ROCK HILL, SC - It is no surprise that this Clinton College volleyball player is receiving the October Student of the Month award, junior setter Vanja Tomic.
After all, she is the record holder in most assists per match with 48 against Johnson & Wales, and most assists acquired in a single season in the history of Clinton College with 532 including nearly 7 per set.
"Tomic is an incredibly poised leader who is instilled with grit, remarkable talent, cool composure, and a consistent presence that is deeply felt on and off the court," commented head coach Tangela Faulkner."
"With her swift setter dumps (88 kills), strong defensive digs (238) and blocking presence (17 blocks), she pioneered her team to a historic number of wins of 12 for this season." She also helped lead the team to the NCCAA national tournament. Unfortunately, the team went 0-3 at the tournament but compiled great experience going into next season.
However, her athletic abilities are only a small part of who she truly is. While being extremely far from home, Tomic is a native of Temerin, Serbia, she does not let that shake her from keeping a stellar 4.0 GPA and being a consistent friend and mentor to those who surround her.
After she graduates, Tomic plans on furthering her education to achieve a Master's and PhD degree-level in the field of Molecular Biology. She wants to do research and teach at a university level, or work in a Biotech industry.
Tomic is inspired the most by her mother, who has been through a lot since she was young. Despite all the ugliness the world has thrown onto her, Tomic's mom always remained to be what is good in the world. "She is one of the wisest, kindest, toughest and yet most humble people I know and I want to follow in her footsteps," said the younger Tomic. Vanja is also close to her younger sister as she would love to have dinner with her before anyone else in the world.
Tomic chose Clinton College because of the level of competitiveness the students exhibit in all fields, whether in athletics or academics. She also believes that Clinton has a great potential to develop into something even bigger and better. "I feel that all employees at Clinton care to improve the institution and that they are taking the right steps in doing so," she said.
One of her favorite memories at Clinton College was when the Golden Bears collected food and drinks to donate to the local community kitchen. Then, afterwards, a couple of students led by Ms. Blair and Ms. Parris, went to the community kitchen to hand over everything that they had collected and helped make some food for the needy as well.
Congratulations to our October Student-Athlete of the Month, junior Vanja Tomic!
