University Southern California Trojans
Photo by: John McGillen
Get to Know: Elena Baic
August 07, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
Elena Baic is embracing a new adventure as a USC Trojan, and her first-ever experience in the United States!
The USC women's volleyball team welcomes seven newcomers to the floor this fall. Get to know the six freshmen and transfer setter in a series of get-to-know features here on USCTrojans.com. Freshman setter Elena Baic (Belgrade, Serbia/LOTTO Chemik Police) becomes the third Serbian to join the USC women's volleyball program.
Get to know Elena Baic!
Coming all the way from Serbia, what made you choose USC?
This is actually my first time in the United States and my first experience attending a university. In Europe, we don't have the same college volleyball system, so after playing professionally in Serbia and Poland, USC felt like an exciting new opportunity. Los Angeles is beautiful, and I am very happy to have the chance to be here.
How long have you been with the team, and how would you describe the team's culture?
I've been here for five days, but today was my first practice with the team. I immediately felt a strong sense of community. All the girls are so sweet and welcoming and are all willing to help me adjust to being here. Everyone has so much positive energy and big smiles all the time. And the whole volleyball culture in the USA is much faster and has higher energy than in Europe, so I am excited to keep learning and improving here.
When did you first realize you wanted to play volleyball?
When I was young, I started watching television with my dad, and I always said, I want to be my own Ninković (Nađa Ninković, accomplished former Serbian national team middle blocker). He took me to a club in Subotica, Serbia, and I started to play when I was eight years old. I began playing professionally in Serbia when I was 14. European clubs often have two or three spots to give younger players the opportunity to train and compete alongside experienced players, and I was fortunate to be one of them.
Was there a time when you realized you could pursue volleyball professionally?
When I went to Poland, it was my first time out of my hometown. My first time traveling internationally and my first time living and playing away from my family. Being on my own helped me realize how much I truly love volleyball. This sport has given me many of the best experiences in my life, and it was this moment that I knew this was my way, my path.
Did you play any other sports in Serbia?
No, it's always been volleyball. My dad and brother played football but I'm the only volleyball player in the family.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of volleyball?
In my free time, I love to watch other sports, especially basketball. My boyfriend is a professional basketball player, so I watch his games whenever I can. I also enjoy watching tennis, specifically of course Djokovic. I also love to go out for coffee, lunch, or dinner with my friends and go to the movies in my spare time.
What are your pregame rituals?
On game days, I like to get a good night's sleep, eat healthy food and drink coffee. Most importantly, I try to stay calm and relaxed so I am ready to compete.
What's your favorite way to unwind after a match?
After a win, I love to go to dinner with my teammates or my boyfriend and enjoy the moment together. Or even going out and exploring the city when I have the opportunity.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to all kinds of music, but I especially love Serbian music. My favorite artist is Dino Merlin; I really enjoy his slower ballads when I am relaxing. But before a game, I like listening to something more energetic, like songs from Aleksandra Prijović, she's the best singer in Serbia.
What is something on your Los Angeles bucket list that you've yet to explore?
I think LA is one of the best cities in the USA, I'm so grateful to have the chance to be here. Southern California is beautiful; I cannot wait to go to the beach and explore more of the city, especially downtown, with my teammates. I have mostly seen campus so far, but I have so far tried a Mexican restaurant and In-N-Out. I love fast food, I never understood how much Americans liked fast food until I tried it myself, and now it's my favorite too.
What is your favorite comfort meal?
I like a simple, classic meal: meat, potatoes, and vegetables. I enjoy going to restaurants, but I also know how to cook.
What are you looking forward to the most this fall?
I'm very excited to be here at USC and be part of this wonderful new family. I am especially looking forward to our first game, continuing to grow with my teammates and exploring more of Los Angeles.
Get to know Elena Baic!
Coming all the way from Serbia, what made you choose USC?
This is actually my first time in the United States and my first experience attending a university. In Europe, we don't have the same college volleyball system, so after playing professionally in Serbia and Poland, USC felt like an exciting new opportunity. Los Angeles is beautiful, and I am very happy to have the chance to be here.
How long have you been with the team, and how would you describe the team's culture?
I've been here for five days, but today was my first practice with the team. I immediately felt a strong sense of community. All the girls are so sweet and welcoming and are all willing to help me adjust to being here. Everyone has so much positive energy and big smiles all the time. And the whole volleyball culture in the USA is much faster and has higher energy than in Europe, so I am excited to keep learning and improving here.
When did you first realize you wanted to play volleyball?
When I was young, I started watching television with my dad, and I always said, I want to be my own Ninković (Nađa Ninković, accomplished former Serbian national team middle blocker). He took me to a club in Subotica, Serbia, and I started to play when I was eight years old. I began playing professionally in Serbia when I was 14. European clubs often have two or three spots to give younger players the opportunity to train and compete alongside experienced players, and I was fortunate to be one of them.
Was there a time when you realized you could pursue volleyball professionally?
When I went to Poland, it was my first time out of my hometown. My first time traveling internationally and my first time living and playing away from my family. Being on my own helped me realize how much I truly love volleyball. This sport has given me many of the best experiences in my life, and it was this moment that I knew this was my way, my path.
Did you play any other sports in Serbia?
No, it's always been volleyball. My dad and brother played football but I'm the only volleyball player in the family.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of volleyball?
In my free time, I love to watch other sports, especially basketball. My boyfriend is a professional basketball player, so I watch his games whenever I can. I also enjoy watching tennis, specifically of course Djokovic. I also love to go out for coffee, lunch, or dinner with my friends and go to the movies in my spare time.
What are your pregame rituals?
On game days, I like to get a good night's sleep, eat healthy food and drink coffee. Most importantly, I try to stay calm and relaxed so I am ready to compete.
What's your favorite way to unwind after a match?
After a win, I love to go to dinner with my teammates or my boyfriend and enjoy the moment together. Or even going out and exploring the city when I have the opportunity.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to all kinds of music, but I especially love Serbian music. My favorite artist is Dino Merlin; I really enjoy his slower ballads when I am relaxing. But before a game, I like listening to something more energetic, like songs from Aleksandra Prijović, she's the best singer in Serbia.
What is something on your Los Angeles bucket list that you've yet to explore?
I think LA is one of the best cities in the USA, I'm so grateful to have the chance to be here. Southern California is beautiful; I cannot wait to go to the beach and explore more of the city, especially downtown, with my teammates. I have mostly seen campus so far, but I have so far tried a Mexican restaurant and In-N-Out. I love fast food, I never understood how much Americans liked fast food until I tried it myself, and now it's my favorite too.
What is your favorite comfort meal?
I like a simple, classic meal: meat, potatoes, and vegetables. I enjoy going to restaurants, but I also know how to cook.
What are you looking forward to the most this fall?
I'm very excited to be here at USC and be part of this wonderful new family. I am especially looking forward to our first game, continuing to grow with my teammates and exploring more of Los Angeles.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's VolleyballMonday, August 03
Monday, August 03
Thursday, December 11
Friday, December 05
