Introducing Iva Sicar, Finding A Calling at Mount Mercy

Iva Sicar is a dedicated student-athlete and physical therapy major at Mount Mercy University. WinWon had the pleasure of sitting down with her to hear her story, from growing up in Serbia to engaging in the Mustang community.

When a car accident in 2019 left Iva's right hand severely injured, she required multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy to regain functionality. This challenging period was transformative for her. It was through this rehabilitation process that she discovered her calling. “The physical therapist that worked with me helped me recover my hand completely,” Iva recalls.

‍“I knew that physical therapy was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

From the moment Iva arrived at Mount Mercy, she felt welcomed and supported, despite being far from her family in Serbia. “The community here at Mount Mercy is very diverse, and that makes me feel at home,” she shares. She has actively contributed to campus life, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to service. As an international representative in the Mount Mercy Senate, Iva addresses issues faced by international students and wants to create a supportive environment for all. She also serves as a Resident Assistant (RA), using her personal experience to help new students adjust to campus life.

“The community here at Mount Mercy is very diverse, and that makes me feel at home.”

As a basketball player, Iva applies the lessons learned on the court to her academic pursuits and personal growth. “Basketball means everything to me; it's a lifestyle,” Iva explains: “It has taught me to never give up, no matter how hard the circumstances are.”

Her commitment to her physical therapy major is just as fierce. As she continues to strengthen her right hand, Iva’s recovery has given her a unique perspective. She knows firsthand the importance of rehabilitation and she plans to take an empathetic approach to her future PT patients: “I want to help people feel their movement again, to go back to where they were before the injury.” 

Iva is also an active volunteer. She devotes much of time to the International Club and the Bandana Project, where she promotes cultural awareness and mental health. “We never know what another person is going through,” she says, “and we should be nice and kind to all people around us.”

As Iva prepares to graduate and move on to the next chapter of her life, she carries with her the lessons learned and the relationships built at Mount Mercy. She is determined to make the most of her senior year. “I want to get the best out of this experience in America, particularly at Mount Mercy,” she says. “But I also need to stay focused on the future.” While Iva loves the United States and the opportunities it has provided, she plans to return to Europe to be closer to her family. 

“Basketball has taught me to never give up, no matter how hard the circumstances are.”

We’re excited to honor Iva as a WinWon Scholar for her dedication to basketball and community. Her dedication to physical therapy and her passion for helping others will undoubtedly lead to a successful and impactful career.