Julija Poplašen from the USA in an interview for Football Planet: “I can confirm that my story with Primorje is not over yet”
Photo: ŽNK Primorje Ajdovščina
In recent times, an increasing number of young Slovenian women are opting to study in the USA, where they can successfully combine playing football with academic challenges. One of them is Julija Poplašen, who led the offensive for Primorje last season. The forward, who has represented Primorje for nearly her entire career, set off for the USA this summer, joining the Blue Hose as one of five newcomers this season. The Blue Hose team is part of Presbyterian College, located in Clinton, South Carolina. The attacker, who played 19 matches for Primorje last season and scored 18 goals, spoke with Matjaž Škrjanec.
Besides studying in the USA, you also play football for the Blue Hose team. How do you balance your academic responsibilities with football?
Our schedule is adjusted, so it’s not difficult for me to manage school obligations and football. I find enough time for studying, as well as for other responsibilities. When I’m absent from lectures due to sports commitments, the professors are willing to help me.
How did you decide to study in the USA?
This would not have been possible without the support of my parents and my entire family. Here in the USA, it is easier to balance football and school, and it’s an invaluable life experience. Life here is quite different from life in Slovenia.
What’s the difference between playing football in Slovenia and the USA? How does the overall approach to football differ?
The team and competition here are much larger. There are more teams, and we play twice a week. The approach is much more professional, with more time invested in football. Attention is not only given to training but also to recovery and individual additional work for each player.
Women’s football is much more popular in the USA than in Slovenia. How would you describe the support for women’s football in this country? Do you feel that women’s football is actually valued equally to men’s?
It seems to me that everything here is indeed more equal. I notice this in the equipment we have available and the overall staff at the club. A lot more fans attend games here than, for example, in Slovenia, where usually only parents come. I believe that women’s football is valued equally to men’s here; if it isn’t, it’s still very close.
What are the relationships like among you, the players? Do you feel that your teammates have accepted you well, considering you come from Europe?
In general, I find Americans to be more open and sociable people. I integrated into the team quite quickly and felt welcome. Despite coming from Europe, they don’t treat me any differently.
Does the university have a good program tailored for female athletes? How are the training sessions organized, and how does the competition work?
As mentioned, we have games twice a week. Training sessions are organized around the games, meaning there are sessions before and after matches. In addition, a lot of work is done on strength, so strength training is also included. All of this is coordinated with the university, so it doesn’t overlap with lectures.
Last season, you were the top scorer for Primorje. After finishing your studies, do you see yourself in a Primorje jersey again, or would you like to try your luck in a club abroad?
I can definitely confirm that my story with Primorje is not over yet. However, I am, of course, keeping my options open for the future, as I think every female footballer would like to play in a foreign club someday.
Do you have time to catch some matches of your former teammates, or is the time difference too great, preventing you from following games across Slovenia?
I still keep track of the team and my former teammates, mainly on social media. Unfortunately, there aren’t many broadcasts, but when there are, I enjoy watching the matches. I have time to watch games, but as I mentioned, they are rarely live. In that case, I have to settle for just the results I find online.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
Interviews
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