FRÝDEK-MÍSTEK, Czech Republic (January 8, 2025) – North Alabama Volleyball's Jolana Smidlova is continuing her career in the sport after signing a professional contract with Czech club TJ Sokol Frýdek-Místek.

Smidlova returns home to join the club, which is in the midst of the season in Czech Republic's Women's Volleyball Extraliga. TJ Sokol Frýdek-Místek was founded in 1978 and based in the city of Frýdek-Místek.

Since the Extraliga's inception in 1992, the club has seen success during the 2003-04 and 2014-15 seasons with third-place finishes. The team is currently ninth in the Extraliga standings as of Jan. 8, 2026.

The Letovice native spent three season at Tulsa before playing her senior season with the Lions in 2025. Smidlova appeared in eight matches and tallied season totals of 20 kills, 12 blocks and seven digs. In 69 career collegiate matches, her totals include 205 kills, 70 blocks, 56 digs and one service ace.

"I've traveled the world for this game, but nothing beats the feeling of returning to your home country," said Smidlova. "I'm beyond excited to pick up where I left off and play for the people who have been in my corner since day one."

This marks the second time under UNA head coach Tristan Johnson that a player has gone to the professional ranks. Former standout Anna Katherine Griggs became the first under Johnson to sign a professional contract, joining French club Racing Club de Cannes for the 2024-25 season.

"We are very excited for Jolana and this opportunity for her to continue her career professionally, said Johnson. "Jolana is a highly competitive person and has a very high level of commitment to the game and performing at her best. This is also a great day for our program as we have another former student-athlete pursue their passion of being a professional athlete.  We are so proud of Jolana and excited to follow her career moving forward."

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