Welcome to the Pitch, Aida!

As the transition from National Signing Day to pre-season looms, we take a look into the future Bluejays that will step onto the pitch this coming fall. Each week an in-depth background as well as thoughts from Creighton Head Coach Ross Paule will prepare fans for the members of the 2018 signing class.

March 6 – Keenan Terrell and Michaela Weist
March 13 – Aline Reinkober and Nela Cizkova
March 20 – Aida Kardovic
March 27 – Morgan Szarka and Emma Roemer
April 3 – Francesca Frericks and Ansley Atkinson

Aida Kardovic joins the Creighton family as she makes her way from Nürnberg, Germany. A Serbian international, Aida has been playing in the German Bundesliga since 2012 while playing for multiple club teams. The 5'7 midfielder will provide a plethora of experience and ability to the already competitive group.

"Aida will likely play as our defensive midfielder but could easily play anywhere in central midfield. When I first saw Aida, I recognized that she has the potential to be a very special player," head coach Ross Paule commented. "She shows her passion to win through her work ethic, she is confident in her technical ability and has a great understanding of the game."

A current member of the 2. Bundesliga club FC Nürnberg in Germany, Kardovic became the first 15 year old to play for a Bundesliga team when she joined 1.FFC Turbine Potsdam. She has also competed with the U17 Serbian National Team from a young age and is currently with the U19 Serbian side that is competing to qualify for the European Championships with upcoming games in April versus Portugal, Wales and Denmark. Not many get to represent their country in such a big stage, as Paule believes that not only is it an amazing accomplishment and experience for Aida, but also invaluable for her development.

"Aida has the ability to dictate the flow of a game. Her sharp technical ability gives her the versatility to get out of tight spaces and also become very dangerous if she is given space. I see a lot of talent, creativity and ability in her and I know she is not done growing as a player," said Paule. "I believe she will not only complement and make the players around her better, but also be around the quality of players that will make her better as well."

Paule understands the pressure and expectations that can come with young women coming to play for Creighton.

"I expect Aida to come in to our team and add a very strong work ethic and competitive mindset that fits well with the culture we have established. Aida takes pride in being her best and not taking what she has for granted," stated Paule about challenges Kardovic will face as student-athlete coming overseas. "She is excited about the opportunity she has here at Creighton to pursue a degree and to achieve something special with the team. She wants the challenge of pushing herself to her potential as an athlete and as a person with all of the challenges that can come with it."

Players Mentioned

Ansley Atkinson

Frankie Frericks

Aline Reinkober

Emma Roemer

Morgan Szarka

Michaela Weist