer unlike any other – commencing with MVP accolades at the U19s and continuing into the U21 championship, with the anticipation of California on the horizon. The tempo has been relentless, but the potential is undeniably clear. France possesses a burgeoning star who is not merely keeping pace but consistently pushing forward.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick