Ajanovic Aims For Med School Post-Loyola

Loyola women’s volleyball fourth-year pin hitter Esma Ajanovic is as committed to volleyball as she is to her studies. After graduating with a degree in neuroscience and taking her medical college admission test in the spring, Ajanovic said she aims to attend medical school.

Before coming to Loyola, Ajanovic said she knew she wanted to go on the pre-med route as she’s been a self-described “science nerd” her entire life. After declaring a neuroscience major, Ajanovic said she quickly fell in love with her classes, solidifying her certainty in a pre-med track.

The neuroscience and neurology field has so much potential because all of the research is so new, according to Ajanovic. Ajanovic is a very smart and focused student, According to head coach Amanda Berkley she is fully committed to whatever she’s doing on and off the court and is very invested in her education.

Ajanovic grew up in the Chicago suburb of Skokie, as second-generation immigrant, as her parents are originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

When her parents aren’t watching her games, Ajanovic said she often returns home to visit. She’s not the only athlete, as her younger brother plays basketball and her younger sister also plays volleyball.

During her official visit, Ajanovic said she loved the coaching staff and felt a connection to Berkley, prompting her to commit on the spot. Playing for Loyola and remaining close to her family were added bonuses, Ajanovic said.

This season, Ajanovic had the opportunity to reconnect with her old club teammate, third-year middle blocker Ann Marie Remmes following Remmes’ transfer from Creighton University. She and Remmes have remained in touch through college and were excited to play together again. 

“So I was super stoked when [Remmes] decided to come here and it’s been awesome,” Ajanovic said. “Getting to play with her again and be around her again, she’s such a light and she’s so fun to be around.” 

Ajanovic and Remmes previously played together at Adversity Volleyball Club in Vernon Hills, IL and now have the opportunity to play during Ajanovic’s senior season before she graduates. 

The Ramblers coaching staff said culturally, Ajanovic has taken leadership roles and helps bridge the gap for the newer players — she organized Facetime calls for the first-years over the summer to help ease their collegiate transitions. 

Ajanovic said her dedication to helping young players adapt to being student-athletes was inspired by her own struggles when she transitioned to collegiate volleyball.

As her time at Loyola comes to a close, Ajanovic said her goal is to be a selfless leader in the program, following the footsteps of those who came before her.

“The way that they’ve shaped the culture of this program here and how selfless everybody is made me want to be a selfless leader,” Ajanovic said. “There was just so much knowledge and positivity that has been shared throughout my years here. I feel the people have made a huge impact on me and I learned a lot. I’ve acquired another family in a sense and I have people that have graduated that I still turn to whenever I need something.”

Outside of volleyball and studying, Ajanovic said she loves to go on walks and explore the city. She doesn’t have much free time, but uses the time she has to go back home and visit her family when she can. 

After graduating, Ajanovic said she’ll miss the tight-knit community she’s helped build at Loyola. She loves there’s always someone to talk to and will miss the team culture Loyola has created.