Former Miss Sport finalist coaches Croatian men's football team

Tihana Nemčić's journey into the male-dominated world of Croatian football began in 2012 when she, a 24-year-old former Miss Sport finalist, took the helm of NK Viktorija, a fifth-tier team. Her decision to commute 120 kilometers from Zagreb to Vojakovac for training and matches, eschewing the glamour of fashion for the grit of the pitch, initially sparked skepticism. Many questioned if it was a publicity stunt, but Nemčić quickly asserted her authority.

“

I am the head coach and have complete freedom to create and plan the team's tactics.

"I am the head coach and have complete freedom to create and plan the team's tactics," she declared, aware of the media attention. Her players, though initially surprised, soon respected her leadership. "She is very good, focused, and serious during training. We listen to her. She is very strict," commented player Tihomir Jagušić at the time, noting the team's improved performance under her guidance.

Nemčić openly addressed the challenges and prejudices she faced, relying on her expertise and education as her primary tools against stereotypes. She also set clear boundaries, particularly regarding the locker room. "We have a rule. The guys go to change, and when they are done, one of them comes out and calls me in. I would never put myself in a situation where I just walk into their locker room," she explained, demonstrating how professionalism could be maintained even in delicate circumstances.

“

She is very good, focused, and serious during training. We listen to her. She is very strict.

Before her coaching career, Nemčić enjoyed a successful playing career, winning multiple Croatian titles with ŽNK Dinamo-Maksimir and earning ten caps for the Croatian women's national team. A severe knee injury in 2008 halted her progress in traditional football, but she found a new passion in futsal, becoming one of Croatia's top players and playing professionally in Italy. Simultaneously, she pursued academia, earning a doctorate in futsal performance analysis and now works as an assistant professor at the Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb, teaching football studies.

“

We have a rule. The guys go to change, and when they are done, one of them comes out and calls me in. I would never put myself in a situation where I just walk into their locker room.