Dante Stipica

Dante Stipica (born 30 May 1991) is a Croatian football goalkeeper, currently playing for Hajduk Split in the Prva HNL.

Career

A native of Split, Croatia, from the central Veli Varoš quarter, Stipica passed HNK Hajduk Split's academy, gaining his first senior appearances on loan at Hajduk's third-tier feeder team at the time, GOŠK Kaštel Gomilica, aged 17–18. He made his Prva HNL debut a few weeks before his 19th birthday, in the 5.5.2010 5-2 away win against NK Croatia Sesvete. With the likes of Danijel Subašić, Vjekoslav Tomić, Goran Blažević and Lovre Kalinić in front of him, however, he spent the following few seasons either as third-choice goalkeeper or on loan in various second- and third-tier teams. He got more playing time in the 2013/204 season, after first-choice keeper Lovre Kalinić got injured, but was injured in turn, missing the season's end. Stipica started the 2014/2015 season as first-choice keeper, but conceded his place to the recovered Kalinić after some time. He injured his right knee in October 2014, missing out on the rest of the season, which prompted the signing of Marko Ranilović at mid-season.

Personal life

Stipica studies law at the University of Split.