YOUNG WOMAN FROM SRBAC SUCCESSFULLY COMBINES BASKETBALL AND MEDICINE

Although she recently earned a degree in radiologic engineering, 22-year-old Sara Davidović from Srbac is far better known for her achievements on the basketball court. Playing both professionally and recreationally, not only with women but also alongside men, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the sport and impressive physical abilities.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

Sara’s love for basketball began in childhood while watching games of her favorite club, KK Partizan. A passionate supporter, she grew up in a household where no Partizan game was ever missed. Her affection for the sport deepened year after year.

“From the day I was born, I was dressed in black and white. I regularly traveled with my family to Belgrade to watch Partizan play. I even had the opportunity to meet one of my idols, Dušan Kecman. The turning point was my tenth birthday when my father, uncle, and a few other children took me to the court. That’s when everyone realized I had a natural talent,” Sara told Glas Srpske.

TRAINING JOURNEYS TO ALEKSANDROVAC

After discovering her talent, the next step was finding a club. Since there was no women’s basketball team in Srbac, Sara joined KK Igokea. It was there, during her first practices, that she realized basketball was her true passion.

Her parents drove her to Aleksandrovac three times a week — a demanding routine that taught her discipline, patience, and the value of hard work.

“Igokea wasn’t just a club; it was my second family. I remember my first medal and being named among the three best young athletes of the Municipality of Srbac eight years ago,” she says. Recently, she was also honored at the selection of the most successful athletes of Srbac for 2025.

Sara later played for ŽKK Feniks and ŽKK Orlovi, before winning the Republika Srpska championship title with ŽKK Kozara Gradiška. Today, she competes with KK Lider in the First League of Republika Srpska. At the same time, she plays in an IT recreational league for men, where she is the first and only registered female player.

“I started playing with men because I believed it would improve my game. The pace is faster and physically more demanding, but I adapted quickly. The guys accept me as an equal team member, which proves that limits often exist only in our minds,” Sara explains.

Since September last year, she has also held a coaching license and now works as an assistant coach at the women’s basketball club ŽKK Swish in Laktaši. In addition, she founded a branch of the club in Srbac, where 11 girls aged six to 12 currently attend basketball school.

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Beyond sports, Sara is deeply engaged in community service. She was a long-time volunteer with the Citizens’ Association C.E.Z.A.R. and is also a regular blood donor — a family tradition in Srbac.

“My grandfather donated blood 116 times and was very sad when he could no longer continue due to age. My mother followed in his footsteps, and I began donating as soon as I turned 18. So far, I have donated blood ten times and plan to continue,” she says.

Inspired by this humanitarian tradition, Sara chose to pursue a career in medicine. She recently completed her radiology studies and plans to work in her profession.

“It will be challenging to balance work and sports, but with sacrifice and persistence, everything is possible. In the future, radiology will become my priority, and for the first time basketball will take second place. However, I will never leave the sport that has given me so much joy and life,” she emphasizes.

While still in elementary school, after one practice at Igokea, Sara met Milorad Dodik, then serving as president, and asked him for financial support to install new basketball backboards in Srbac.

“I explained that the support was needed for my town, my peers, the youth, the school, and the entire community. He was surprised by my persistence and the fact that I traveled regularly to practices, and he approved the purchase of new backboards. Everything was fulfilled, and I remain grateful. However, a lot of time has passed, and it may soon be time to replace them again,” Sara concludes.

Through discipline, determination, and a strong sense of community, this young woman from Srbac has proven that it is possible to successfully combine professional sport and medicine — and to inspire others along the way.