Get to know Izzy Stojkovic

Get to know the Aspire Outside, Izzy Stojkovic. Stojkovic is an impressive outside in the 2027 class with a PPV of 242 who is a stand out attacker on her club team. With her high reach and ability to score at every corner of the court - she will be a fun journey to watch come June. I had the chance to ask Izzy a couple of questions about her to get to know her. Hope you all enjoy these fun facts about Izzy as much as I did!

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• What is your favorite volleyball memory so far in your career?

I have so many memories that just keep adding onto my love for the sport, but a recent favorite memory of mine so far in my volleyball career is definitely my experiences from AZHP. This past year, me and some of my best friends earned 3rd place at USAV All-Stars, and I was chosen as the All Tournament MVP by my coaches. AZ Region does such a great job at making the entire experience wonderful, and nothing beats playing with some of my best friends who are just as competitive as me.

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• If you could play any position other than your own, what would it be?

If I couldn’t play outside, I’d choose to be a setter. I’ve always respected how setters run the offense and control the pace of the game. It’s such a smart, strategic role, and I’d love the challenge of being the one to make quick decisions and set my teammates up for success. I enjoy communicating and leading on the court, so I think I would bring good energy and connection to the position.

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• Do you play any other sports? Or If you could play any sport other than volleyball at the high level you are at what would it be?

I would play ice hockey. I grew up playing it before I started volleyball, and I love the intensity and community that came along with it. It was always such a fun sport and I still love to skate to this day.

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• What are you looking forward to this club season?

In short terms, I'm looking forward to competing with my girls in our next national qualifier (Lone Star), and playing at a high, competitive level.

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• Do you have a favorite volleyball skill? Stuff block, big kill, out of system set, etc?

My favorite skill is definitely blocking because it's such a rewarding feeling and a huge energy bringer in games.

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• Who is your favorite NCAA volleyball player?

My favorite NCAA volleyball player is Anna DeBeer just because she's a beast on the court. She’s super athletic, hits hard, moves fast, and plays with poise but is still a fierce competitor. You can tell she’s locked in every point, and she makes the players around her better. She’s got that mix of power and smarts that makes her tough to stop.

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• What do you like to do outside of the volleyball gym? Hobbies?

Some of the things I do when I'm not playing volleyball is eating. I am such a foodie! I love sitting by the campfire and playing the guitar, and being around my friends and family. I also love to travel and experience new things.

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• Do you have a role model or an influential person in your life? Who and what's the story?

My parents are definitely the most influential people in my life. They’ve always supported me, both on and off the court, and have shown me what hard work and dedication look like. They’ve sacrificed so much to give me opportunities, and they always push me to be the best version of myself—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Their constant belief in me keeps me grounded and motivated. There's nobody I admire more than them.

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• If you had to give advice to younger girls what advice/tips would you give?

My advice is to not be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow. Hustle every play, be coachable, and focus on being a great teammate; not just a great player. The skills will come, but your attitude and effort are what really set you apart. And most of all, have fun with it- volleyball’s supposed to be fun. One thing that helped me keep this mindset was my high school coach telling us to have a "Goldfish Mentality" because a goldfishes memory resets every 3 seconds, and we can incorporate that idea into the game of volleyball by realizing that volleyball is a game of mistakes and to have that next ball mentality.