Sara Pushtahija arrived in El Paso this summer from her native Belgrade, the capital of Serbia (almost exactly 10,000 kilometers from Memorial Gym), as a centerpiece of UTEP's latest freshman volleyball recruiting class.
The 6-foot outside hitter became the second Serbian on the team along with Ema Uskokovic and the third international player. The Miners open their season at a tournament in Evanston, Ill., on Friday.
What brought you from Serbia to El Paso?
UTEP was the most aggressive team (recruiting) the past year and I think they can be even better. I had the offer from coach Ben (Wallis), I knew a player from Serbia.