Former CSC athlete goes pro

From Serbia to the United States and now onto Spain, Leana Tajkov, former CSC basketball player, has traveled far from home to follow her basketball passion. Tajkov, native of Serbia, traveled to the United States to play college ball, including one year at CSC, and is now on to her next adventure: Spain.

After signing a contract this summer, Tajkov will travel to Avilés, Spain, today to play for the ASAC Comunicaciones Adba Aviles women’s basketball team.

The May 2014 communication arts graduate of CSC played 26 games for CSC. She averaged 2.3 points per game and 2.2 rebounds per game. She totaled 59 points, 57 rebounds, seven steals, and eight blocks in her one year as an Eagle.

Tajkov has yet to meet her new teammates but they have introduced themselves via a group message. She said a few of them used English, but a couple used Spanish. Tajkov is not fluent in Spanish. She said she can understand some, but she is “super pumped to work on it and hopefully become somewhat fluent by the end of the season.”

The assistant coach, Tajkov said, has been helpful in answering any questions she has. She also said, “The girls seem cool. I will play with a girl from Croatia as well.” She commented that Serbia and Croatia used to be a part of the former Yugoslavia.

In warmups, Tajkov says she plans to continue her usual pregame rituals of listening to music and taking selfies. She said she also always tries to make the last basket before leaving the floor from warmups.

“I feel like if I’m the last one on the floor making a basket, we will win,” she said.

Tajkov is also hoping she will be able to wear her lucky Minion socks with her new team.

“I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to play the game I love and travel the world.”

The team is scheduled to play its first game on Oct. 3.