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April 13, 2017

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Head Virginia volleyball coach Aaron Smith announced the addition of transfer Jelena Novakovic (Belgrade, Serbia) for the 2017 season.

“I anticipate Jelena making an instant impact this coming fall,” Smith said. “We graduated a few point scorers this year and I believe Jelena will be able to shoulder that role for the team. Her high level of experience, both internationally and in the Big Ten, will bring intensity to our gym that I expect to raise everyone’s game. I am excited to get her to Grounds and officially join the team.”

Novakovic will join the Cavaliers after spending two seasons at Penn State. The right side hitter appeared in five sets for the Nittany Lions in 2016 after redshirting in 2015. Novakovic brings a wealth of experience, having played club volleyball for Red Star Belgrade. There she helped the team to the National Cup in 2014 and a silver medal at the 2014 championship. She made back-to-back appearances in the European Champions League with Red Star.

While playing with the Serbian Junior National team, Novakovic earned gold medals at the European Championship with the U19 team in 2014, as well as gold at the Balkan Championship in 2012 and 2014. She earned MVP honors at the U17 International Belgrade Tournament and helped the U17 team to a silver medal in the European Youth Olympic Games in 2013.

Novakovic is one of five newcomers for UVA in the fall, joining Hannah Barcus, Sarah Billiard, Alexandra, Spencer and Megan Wilson.

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