This month’s student column serves as an introduction to the members of the EUSA Student Commission, who were recently appointed by the EUSA Executive Committee for the 2026-202 mandate.

The EUSA Student Commission is one of the commissions with the longest traditions in the European University Sports Association. Its members are nominated based on proposals from EUSA member associations. This year's novelty is an additional member nominated by EUSA’s strategic partner - the European Students' Union (ESU). The mandate of the Student Commission is two years; the elected student representative of the Executive Committee serves as the Chair of the Student Commission.

Julia Zlatkova
I am Julia, EUSA Vice-President for Student Engagement, Youth, and Volunteering, student representative on the Executive Committee, and Chair of the Student Commission. I am a 23-year-old Bulgarian currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Design at the Technical University of Sofia. As a former professional alpine skier, I have always had sport in my life - it is a major part of who I am and has shaped my identity.

Beyond competition, I am actively involved in student empowerment and sports development at my university and within the Bulgarian University Sports Association. Joining the EUSA family was a natural step for me, driven by my passion for strengthening the voice of student-athletes and promoting the social and cultural values of university sport across Europe. I strongly believe that governance needs young, passionate people to improve student engagement, inclusivity, and innovation in sport. As Chair of the STC, I aim to contribute meaningfully to these areas. Outside my academic and sports commitments, I enjoy the arts and a variety of outdoor sports. I am guided by Newton’s third law of physics, reminding me that effort and impact are always connected.

Franciska Coko
My name is Franciska, I am 26 years old, and I come from Split, Croatia. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in IT Management at the University of Split, Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Management in Tourism. Sport has been a defining part of my life for more than 16 years, primarily through basketball, including seven years competing in the Croatian First League. Alongside my club career, I proudly represent my university team at national competitions, achieving consistent success. At the same time, I have been actively involved in the organizational side of university sport in Split and Croatia, progressing from volunteer roles to positions within organizing committees, as well as serving as Team Manager of Academic Futsal Club Universitas.

Through my involvement in various national and international university sport events, I have developed a strong understanding of the impact sport has on connecting people and fostering growth. Continuing my role in the EUSA Student Commission, alongside my positions as a FISU Student Ambassador and EYOF Young Ambassador, represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for me. It allows me to actively contribute to shaping the future of university sport, strengthen the student voice in decision-making processes, and promote values of collaboration, inclusion, and development across Europe. I am especially motivated to bridge the gap between students and institutions, bringing fresh perspectives and meaningful initiatives to the community. I am guided by the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

Gor Hambarchyan
My name is Gor, I am 22 years old, and I come from Yerevan, Armenia. I am currently a senior student at the Armenian State University of Economics, pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Management. Throughout my studies, I have maintained excellent academic results while developing a strong interest in leadership, teamwork, and organizational development.

Sport has always been a central part of my life, especially basketball and football, where I have competed at amateur and university levels. Beyond competing, I have actively contributed to student initiatives and sports-related activities, strengthening my leadership and communication skills. A defining experience for me was serving as a FISU Student Ambassador last year, where I promoted university sports values and engaged students in sports initiatives. This experience motivated me to become more involved in international university sport structures. Joining the EUSA Student Commission is a great opportunity for me to contribute, represent student-athletes, and help create impactful and engaging projects. I am excited to bring new ideas, support collaboration, and grow within this community. In my free time, I enjoy training, self-development, and staying active. My personal motto is: “Hard work always pays off.”

Helena Kace
My name is Helena, I am 20 years old, and I come from Tirana, Albania. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana. Alongside my academic journey, I have been playing tennis for almost seven years, competing at a national level. Sport has been one of my greatest teachers, shaping my resilience, discipline, and ability to lead and collaborate both on and off the court.

Beyond tennis, I am a member of the Albanian University Sports Federation, where I contribute to the development of university sport in my country. I have also been actively engaged in student representation and youth advocacy in Albania, organizing initiatives that empower young people and strengthen their voices. I joined the EUSA Student Commission because I strongly believe that every student across Europe deserves to feel included, represented, and heard. Through this role, I aim to create a meaningful impact by turning student needs into real, lasting change.

Wiktor Makowski
I'm Wiktor, a 23-year-old sports enthusiast from Poland. I study at the Poznan University of Technology, where I am pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science specializing in AI. My journey with sports began over a decade ago with football. Ever since, I have completely immersed myself in physical activity. Although I primarily practiced football, volleyball, and running, trying out diverse disciplines equipped me with a global perspective on the sporting world.

Volunteering at events such as the World and European University Games gave me the opportunity to experience sporting events from a managerial perspective and connect with inspiring fellow volunteers from all around the world. At the Polish NUSA (AZS), I contribute to the National University Championships, where I am responsible for verifying student-athlete eligibility. Eager to go beyond that, I believe that within the EUSA Student Commission, I can use my volunteering experience to bridge the gap between organizers, volunteers, and athletes, making their overall experience truly memorable. When I'm not involved in organizing sports events, you can find me playing them myself or losing my voice singing chants from the football stands.

Sofija Saric
My name is Sofija, I am 24 years old and based in Vienna. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Law at the University of Vienna. Sport has always been a central part of my life; I have been playing indoor and beach volleyball since childhood, competing mainly at the national level. I also had the opportunity to participate in the U18 European Championships and several EUSA events. Alongside my studies, I am actively involved as a trainer for students who want to learn volleyball, which allows me to share both my experience and passion for the sport.

Joining the EUSA Student Commission is a meaningful opportunity for me to contribute to a community that connects education and sport across Europe. I am particularly motivated by the cultural exchange and friendships that emerge through university sports. Outside the court, I am someone who never says no to a sunset walk or a good coffee chat.

Duarte Lopes
I am Duarte, 27 years old, from Portugal. On the EUSA Student Commission, I represent the European Students’ Union (ESU) as an Executive Committee member. I hold a Law degree from the University of Minho and have been active in student representation for several years, including as President of the Students’ Union of the University of Minho and the Portuguese National Union. I served for two and a half years as an advisor to the Portuguese National Youth Council and am also a member of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe. I am an advocate for student rights, academic freedom, and youth participation in real decision-making spaces. My main areas of interest include the European Education Area, youth participation, the promotion of democratic, inclusive, and accessible higher education, and advancing youth rights at the European level. I believe in the power of student-led advocacy to drive positive change across societies.

Although I am not a professional athlete, sport is very important to me, not only as an active lifestyle but also as an essential part of the student community and society in general. I first came into contact with EUSA in 2019 during a European University Championship hosted in Portugal, and I am excited to join EUSA now as a Student Commission member, supporting and enabling youth through both sport and studies.

Follow the European University Sports Association (EUSA) on social media; you can find us under @eusaunisport on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with the activities of EUSA and its Student Commission.

Are you a student with an opinion? We are looking for new contributors for our student column every month. Feel free to contact stc@eusa.eu to offer a piece or propose a topic.