Peljto, who currently speaks four languages, hopes that living in France will allow her to perfect her French. While playing in Europe, Peljto won’t enjoy the same level of support from her parents, who flew from Minneapolis to Boston nine or ten times this season for home games.

Without her family nearby, Peljto says she hopes to remember her background by using her language skills to help other Bosnian immigrants and refugees.

Like her mother, Peljto hopes to open an interpreting service to help Bosnians communicate with Europeans and Americans.

After playing professionally in France for a few years, Peljto hopes to return to the U.S. for business school.

Journeying overseas and beginning a new life is nothing new for Peljto. Along with the resiliency she learned as a child in Bosnia, Peljto will bring with her numerous athletic awards, a piece of the Harvard women’s basketball record book and a diverse group of friends inspired by her positive spirit and cheerful demeanor.

—Staff writer William M. Rasmussen can be reached at wrasmuss@fas.harvard.edu.