Slovenian Twins Have Joined Marquette Volleyball

Freshmen Emi and Tani Juric traveled from Slovenia to play for Marquette University this season.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Volleyball

Slovenian Twins Have Joined Marquette Volleyball

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First-year twins Emi and Tani Juric have joined the Marquette University volleyball team, playing in all eight of the squad's matches so far. The sisters moved 4,600 miles from their hometown of Ankaran, Slovenia, to continue their athletic careers in Milwaukee.

Why it matters

The twins chose to attend Marquette University together specifically to maintain their personal bond while navigating the challenges of living and competing abroad. Their addition provides the team with significant international experience as they prepare for Big East play.

Emi Juric stands 5-foot-9 as a libero, while Tani Juric plays the opposite-hitter position at 6-foot-5. Both athletes have appeared in all 8 matches of the current season.

The players

Emi Juric

She is a freshman libero from Ankaran, Slovenia, who previously won MVP honors at the Cornacchia World Cup.

Tani Juric

She is a 6-foot-5 freshman opposite-hitter who moved from Slovenia to play collegiate volleyball at Marquette.

Tom Mendoza

He serves as the head coach for the Marquette University volleyball team and led the recruitment of the Juric twins.

The details

Marquette coach Tom Mendoza initially recruited Emi, who then helped facilitate the recruitment of her twin sister. The duo previously earned MVP honors at various levels, including the Cornacchia World Cup and Slovenian national championships.

September 22, 2026: The twins have now completed eight matches for the team.

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Season Trajectory

The arrival of these international recruits bolsters Marquette's depth as they look to secure a strong standing ahead of Big East play. Their immediate integration into the rotation signals a strategic pivot to leverage global talent for competitive balance.

The twins have contributed 129 total digs and an average of 2.05 kills per set, marking them as central figures in the team's defensive and offensive rotations. Their performance in these opening matches sets the baseline for the team's efficiency metrics heading into conference play.

The takeaway

The move demonstrates the unique challenges and rewards for student-athletes balancing high-level competition with international migration. Their successful transition serves as an example for other international recruits seeking to maintain family connections while pursuing collegiate success.