Senior volleyball captain Kate Mihacevich is entering the final chapter of her NSU volleyball career.
Mihacevich, a property management and real estate major, was born and raised in Brunswick, Ohio. Although she started her volleyball journey later than most, the sport has always been a big part of her life.
“I didn’t start playing until I was 13 years old, which is late, but my whole family plays volleyball. Both of my parents played in college and both of my sisters also play,” Mihacevich said.
Her family’s connection to volleyball helped foster Mihacevich’s love for the game.
“I immediately fell in love with the sport, and it was so special to do something I love with my family and develop my skills alongside them,” Mihacevich said. “That really motivated me as I got older.”
Mihacevich was drawn to NSU because of its location and weather, but those aspects of the university are no longer the most important thing to her.
“Location was a major factor in why I chose to come to NSU, but now I don’t even think about it anymore,” Mihacevich said. “Now, I love my team and the program we’ve built, as well as the size of the school. Everything I wasn’t thinking about at first is what I now love about NSU.”
Starting her career at NSU in 2021, her freshman year came with challenges. Those challenges ended up making her stronger.
“I didn’t really play at all my freshman year, which was really hard for me at the time, but looking back on that time, it really shaped me into the player I am today,” Mihacevich said. “It showed me how hard I am willing to work for what I want, and it was one of the most important years of my life.”
The following year, Mihacevich had a breakout sophomore season. She led the team in kills, points, kills-per-set, and points-per-set, and earned All-Sunshine State Conference Third- Team honors.
“My favorite game in my entire volleyball career was sophomore year against the University of Tampa,” Mihacevich said. “They were reigning national champions and ranked first in the country at the time, and it was such an exciting game, so much fun, and a huge win for the whole team.”
During the 2023-2024 season, Mihacevich ranked third on the team in points and kills. She also became one of the captains of the volleyball team.
“She is a great captain,” said Juliana Imbuzeiro, junior psychology major and member of the volleyball team. “She has a lot of passion and pride for this team, and she’s competitive, which always motivates and inspires the rest of the team. She cares about us, and constantly puts in effort to connect with us, I couldn’t imagine playing with another captain.”
Now, as a senior during the 2024- 2025 season, she hopes to end her NSU volleyball career strong.
“I really want to win a conference championship this year, which I think this team can definitely do, and I also want to leave this program better than I found it,” Mihacevich said. “I think I’ve worked hard over my years here to strengthen the team culture, and I want that to be the legacy I leave here.”
Her team can also sense Mihacevich’s determination to make her senior season the best one yet.
“We can see it in her eyes and the way she carries herself every day that she is going to put her heart and soul into this sport and this team in her last year,” Imbuzeiro said. “She’s turning it up a few notches, and she’s ready to leave it all out on the court.”
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