Nineteen‑year‑old Julija Matic introduces herself with a smile: born and raised in Switzerland to Serbian parents, she picked up basketball at the age of ten. The story began thanks to her brother Georgije (or more commonly named Geo), who constantly needed someone to join him on the playground. “He was always going to the court alone and kept asking me, Please Julija, come with me! So I finally said yes, and that’s how it all started.” What began as sibling support quickly turned into passion.

Although her parents Sanja and Mišo never played basketball—her father practiced boxing and her mother gymnastics—the sport spread naturally through the family. Julija, her older brother, her sister Marta, and even the two younger sisters, Anna and Sara, now play. “We all have the same mentality,” she says. “We’re very connected as a family.”

Her first years were spent playing with boys in Arbedo, before moving to Bellinzona for the girls’ teams. Summer camps became turning points, especially those organized by Red Star Belgrade, the club her father passionately supports. “Red Star was always my dream team. When we heard about the camps, we went, and that’s where everything started. I got to talk to coaches, and eventually I went to Serbia to try out with their roster.”

“Swiss Sniper”

Her shooting ability stood out first—enough for some to nickname her “the Swiss sniper.” Julija laughs at that, modest as always, but admits that her vision and all‑around game also helped her fit into Serbia’s highly competitive youth system. Over three years, she progressed from U16 to U18 and eventually earned minutes with the first team. “Every year I moved one level higher, and getting minutes with the first team made me proud. But I don’t think I would have achieved any of it without my brother. He pushed me from the beginning.”

Serbia shaped her. “I definitely have that Serbian fighter mentality,” she admits. “I’m strong‑willed, but also emotional and sensitive.” These emotions can fuel her game or, at times, get in the way—but they remain part of her identity as a player.

Back in Switzerland with Elfic Fribourg, Julija plays a versatile game. She is vocal, reads defenses instinctively, and refuses to limit herself to a single role. “I like to give a bit of everything—defense, steals, assists, rebounds. Not only points.” Whether scoring key three‑pointers in EuroCup or grabbing rebounds on off nights, she always finds a way to contribute.

Asked about the best game of her career so far, she picks her EuroCup performance at home against Villeneuve-d’Ascq (watch the video here). “Last season I didn’t get minutes, so this was my first real EuroCup game. I had so much energy and wanted to show everything I couldn’t show before. It was really emotional.”

Her calm appearance off the court contrasts with the explosiveness of her movements during play. She describes her style simply: she adapts to the rhythm of the team and reads whatever the defense gives her—backdoors, open shots, cuts. Logic guides her game.

Empty gyms

Comparing Serbian and Swiss basketball, she notes major differences: the intensity, the passion, the crowds. “Switzerland is peaceful, structured. Serbia is crazy—no rules. Even the atmosphere in women’s basketball is just different. Here the gyms are often empty. It’s disappointing sometimes.”

As a Swiss national team player, she takes pride in representing the country where she grew up, though she remains uncertain about her role for the upcoming match against England on March 11. “They haven’t sent convocations yet, so I don’t know.”

After tough games, she recovers the simplest way: “I sleep. I love sleeping,” she laughs, echoing what her brother Geo said about her.

Before basketball, she tried gymnastics, volleyball, and swimming, but nothing matched the feeling she gets on the court. Her dreams remain high, though she prefers not to speak too much about the future. “My dream was always to go as high as possible. If I keep working and pushing myself, maybe I can reach something big. I live in the moment, but I stay open to the best opportunities.”

Returning to Serbia someday? Possible. Playing in Italy? Also possible. For now, Fribourg feels right. The club welcomed her warmly, and she values the strong chemistry within the team. Last year’s atmosphere was special, but this season’s group is also tight-knit. She enjoys the feeling of family both on and off the court.

Red Star’s friendships

Her strongest memories from Red Star aren’t only about basketball—they are about friendships. Some of the girls she met there remain among her closest friends, visiting each other between Switzerland and Serbia.

Her admiration goes to players like Luka Dončić—her childhood “crush”, whose mentality she respects.

Family remains her anchor. She describes her brother as “fan number one,” someone she calls after every game, someone who understands her bruises, complaints, and emotions. Her sister Marta, who stayed in Switzerland when the two older siblings left for Serbia, has grown even closer to her through distance. Her parents, Sanja and Mišo, travel to support her whenever they can.

In Ticino, Julija doesn’t see opportunities for women’s basketball—not yet. Bellinzona is an exception, but Lugano and Massagno lack female programs. Italy could be an option someday, given the language and proximity.

For now, success continues to follow her in Fribourg: Swiss Cups, championships, and strong EuroCup performances. “Fribourg is the best place in Switzerland for basketball. When I got the opportunity to come here, I didn’t hesitate.”

The men’s team players also support them, especially friends like Max Dell’Acqua and Matteo Smith. “We often go to watch them more than they come to watch us,” she laughs. “But when they do, it’s always nice.”

As the interview concludes, she smiles with modesty yet confidence. She hopes to win again against Nyon and dreams of finishing the season strong: “I’m excited. I feel it’s going to be a good end to the season.”

By David Glaser

Listen to the Podcast The Free League number 1 with Julija Matic.