The 16-year-old Asja has emerged as a pillar in Croatia’s attack, barely putting a foot wrong at this year’s World Championship as the hosts became one of the first teams to qualify for the Round of 16 from Pool A.

Four consecutive wins against Germany, Mexico, Canada and Egypt have taken Croatia top of their pool with 11 points, earning them an early ticket to the knockout phase with two games to spare.

What Asja lacks in height, she makes up for with incredible power and a magnificent jump. Whether spiking on the net or from the back row, the 184cm opposite has been unstoppable in the competition, top scoring in all of Croatia’s matches so far.

She started out with 22 points in the slim 3-2 win over Germany, followed it up with 24 points as they beat Mexico 3-1, posted 23 points in the 3-1 thriller against Canada before returning 16 points in the straight sets win over Egypt.

With 85 points to her name, she is not only the tournament’s top scorer so far but also the best attacker.

“I was an outside hitter before I switched 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 now gotten used to it.

“I know the team looks up to me for solutions in attack and it feels nice that I can always offer that. I think I’m enjoying the game more playing as an opposite because it’s an easier role just to spike the ball as opposed to passing and the other many roles required of an outside hitter,” pointed out Asja, matter-of-factly.

Born and raised in the coastal town of Funtana, west of Croatia, Asja credits her volleyball journey to her father, Abel Zolota—himself a former volleyball player. In her own words, his career ended so that hers could start.

“My father was a great player. He even played professionally in France but when I was born he had to stop playing and come back home to be with his family. I feel like he would have achieved a lot if he kept going but he chose family,” recalled Asja, who is Abel’s only child.

Abel took it upon himself to introduce Asja to volleyball at the tender age of 5 at his club OK Funtana Vrsar where he is the head coach to date. He was her first coach, taught her all the basic skills that she needed to launch her volleyball career and then used his rich volleyball network to shape her journey. He is now father, mentor, fan all rolled into one.

“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 (points at the Hotel Osijek lobby) to visit me,” said Asja amid a chuckle.

In the start of the 2023/2024 season, Asja moved From OK Funtana Vrsar to Slovenian club OK Ankaran at only 14. There, she reunited with Coach Ivica Radočaj who she worked with at the Croatia Under-17 national team.

“I’ve known him for almost my entire life because he is a good friend to my father. I didn't like him at first because he was too strict. People also thought I got the opportunity to play for the national team because he was my father's friend.

“Working with him in Slovenia for the last two seasons has been amazing. He has really pushed me to become a better person and player. It’s nice when you move to a new place and you learn to be independent. You learn something new everyday,” Asja reflected.

Asja’s growth and maturity has been evident at this year’s World Championship, her proficiency in attack making her one of the first names on Croatia’s team sheet. She believes that under Coach Svetlana Ilic, Croatia can improve their fifth place ranking from the 2023 edition that was also held in Osijek.

“This is the same team that won bronze at the European championship in 2023 but when you get a new coach it changes everything. Ilic is a good coach, she is so much into details and gives us a lot of information about the opponent which really helps us to prepare.

“We have played some tough matches so far and I think these games have showed us that we still got it! After the Canada game, it’s the first time that we all cried…we felt like we understood the assignment and gave everything on the court!” noted Asja who is fluent in English and Italian.

While defending champions USA and Pool C leaders Poland remain favourites to win the World Championship title, Asja is banking on home support to carry Croatia at least into the semi-finals.

“There are many good teams in the competition like USA, Poland and Italy but I have high hopes. It (reaching semi-finals) is achievable if we all believe it and work together as a team. It’s just different when you play at home, the support of fans compliments your game. I want to urge the fans to keep supporting us and we will do our best on the court,” said Asja, who lists Brazilian star Gabriela Guimarães as her role model.

Looking into the future, Asja is optimistic about representing Croatia at senior level but she is keen on gradually rising through the youth ranks. As part of her development, she will also be part of Croatia’s team at this year’s FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship set for Surabaya, Indonesia from 7 to 17 August.

As for club level, Asja’s dream is to sign for Italian giants Antonio Carraro Imoco Conegliano.

Her mother, Feni Nezirevic Zolota, is half Croatian-half Italian and there’s a sense of inevitability that her talent will eventually land her in Italy’s Serie A1 some day even if not at Imoco.