Jovana Brakočević
A towering Serbian opposite hitter whose powerful serve and clutch performances propelled her national team to its greatest heights.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Serbian volleyball player·Birthday: March 5·Millennials
Biography
Standing at 196 cm, Jovana Brakočević was a force of nature for Serbian volleyball. Her career spanned over a decade at the heart of the national team's golden era, transforming Serbia into a European powerhouse. Known for a devastating jump serve and thunderous spikes from the right side, she was the offensive engine in crucial matches. Her MVP performance led Serbia to its first European Championship gold on home soil in 2011, a watershed moment for the sport in the country. She later added an Olympic silver medal in Rio 2016 to her legacy, cementing her status as one of Serbia's most important players. After playing for top clubs across Europe and Asia, she retired, leaving behind a standard of excellence for future generations.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jovana was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jovana Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jovana's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Voted MVP of the 2011 European Championship, leading Serbia to its first-ever gold medal in the tournament.
- Won a silver medal with the Serbian national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
- Named Best Server at the 2007 European Championship, where Serbia also won silver.
- Had a successful club career, winning league titles in Turkey, Russia, and Japan.
Did You Know?
She holds dual Serbian and Italian citizenship and played under her married name, Jovana Brakočević Canzian.
Her father, Goran Brakočević, was also a professional volleyball player.
She played for the famous Turkish club VakıfBank Istanbul, one of the world's top teams.
“My serve is my weapon; I go for the point.”
