From Menen to America, via Croatia to Aalst. At just 21 years old, middle blocker Simon Luka Vlahovic (jersey number 20) isn’t taking shortcuts. He’s building his career step by step, both literally and figuratively.

For two seasons, he impressed in the Croatian league with OK Ribola Kaštela, standing out thanks to his composure, block height, and international flair. A talent with Belgian roots and Balkan blood, now ready for Lindemans Aalst and a potential first summer training camp with the Red Dragons.
Nearly two meters tall, fluent in Croatian and West Flemish, bringing 90 kg of power and experience into the Belgian league — Simon Luka has already had quite the journey. Trained at the elite sports school in Vilvoorde, followed by a year in the US at St. Francis College, and two seasons in Croatia at a high level — where he became a different player between pine forests and the Adriatic Sea. In August, he’ll start a new chapter with Lindemans Aalst, and maybe even earn his Red Dragons debut this summer. Time for a chat.

Simon Luka, you’ve just finished a great season in Croatia. How was your time with Kaštela?
"I'm very grateful — it was a fantastic experience. I lived in Dalmatia, just 50 meters from the sea, in a house with four teammates. We could walk through the pine forest and swim whenever we wanted. Amazing. Sport-wise, it was also great. We finished second in the regular season, I played every match without injuries, and I learned a lot. Croatia feels a bit like home: I speak the language and know the culture through my dad. I felt completely at ease."

We heard the Croatian league has a different system?
"Yes, the structure is unique. If you finish second, you go straight to the semi-finals — so it's all or nothing right away. We lost to Osijek, who then lost the final to Zagreb. That left us stuck in third place. It’s a bit frustrating, but it also makes every match crucial."

And the point system is a bit unusual too?
"That's right — the winner gets two points, the loser gets none, regardless of the score. So every rally becomes more important. At the end of the season, you find yourself thinking: ‘What if that one ball had gone differently?’"

Two seasons in Croatia, one in the U.S. — you’ve seen quite a bit already.
"Yes, America was my first big adventure. That’s where I learned you have to seize every opportunity. I was at St. Francis College, but after one season they shut down the volleyball program. Suddenly I had no plan. In Croatia, it was different: if you perform, you play. Coach Rancic believed in young players, and that helped me develop. They noticed me at a tournament in Zadar with the youth national team — my name stuck."

What aspects of your game improved the most there?
"A bit of everything. My attack is sharper, my blocking more consistent. My vertical went from 3.53 m to 3.58 m. I also gained 12 kilos of muscle. We trained a lot — and Croatian cuisine has plenty of meat! (laughs)"

Menen was interested in signing you. Why did you choose Aalst?
"The timing was right. After two years abroad, I wanted to be closer to family. Aalst reached out first, and the connection was immediate. Gent came in later. My manager also said that being in Belgium might increase my chances with the Red Dragons. Plus, I can live halfway between Ghent and Bruges — my mom is here, my dad is over there. I’ll be based in Aalst."

Aalst is a team in transition. What convinced you?
"They’re focusing on Belgian players. And in our league, most middle blockers are foreigners. So the fact that they’re giving me this chance means a lot. I also like the challenge of helping a club build. I’ll need to earn my spot, but I get along well with Jasper Verhamme — he’s both my competitor and my friend."

Have you spoken with coach Frank Depestele?
"Yes, and it went really well. He gives young players opportunities, which builds confidence. As a former setter, he has a great feel for timing and play structure. He already wanted me at Menen, so I’m glad we finally get to work together."

What are your goals at Aalst?
"To be more consistent. To prove each week that I belong — even during tough times. Technically, I want to speed up my attack and make my float serve more reliable. I’m still finding the balance between the float and the power serve."

You’ve been called up to the national team. What does that mean to you?
"Honestly? I thought: finally! Last year I didn’t get picked, even though I had a strong season. This time I made the cut, and I’m eager to show what I can do. No stress — just excitement. I’m curious to see the level up close."

What are your long-term ambitions with the Red Dragons?
"Eventually, I want to become a starter. But I’m taking it step by step. First, be physically ready, give it everything in training, and learn what coach Zanini expects. The tempo is high, and I love that."

You're not studying at the moment. Do you plan to return to school later?
"Right now, I’m fully focused on volleyball. I’ve paused my studies to give myself the best shot at progressing. But later on, I’d like to go back to school — something that really interests me. For now, it’s sport first. But I know I’ll need a plan after my career."

What’s your long-term dream?
"To explore the world through volleyball. That’s my real ambition. I started in the U.S., continued in Croatia… If Aalst can be a springboard to a top European league, I’ll take the leap. But for now, it’s one step at a time."

One last thing: your last name, Vlahovic, tends to catch attention. Any reactions?
"(laughs) Yes, ever since Dušan Vlahović started playing for Juventus, people ask me: ‘Are you a striker too?’ or ‘Are you related?’ But no, we’re not family. I do have roots in Montenegro through my dad. He was a professional volleyball player, my mom was a national 200m sprint champion, and my grandfather ran marathons. Sports are in my blood. So if my name draws attention, that’s fine — I use it as motivation, not pressure."

You have both Belgian and Serbian roots. What does that dual identity mean to you?
"It’s a strength. On one hand, I’m a West Flanders guy — calm and structured. On the other, I’ve got that Balkan fire and passion. I speak the languages, understand the cultures, and can adapt easily. That mix is my power. My dad taught me how to play, and even today he’ll text me after a match with advice. That makes this journey even more meaningful."

Article: Kenny Hennens