Meet the team

Dušan Kovačević
CEO
At 14, Dusan moved from Serbia to the USA, excelling at Rabun Gap School and later graduating from Davidson College. He showcased his talent on the U16 and U18 Serbian national teams, attracting recruitment interest. Post-graduation, he contributed to the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. After 11 years abroad, Dusan returned to Serbia, committed to achieving others' dreams through a similar path.
- Phone:+381 63 207 877
- Email:dusan@college-star.com

Roger Cox
Director of Global Expansion and Client Services
Roger Cox has held various leadership positions within the realm of education and athletics, showcasing his diverse skill set and commitment to both student development and athletic excellence. With experiences ranging from serving as Head of School at Blue Lake Academy to roles such as Director of Marketing, Recruitment, and Admissions at the International Junior Golf Academy, Cox has demonstrated his ability to oversee strategic initiatives, manage admissions processes, and foster a positive educational environment. His extensive background includes coaching boys varsity basketball teams at multiple institutions, including Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Mount Dora High School, and Tavares Christian School, where he also served as Athletic Director. Additionally, Cox has held positions such as Associate Director of Admission and Athletics and Middle School Dean, highlighting his dedication to both academic and athletic achievement throughout his career.

Jovana Vuković
Director of Athlete Relations
After completing her secondary education in Montenegro, Jovana pursued her athletic journey by relocating to Florida, United States, to enroll in a collegiate basketball program. Transitioning from a prominent NJCAA program in Florida to the NCAA Division 1 at Longwood University in Virginia, she graduated with honors and earned bachelor's degree in sociology in 2018. Subsequently, Jovana transitioned to Belgrade, where she concluded her athletic career as a member of Partizan BC. Experiencing the ups and downs of competitive sports herself, she's motivated to mentor and guide the next generation of student athletes to figure out the ins and outs of college and pro sports so they can find their own paths to success, both on and off the field.
- Phone:+381644689209
- Email:jovana@college-star.com

TONY SIMOVSKI
Australia Representative
After developing his basketball skills in the former Yugoslavia, Tony Simovski moved to Australia to study and play basketball. He excelled at the state level in the Victorian Championship Division 1. Graduating from La Trobe University in Melbourne with a First Class Honours Degree in Economics, Tony has applied his academic qualifications and basketball experience and knowledge to continue to develop young basketball athletes. As an Association Level basketball coach in Australia, Tony operates Prime Basketball Academy in Canberra with a focus on individual player development. He uses his life experiences to guide young players on and off the basketball court including as a mentor.

Stefan Damjanović
Florida Camp Director
Stefan Damjanović comes from Belgrade, Serbia. For some years he played basketball for Red Star Belgrade
and several Belgrade teams in the youth league, after which he devoted himself fully to his university
studies. He completed his undergraduate and master's studies at University of Belgrade, Faculty of
Economics, where he specialized in the field of e-commerce and international relations. He is a licensed tour
guide and has been working as a tour guide since 2016, from when he successfully leads tourist groups all
around Europe and the world. His desire is to encourage young people to travel and get educated.
- Phone:+381642220005
- Email:stefan@college-star.com

Vladimir Medenica
Volleyball Coordinator
Vladimir is an experienced and dedicated volleyball coach with a strong background in
both coaching and mentoring athletes at various levels and different age groups. He
started his coaching career in 2002. in Volleyball Club „Novi Sad“ , Serbia. Over the past
two decades, he has had the privilege of coaching at numerous clubs in Serbia, including
Women’s Volleyball Club “Novi Sad,” “Varadin,” “FOK,” “Srbijanka 014,” and “Jedinstvo-
Uzice,” where he has led teams to achieve high performance in national leagues.
In addition to his club coaching experience, he has worked extensively with youth teams,
playing a key role in the Volleyball Federation of Serbia’s Young Talents Camps and serving
as an assistant coach for the National Teams of Serbia at both the Cadet and Junior levels,
as well as Senior National Team in several occasions. His coaching experience spans the
European Championships, World Championships, and Balkan Championships, where he
has helped nurture young athletes to national and international success, as well as
winning medals for his country.
A graduate of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Novi Sad, Serbia, he holds
the title of Professor of Physical Education and Graduate Volleyball Coach.
He is proud of his strong work ethic, responsibility, and organizational skills, always
striving to perfectionism while fostering collaboration within teams. His commitment to
personal and professional growth as a coach is fueled by a passion for helping athletes
reach their fullest potential, both on and off the court.
He has assisted numerous young athletes in different sports throughout their recruitment
processes and guided them on their journeys to study in the USA.
- Phone:+381658393995
- Email:student.athlete@college-star.com

Dalibor Mandarić
Croatia Representative
After receiving his MA from the Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb, Dalibor began his career as a sports teacher in a kindergarten, nurturing a love for movement from an early age. He also worked as a certified tennis and ski instructor, focusing on children’s development through sport. In 2001, he joined the American International School of Zagreb, where he has spent over two decades as a physical education teacher. He served as the school’s Athletics and Activities Director until 2023 and currently holds the position of Head of the PE Department. Throughout his career, Dalibor has been actively involved in coaching various school teams, including basketball, tennis, and soccer. However, his true passion lies in working with the youngest generations—kindergarten and elementary school students—helping them build a lifelong love for physical activity. With his vast experience, Dalibor is dedicated to promoting sports as a joyful and essential part of childhood.

Nemanja Lakićević
Director of Scouting
Following high school in Serbia, Nemanja moved to US to play collegiate basketball in South Carolina and pursue a degree in exercise science. Following US, he moved to Germany where he obtained a master degree in physical activity and health and worked at a sports medicine laboratory. His next step was embarking on a journey towards acquiring a doctoral degree in sports nutrition in Italy. Today, he works at the top-tier university as an assistant professor and is known globally as a leading researcher in his field. Through his worldwide connections and experience, he will make sure to find a perfect high school and/or university for you.
- Phone:+381654040202
- Email:lakinem89@gmail.com


Antonija Cooper Ivanovic
Volleyball Coordinator
Antonija Cooper Ivanovic brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to College Star International agency.. With a background as a standout collegiate athlete at NCAA Division I Siena and a two-time NJCAA All-American at Indian Hills, Cooper's playing career exemplifies excellence both on and off the court. Her coaching journey, marked by achievements such as leading Stephens College to its first-ever conference tournament victory, showcases her ability to inspire and guide teams to new heights. Drawing on her extensive experience as both a standout student-athlete and a coach at the pinnacle of collegiate volleyball, Antonija is poised to mentor and shape the next generation of aspiring athletes, guiding them on their path to success.

Nikola Ribar
Russia Representative
After finishing high school and playing basketball in Serbia, Nikola received a scholarship in 2020 to study in Russia, where he spent a year learning the language. Following that, he successfully enrolled in undergraduate studies in physical culture and sports at GTSOLIFK, the top sports university in Russia, located in Moscow. There, he began building his career as a basketball and conditioning coach. He is currently in his final year and works with younger children at a basketball academy in Moscow. In addition, he regularly attends sports and scientific conferences and seminars, where he has connected with numerous coaches and experts in the field of physical culture and sports. His plan is to continue his education and pursue a career as a coach.

