MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama volleyball program welcomes six newcomers to the Jaguar roster this year. USAJaguars.com will provide fans an opportunity to get to know the newest Jags away from the court leading up to the start of the 2016 season. The fourth newcomer in the series is Iva Durdanovic, an outside hitter from Belgrade, Serbia. 

What are your goals and expectations for the season?
"I just want to give my best and help the team enter the conference tournament and win the conference."

What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team and why?
"I feel that I was a dynamic player back at home, and that's something I can use to bring special energy to our volleyball program."

What area do you feel you can improve on this season and why?
"Since I am a foreign player and used to play volleyball much differently, I will do my best to learn as much as possible about the American style of playing and adjust to it. By that I mean learning how to communicate on the court and improving technical things in both defense and offense."

What do you feel is going to be the biggest thing for you and your teammates to do this season to be successful?
"I believe communication will play the biggest role in our team chemistry and it's the key to our success. Good organization and supportive words that push us to go further are some things that can give us an advantage when playing against other teams."

What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
"To me, being a Jaguar means being focused on achieving team goals, therefore proudly representing our University and its athletic department. But as a student-athlete, it is important to give 100 percent in sport as well as in our academics while also being supportive and dedicated for others because we are part of a big Jag family."

Why did you choose to come to South Alabama? 
"This was the only place where I found myself being accepted as a player, a student, and most importantly as a person. I am satisfied with a lot of things such as the undergraduate program, athletic department and people. The people here – teammates, coaches and faculty – made my decision easier, and because of that special connection between them I decided to come here and get my degree."

What are you majoring in at South Alabama and what do you plan to do after graduation?
"My major is biomedical science, and I plan on applying for medical school when I graduate."

What is your favorite place on campus?
"Jag Gym (HPELS building)"

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).