From Butler Community College, to a four-year university, to the professional ranks.
That is that path of former Grizzly volleyball outside hitter Vanja Przulj, who just recently signed a professional contract to play for Hämeenlinnan Lentopallokerho Ry, a professional volleyball club located in Hämeenlinna, Finland.
The path to the professional ranks for Przulj, originally from Belgrade, Serbia, was not the traditional one by any stretch of the imagination.
She spent two seasons at fellow NJCAA school Eastern Wyoming out of high school, totaling 762 kills, 3.54 per set across her two seasons in Torrington.
Following a covid season in Wyoming, Przulj transferred to Butler for the 2021-22 season. All she did that season was help lead the Grizzlies to their first ever KJCCC title, Region VI title and NJCAA D1 National Tournament appearance. Przulj played in 32 matches that season totaling 131 kills, 164 digs and 40 total blocks as the Grizzlies turned in the best season in program history under head coach Lisa Lechtenberg.
Following the magical season with Butler, Przulj went on to star at UNC Pembroke, an NCAA Division 2 university located in Pembroke, N.C.
She had a career littered with accolades while playing for the Braves for two seasons such as being named an All-American, Conference Carolinas champion, two-time all-conference honoree, Tournament MVP, (D2CCA) All-Southeast Region honoree and (AVCA) All-Region member. She holds the UNCP record for kills in a match (32) and finished her senior season leading the conference with 4.72 kills per set and 5.33 points per set.
Przulj went on to earn a business degree from UNC Pembroke and will officially kick off her professional career in Finland in August.
For Grizzly fans, Przulj will always be remembered for helping the Butler program reach new heights.
She becomes the first Butler volleyball alum to sign a professional contract.
