At just 16 years old, Asja Zolota has emerged as a vital component of Croatia’s attacking force. Her performance at this year’s World Championship has been nearly flawless, playing a key role in the host nation becoming one of the initial teams from Pool A to secure qualification for the Round of 16.
Impressive victories in four consecutive matches against Germany, Mexico, Canada, and Egypt propelled Croatia to the top of their pool with 11 points, guaranteeing their spot in the knockout phase well ahead of schedule.
What Asja might lack in height, she more than compensates for with incredible power and an exceptional vertical jump. The 184cm opposite hitter has proven unstoppable throughout the competition, leading Croatia in scoring in every match so far, whether attacking from the net or the back court.
Her scoring highlights include 22 points in a narrow 3-2 win against Germany, followed by 24 points in the 3-1 victory over Mexico. She then contributed 23 points in the thrilling 3-1 contest against Canada and finished with 16 points in the straight-sets defeat of Egypt.
With a total of 85 points, she currently stands not only as the tournament`s leading scorer but also as its best attacker.
Asja explained her position switch: “I was an outside hitter before I changed to opposite two years ago. My first time playing as an opposite for the national team was last year at the Under 17 World Championship in Peru, and I’ve gotten used to it now.” She added, “I know the team looks to me for attacking solutions, and it feels good that I can consistently provide that. I think I enjoy playing as an opposite more because it’s an easier role just focusing on hitting the ball, compared to the passing and many other tasks required of an outside hitter,” Asja stated matter-of-factly.
Originating from the coastal town of Funtana in western Croatia, Asja credits her introduction to volleyball to her father, Abel Zolota, a former volleyball player himself. In her own words, his playing career effectively ended so hers could begin.
“My father was an excellent player. He even played professionally in France, but when I was born, he stopped playing and came back home to be with his family. I feel like he could have achieved much more if he had continued, but he chose family,” recalled Asja, who is Abel’s only child.
Abel introduced Asja to volleyball at the young age of 5 at his club, OK Funtana Vrsar, where he remains the head coach today. He was her first coach, teaching her the fundamental skills needed to launch her career and using his extensive network to guide her path. He now serves as father, mentor, and passionate fan combined.
“He has always been there for me and is my greatest supporter. He comes to my games with drums and is the loudest among the fans, which really motivates me. Even right now, he is here (pointing towards the Hotel Osijek lobby) to visit me,” Asja shared with a chuckle.
At the beginning of the 2023/2024 season, Asja moved from OK Funtana Vrsar to the Slovenian club OK Ankaran at just 14. There, she was reunited with Coach Ivica Radočaj, whom she had previously worked with on the Croatian Under-17 national team.
“I’ve known him for almost my entire life because he is a good friend of my father. I didn’t particularly like him at first… some people thought I got the chance to play for the national team because he was my father’s friend,” Asja reflected. “Working with him in Slovenia for the past two seasons has been incredible. He has genuinely pushed me to become a better person and player. It’s rewarding when you move to a new place and learn to be independent. You learn something new every day.”
Asja’s development and maturity have been evident at this year’s World Championship. Her attacking skill makes her one of the first players selected for Croatia’s team. She believes that under the guidance of Coach Svetlana Ilic, Croatia can improve upon their fifth-place result from the 2023 edition, which was also held in Osijek.
Asja, fluent in English and Italian, noted, “This is the same team that won bronze at the European Championship in 2023, but when you get a new coach, everything changes. Coach Ilic is excellent; she focuses heavily on details and provides us with extensive information about our opponents, which greatly helps our preparation.” She added, “We’ve played some tough matches, and I think these games have shown us that we still have what it takes! After the Canada match, it was the first time we all cried… we felt we had truly grasped the task and gave absolutely everything on the court!”
While reigning champions USA and Pool C leaders Poland are considered strong contenders for the World Championship title, Asja is counting on home support to help propel Croatia to at least the semi-finals.
Listing Brazilian star Gabriela Guimarães as her role model, Asja stated, “There are many strong teams in the competition like the USA, Poland, and Italy, but I have high hopes. Reaching the semi-finals is achievable if we all believe and work together as a team. Playing at home is different; the fans’ support complements our game. I want to urge the fans to continue supporting us, and we will give our absolute best on the court.”
Looking ahead, Asja is optimistic about eventually representing Croatia at the senior level, but she is keen on progressing gradually through the youth ranks. As part of her development, she is also scheduled to compete for Croatia at this year’s FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship, taking place in Surabaya, Indonesia, from August 7 to 17.
At the club level, Asja’s dream is to sign with the formidable Italian team, Antonio Carraro Imoco Conegliano.
Given that her mother, Feni Nezirevic Zolota, has both Croatian and Italian heritage, it seems almost inevitable that Asja’s talent will one day lead her to play in Italy’s Serie A1 league, even if not specifically for Imoco.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood