University of Iowa volleyball setter Nikolija Bulatovic relies on rap music to mentally prepare for collegiate competition, according to an interview published by The Daily Iowan. Bulatovic stated she listens to artist Mike Sherm before matches to get “hype” and “in the zone.” She noted that the tempo of play has been the biggest adjustment moving from high school in Illinois to Big Ten competition.
The Daily Iowan reported that the athlete identifies “10 Things I Hate About You” as her favorite movie due to its blend of comedy and romance. Outside of sports, she enjoys walking around campus and reading her Bible. Bulatovic credited her family as her primary support system, noting her parents immigrated from Serbia and her sister played volleyball at Eastern Kentucky University. She cited the Iowa coaching staff as instrumental in her decision to attend, saying they “warmed my heart” during their first phone call. While she found the weather similar to her hometown of Elmwood Park, she acknowledged being far from family was the most significant change. Bulatovic added that surrounding herself with great players has helped her adjust to the college level.
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