Student life for professional athletes is rarely simple. Balancing intense training schedules, competitions, and academic responsibilities requires discipline, focus, and strong institutional support. At the Zagreb campus of RIT Croatia, Janko Leskovac exemplifies this balance, pursuing a degree in Web and Mobile Computing while competing at the highest levels of fencing as a member of the Croatian National Fencing Team and the Croatian Olympic Hopefuls Program.
As both a student and an athlete, Janko approaches everything with the same mindset: discipline, curiosity, and long-term thinking. “I care about understanding how things work, and I try to approach my studies with the same mindset I bring to sport,” he says. This article explores how Janko manages his dual commitments and how the environment at RIT Croatia supports his unique journey.
Integrating Athletic Discipline with Academic Rigor
For Janko, finding a college that supported both his academic ambitions and his athletic career was essential. His success is reflected in recognition on both fronts. For his athletic achievements, Janko has received support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, while his academic performance has been acknowledged through awards for outstanding grades. What mattered most to him was that “the effort and commitment were genuinely recognized,” which made it possible to pursue his studies while continuing to compete at a high sporting level.
Studying Web and Mobile Computing has reshaped the way Janko thinks, making him “naturally break things down and look for logical solutions.” He notes that his “brain works like code now.” This structured way of thinking helps Janko stay calm under pressure: “Once you understand that most problems have a structure, they stop feeling overwhelming and become something you can solve step by step.” This analytical approach, honed in his studies, directly benefits his performance in fencing, where strategy and composure are critical.
The Role of Faculty and Institutional Support
Faculty support has played a major role in Janko’s journey. “Professors are approachable, understanding, and willing to put in extra effort when students show commitment,” he says. He describes a learning environment where faculty “explains material thoroughly, answers questions, and helps students stay on track even when circumstances are demanding.” This level of support is crucial for student-athletes who must manage unpredictable training and competition schedules alongside their academic workload.
Through the Croatian Olympic Hopefuls Program, Janko receives additional support designed to help talented athletes progress toward the highest level of sport. The program’s goal is to help athletes maintain and improve their performance while providing the resources they need to develop properly. “Being part of the program makes me feel like I am now, in a way, part of the same team I once looked up to,” he explains. With support from the Croatian Olympic Committee, he can focus on development and long-term goals, allowing both his sporting and academic ambitions to grow.
Developing a Professional Mindset for the Future
Competitive sport has taught Janko how to work hard, stay composed, and focused. He carries this mindset “directly into his studies, projects, and exams, as well as into professional situations.” Over the past four years at RIT Croatia, Janko sees his time as a period of growth on every level. “RIT Croatia helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally,” he says, describing an environment that “challenged me to be disciplined and consistent, while also providing understanding and support.”
The skills developed in the Web and Mobile Computing program—such as logical problem-solving, project management, and technical proficiency—are directly applicable to a wide range of professional careers. For Janko, this means his education is not just a parallel track to his athletic career but a complementary one that prepares him for a future beyond sports.
Actionable Advice for Aspiring Student-Athletes
Janko’s experience offers valuable insights for other students who aspire to excel in both athletics and academics. His journey demonstrates that with the right environment and mindset, it is possible to pursue multiple passions simultaneously.
Seek an Institution with a Supportive Culture
Look for universities that actively support student-athletes. RIT Croatia provides an environment where faculty and staff understand the demands of high-level sport and offer the flexibility and encouragement needed to succeed. Inquire about the programs and support services available to help you balance your commitments.
Apply Athletic Discipline to Academic Work
The discipline, focus, and resilience required in sports are directly transferable to academic success. Use the same training principles—goal setting, consistent practice, and learning from setbacks—to approach your studies. Janko’s ability to break down complex problems logically is a skill he developed through his coursework and applies to both fencing and coding.
Communicate Openly with Faculty and Coaches
Success in balancing studies and sports requires clear communication. Janko emphasizes the importance of honesty and commitment. By proactively communicating with professors about your schedule and with coaches about your academic needs, you can find solutions that work for everyone. The understanding and flexibility offered by RIT Croatia’s faculty are a testament to the value of this approach.
Focus on Long-Term Goals
Both athletics and education are marathons, not sprints. Janko’s participation in the Croatian Olympic Hopefuls Program highlights the importance of long-term development. Similarly, a degree in Web and Mobile Computing is an investment in a future career. By keeping long-term goals in mind, you can maintain motivation and perspective during challenging periods.
For future students wondering whether they must choose between sport and education, Janko’s message is clear: “Do not assume you have to give up your sport when you start college.” With commitment and honest communication, he believes “it is possible to do both,” and with the right support, sport and education can strengthen each other and help you grow in every aspect of life.
Take the Next Step in Your Journey
Janko Leskovac’s story is a powerful example of how dedication, the right academic program, and a supportive institutional environment can enable students to pursue ambitious goals in multiple fields. If you are a student-athlete looking to balance your passion for sport with a rigorous academic education, RIT Croatia offers the programs and support to help you succeed.
Explore the Web and Mobile Computing program and learn more about how RIT Croatia supports student-athletes. Apply today to begin your own journey of balancing studies and athletic goals.
