By Scott Nickerson
Elmore/Autauga News
Beginning in the 3rd grade, Julie Nekolná played basketball for USK Prague in the Extraleague in her home country of the Czech Republic. She experienced plenty of success, including winning a championship in 2019 and a national championship in the Women’s B team in 2022. Still, Nekolná knew there was something else she wanted to accomplish. She wanted to experience life and basketball in the United States. She also wanted to gain confidence playing big games.
“Coming to America was a last-minute decision, but I knew that I couldn’t envision myself staying in Czech Republic without a feeling of regret not trying something my heart always subconsciously longed for. And that is trying an American lifestyle and most importantly playing basketball and finding new connections and experiences. My older brother did the same thing when he was my age and it completely shifted his life. He is currently an aerospace engineering student in Arizona.”
Nekolná decided to move to the US for her senior year of high school and enrolled at Holtville High School. The process to get to the US was tedious and stressful, but it was worthwhile. Nekolná helped Holtville to a record 27 victories, a spot in the Class 5A playoffs, and the school’s first ever championship in the Elmore County Basketball Tournament. She averaged 21.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.6 steals per game and was named 1st Team All-State in Girls’ Class 5A and was one of only three finalists for the Alabama Sportswriters Association’s Class 5A Player of the Year Award.
The exchange student cited her performance in the championship game of the Elmore County Tournament as one of the most memorable moments from her senior season. “It was probably a game against Wetumpka in January. We were down by almost 20 points and after a motivational speech from our Coach Jason Franklin, supportive fans, and the team fighting hard, we were able to turn the score around. It was also the first Elmore County tournament championship for the Holtville High School basketball program.”
Nekolná appreciated the support and effort her American family showed. “I really liked that my family was trying to eat healthier than the “traditional” American cuisine, so I must say I was happy with everything.”
The exchange student has signed a basketball scholarship to Shelton State Community College. “I really like the coaches, school, level of basketball and the place I will be staying in.” Still, Nekolná has her sights set on even more. “I would like to transfer to a bigger school in 2 years and play basketball on a high level.”
Nekolná is not sure yet of her post-college goals. “I would like to focus on my current tasks and work hard to accomplish my goals and then I’ll see what the future brings.”
Nekolná has already won championships, awards, earned a scholarship, and experienced life in another country at a young age, so the young woman has plenty to be proud of, but perhaps the future will bring even more accomplishments.
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