She Left Home at 14. Now She Says: ‘I’m Very Happy and Wouldn’t Change a Thing’

At 14, Kristijana Lopac Škrinjar left her family home in Senj for Rijeka after RK Zamet offered her a scholarship, a place in a student residence and the chance to focus more seriously on handball. Her mother was worried, but Kristijana had made up her mind: “I’m going. Mom, trust me, I can do this.”

The first months brought tears, homesickness and the challenge of living in a residence. Giving up, however, was never an option. The experience gave her independence that later made each new beginning easier.

“

I’m going. Mom, trust me, I can do this.

Her sporting path began in Senj, where she started indoor handball in the fifth grade of primary school. The town offered few sports, and she chose handball without regret. She had also tried taekwondo, danced from an early age, attended music school, sang in a choir and joined a drama group. As her handball results improved and she played for both younger and older age groups, she had to reduce those activities.

“

I started playing indoor handball in the fifth grade of primary school.

Her grandfather, who was connected to Senj’s handball club, helped set the story in motion and became her biggest supporter. Her mother had played handball recreationally, but Kristijana says she was the first in the family to pursue sport seriously. Relatives and friends still follow her competitions, either in person or through phone broadcasts when she plays around the world.

A trip to Malaga, initially made for company and the chance to see Spain, changed her direction. She returned in love with beach handball, a sport in which she would eventually become a national-team captain. She says the sport is far more respected abroad, with better courts, arenas and crowds. In Croatia, she says, people still ask what beach handball is, who plays it and why.

“

I chose handball and I have truly never regretted it.