Returning to Croatia: 'Age is Just a Number, I Still Enjoy Volleyball, Full of Desire and Drive'

Croatian volleyball star Samanta Fabris is on the path to recovery and aiming for a return to the national team after a significant ankle injury. The 34-year-old, considered one of Croatia's all-time best players, was initially included in the national team's preparations for the MEVZA Championship and the European League in May.

However, her comeback was short-lived. A severe ankle dislocation, sustained in April, prevented her from playing full minutes. Fabris attempted to compete in the European League tournament in Osijek but had to continue with therapy, a decision made jointly with the coaching staff. "I was very sorry because I enjoyed those three weeks I was part of the national team. The atmosphere is great, the coach is excellent, and there are many young, talented players," she stated.

The new cycle of preparations for the women's national team begins in Zadar for the upcoming European Championship. While Fabris is not participating from the very start due to ongoing therapy and individual training, she is optimistic about rejoining the team within a week. She expressed admiration for the new head coach, Arbutina, noting his professionalism and focus on fostering a positive team environment.

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I was very sorry because I enjoyed those three weeks I was part of the national team. The atmosphere is great, the coach is excellent, and there are many young, talented players.

Fabris had been absent from the national team for two years, taking a much-needed break after a demanding 15-year stretch of continuous national team commitments each summer. "I needed that summer break; many seasons had accumulated behind me," she explained. She returned with renewed enthusiasm, but the recent ankle injury has slowed her progress.

In recent seasons, Fabris played for top clubs, including Conegliano, Dinamo Kazan, and Eczacıbaşı. After leaving Eczacıbaşı in 2023, she spent two more years in Turkey before moving to Beijing, China, for her last season. She described the experience in China as "interesting but turbulent," marked by frequent coaching changes and the team ultimately finishing fifth, failing to reach its full potential. It was during the final matches of that season that she sustained her injury. She noted that training in China was intense, with a "full working day" approach, and that she had largely recovered from previous knee issues before the ankle injury.

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I needed that summer break; many seasons had accumulated behind me.