The following is a press release courtesy of Iowa State Athletics communications.
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly announced today the addition of Sofija Zivaljevic, an international prep standout from Montenegro. Zivaljevic signed a letter of intent to compete for the Cyclones beginning in the 2016-17 season.
“We are excited to add Sofija to the Iowa State women’s basketball family,” Fennelly said. “Sofija will help provide additional ball handling skills that we need. Her international experience is something we also saw as a great positive. Sofija is a great person and I know our fans will look forward to getting to know her and watching her in a Cyclone uniform.”
Zivaljevic is a 5-7 point guard from Podgorica, Montenegro, who averaged 8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists while competing for Montenegro’s U20 National team. This coming summer, she is on the list for Montegro’s Senior National Team and will also compete in a tournament with the U20 National team as well.
As a member of Zkk Buducnost Bemax, a club team in Montenegro, Zivaljevic led the team to an international title in the MZRKL league, which is hailed as one of the top leagues in Europe. She competed against other teams from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was also rated a four-star prospect by BlueStar Europe.
Zivaljevic is the fourth member of Iowa State’s 2016 signing class which includes Adrianna Camber of Lund, Sweden, Aliyah Konate of Berlin, Germany and Nia Washington from Stafford, Virginia.
“The skilled [point guard] plays with great composure, adept at running the team whilst also being able to take the game by the throat and score points,” said Dan Bowmaker of BlueStar Europe. “She has an impressive ability to get to the basket and is able to score points in the lane, a very solid shooter, both from 3-point land and mid-range jumpers. Sofija will bring a maturity in her playing style that will impress in her freshman year.”
2016-17 Iowa State Signees
Adriana Camber, F, 5-9, Lund, Sweden, Katedralskolan Lund
Aliyah Konate, F/C, 6-4, Berlin, Germany, Mildred-Harnack
Nia Washington, G, 5-6, Stafford, Virginia, Riverdale Baptist
Sofija Zivaljevic, G, 5-7, Podgorica, Montenegro
