Andrej Jokanovic’s summer has been one of constant motion. France’s 17-year-old outside hitter helped his team capture the Boys’ U19 World Championship title in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where his attacking power and composure earned him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter awards.

The celebrations had barely ended when he was called to duty again. Within days, he was no longer playing with boys his age but testing himself against older opponents on France’s U21 roster.

That sudden shift left little time to breathe.

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“At first it was pretty hard because there was not much time between the two competitions, maybe one or two weeks,” Jokanovic said. “I joined the U21 group maybe two days after the final, so it was tough to bounce back physically and mentally and to come into a new group that I did not know well. I worked with the physical trainer to try to get back into good form, and I think we did a pretty good job in those 15 days.”

Even so, he has shown that he belongs. Jokanovic has stepped into the U21 side with confidence, matching the pace of play and learning with each performance. The level has risen, but he treats every match as a chance to grow.

“It’s a new level, so it’s a new experience, something I’m still discovering game after game,” he said. “I try to give my best to the team. Even if the level is higher, even if it’s harder, I still try to do my best.”

The quick climb has also reshaped life away from the court. After returning from Uzbekistan, Jokanovic had only a brief pause at home before the next step pulled him back into travel and preparation.

“I went back to my home in Cannes, where I live in France, and I saw one or two friends,” he said. “Then I had to go to Paris for some administration for next year in the United States. I had just one day to spend with my friends, to try to disconnect from volleyball a little, but it was really hard. Even after only two days of pause, I wanted to go back to volleyball because that’s my sport, and I love it so much.”

That administrative stop in Paris was not routine paperwork. It was tied to his next big chapter. Jokanovic is preparing to cross the Atlantic in 2026 to play college volleyball at UC Irvine, a program with a strong international reach and a history of French players.

“Next year I’m going to UC Irvine,” he said. “There was a French player, Hilir Henno, who finished school this year, and he helped me a lot through this process. We did everything together, and I finished with the administration in Paris after.”

The move excites him, especially after meeting future teammates already at the U21 tournament.

“It’s going to be a great experience,” Jokanovic said. “There’s already one guy from Canada and one from the USA here at the U21s who play for UC Irvine. I started to exchange with them about their experience, and it’s really great. I’m really excited for this.”

For now, though, his attention remains firmly on France’s U21 campaign. The team is without several regular starters, creating both pressure and opportunity. Jokanovic sees his role as essential.

“My goal is, of course, to try my best to play as hard as I can,” he said. “I think if I play well, I can be a good replacement for them and help this team.”

It has been a summer like no other – one that started with MVP honors at the U19s and carried into the U21 championship, with California already on the horizon. The pace has been relentless, but the promise is clear. France has a young star who is not only keeping up but pushing ahead.

2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship: full schedule

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