International student-athlete finds community at ASU Law

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2023 graduates.

Domenika Turkovic, originally from Zagreb, Croatia, has made Tempe her home since arriving at Arizona State University nearly four years ago to play tennis. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology at ASU in 2022 while playing the sport she’s loved for 17 years, she decided to seek her Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She graduates this December. 

Thanks to mentorship from faculty members like Stephanie Jarvis and Aaron Hernandez and experience working in the sports industry as a graduate assistant to the tennis team, with support from coaches Sheila McInerney and Matt Langley, Turkovic is ready to pursue a career in racket sports. 

“They taught me the importance of hard work, communication, networking and openness to new experiences,” she said of the faculty in the Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business Program (SLB). “They helped me to get better at what I want to do each step of the way, and I still reach out to them whenever I need help. I know they will always be there for me, and I am extremely thankful for them.”

While moving abroad can be daunting, Turkovic has thrived in the Valley. She never thought her love of sports would lead her to law school, and she’s thankful for the new doors ASU Law has opened and suggested to take advantage of all the opportunities available.

“Use all your classmates as connections now and in the future,” she said. “Even though you are still in school, try to get out of your comfort zone and look to network and find any opportunities you might be interested in.”

Below, Tirkovic elaborates on her experience in the program and future plans.

Editors note: Answers may have been edited for length or clarity.

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the law?

Answer: I am very interested in sports, and I would love to work in racket sports at prestigious country clubs. I thought that understanding the law would help me accomplish my goals, and this program gives me a great knowledge of both professional and amateur sports law, big events, revenue generation in sports and networking. Being involved in law school opened up new doors I never thought I would be a part of, and I am grateful for this experience. 

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU Law — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: I never understood the true importance of networking until I joined the MSLB program. They taught me how to network, stay in contact with my connections, and constantly improve in this aspect of my career and life. Since I started looking for jobs, I have used all the knowledge I gained from the careers class to meet as many individuals as possible and build relationships with successful professionals in my field. 

Q: What about advice for those considering ASU Law?

A: ASU Law is one of the best programs in the country, not just because of the knowledge and experience you can gain here, but because of the people that join the program and the staff that runs the show. You will create lifelong friends and colleagues, and everyone will make you feel welcome. Especially to my international fellows, the law school staff makes sure that you are in good hands and helps you every step of the way. 

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I am currently looking for job opportunities in racket sports in various country clubs all over the U.S. I would love to make the U.S. my new home, where I can keep progressing in the sports industry and help others accomplish their dreams. 

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: If someone gave me $40 million to solve a problem on our planet, I would use that money to help decrease the issue of world hunger. I cannot believe that some communities are struggling to provide enough water and food for their residents, and I believe that everyone should have the right access to basic human needs. 

Q: What does graduating mean to you and your loved ones?

A: Getting a bachelor's and master's degree in the U.S. is a great accomplishment since I am the only family member who has studied abroad. My parents and family are very proud and supportive of my life choices and the opportunity to study in the U.S. while playing college sports. 

Q: Who, if anyone, helped you get here?

A: My parents are the main reason I am where I am today. They kept pushing me to get better every day and always believed in me. They did everything in their power to give me the life I have, and I am so grateful to be able to call them Mama and Tata. Besides them, I have a very supportive uncle, grandma and brother who would always help me in any way possible.