Hena Kurtagić

Hena Kurtagić is a Serbian middle blocker for Numia Vero Volley Milano and the senior national team.

Born in Novi Pazar, Kurtagić developed through TENT before moving abroad. Her early senior seasons gave her responsibility at the net while she was still eligible for youth competitions. A year in Nantes added another league and training environment, and the move to Milano placed her in one of Europe's deepest club systems.

At 195 centimetres on the Italian league profile, she offers a high contact point, but blocking depends on more than reach. Kurtagić reads the setter, closes the space beside the outside blocker and keeps her hands over the net. A well-formed block can guide the ball toward Serbia's defence even when it does not produce a direct point.

Her attacking role requires quick coordination with the setter. The approach begins before the pass is complete, so timing and trust are essential. A fast middle option also holds the opposing blocker centrally and can create a cleaner one-on-one situation for an outside attacker.

Kurtagić was named the best middle blocker of the 2026 European Championship after Serbia won bronze. The award followed the full tournament, not one rally. Her service pressure and movement along the net supported a team that had to recover from a semifinal loss and win the medal match against Poland.

For Milano, she works in a roster with different setters and attacking combinations. Club volleyball demands quick adjustment after international windows. The repeatable skills are preparation, first movement and communication. Those details allow a middle blocker to remain effective when the tempo or tactical emphasis changes.

Her influence is not limited to direct points. A correct first step can close an attacking lane, while a disciplined approach can hold an opposing blocker in the middle. These details make the work of teammates easier and show why Kurtagić's development should be judged across complete matches rather than through one highlight.

• Date of birth: Aug. 27, 2004
• Current club: Numia Vero Volley Milano
• Place of birth: Novi Pazar, Serbia
• Price on Transfermarkt: €0.00
• Stronger leg: Both
• Height: 195 sm
• Position: Centre-back
• Serbia national team:
  Matches: 0, Goals: 0, Assists: 0