Darina Naneva: Bulgaria’s Promising Volleyball Prodigy

Despite growing up primarily in a basketball environment, Darina Naneva has emerged as one of the world`s most exciting young volleyball talents.

Just 15 years old, the Bulgarian middle blocker has impressed at the FIVB Girls’ Under-19 World Championship, showcasing powerful attacks, strong blocking, and effective serves. She has accumulated a notable 75 points across six matches.

She contributed 11 points as Bulgaria achieved a straight-sets victory over Mexico on Tuesday in the Round of 16, securing their place in the quarterfinals, where they are set to face Brazil on Friday at 9:15 pm local time.

The 192cm-tall Darina has been central to their campaign, currently standing as Bulgaria’s second-highest scorer despite being the youngest member of the team. Only outside hitter Kalina Veneva, with 79 points, has scored more for Bulgaria so far.

“I am happy with our progress. The team is getting better and better with every game. I hope we can keep improving till the end. I know we can do it…we just need to give our best,” stated Darina, who was also part of the Bulgarian team that secured the European Under-18 Championship title last year.

Born into a family deeply involved in basketball – both her father, Ilko Nanev, and mother, Radostina Slavova-Naneva, were professional players who represented Bulgaria internationally – Darina seemed destined for a basketball career until she discovered volleyball.

Naturally, young Darina was initially drawn to basketball, eager to follow in her parents` footsteps. However, fate intervened, guiding her towards volleyball. She has embraced the sport since her first encounter with a volleyball at VC Maritza’s academy at the age of 8.

“I really wanted to play basketball because of my parents but unfortunately there was no women’s team in Plovdiv where I was raised. That’s why I moved to volleyball…I didn’t like it at first but gradually I felt like it was my thing,” Darina explained.

She added with a chuckle, “Interestingly, my parents didn’t want me to play basketball since it’s a contact sport so they were happy when I chose volleyball.”

Darina found volleyball to be a perfect fit. Under the guidance of Coach Diyan Boyukliev, she quickly advanced to VC Maritza’s senior team. Last year, at just 15, she made her first professional move, joining Serbian club Jedinstvo Stara Pazova.

In the 2024-2025 season, Jedinstvo Stara Pazova secured silver in the Serbian SuperCup and finished fifth in the league.

“It’s a new team that has been together for only one season so I think we did well. The Serbian league is more competitive compared to the Bulgarian league and has helped me improve as a player,” commented Darina, who was recognized as the Best Middle Blocker at the 2024 CEV U18 Volleyball European Championship.

My dream is to play in the Italian or Turkish leagues because they are the best in the world. I hope to play for the best teams in these two leagues in future.

Her national team season has proven as successful as her club experience. She was a surprising addition to Bulgaria’s senior women’s team roster for this year’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and was given playing time by Coach Antonina Zetova against the Netherlands and Canada.

“It came as a surprise but I’m happy I got this opportunity. I’m so young and playing at such a level even for a few minutes is so exciting. Playing against star players like (Kiera) Van Ryk is amazing!” Darina enthused about her substitute appearances in the VNL.

Despite debuting for the senior team and in the VNL at 15, Darina remains remarkably humble and has quickly integrated with her teammates at the current World Championship.

“I know I’m not better than my teammates or special in any way. We are all equal and should always be like this,” Darina stated, displaying wisdom beyond her years.

Interestingly, Darina looks up to legendary Brazilian middle blockers Thaísa Daher de Menezes and Ana Carolina Da Silva as role models, but she has mentioned the possibility of transitioning to the opposite position later in her career.

“When I play well, I like my position but when I don’t play well, I don’t like it. I enjoy spiking more than blocking so it’s my dream to play opposite but for now I like my position. I’ve kind of gotten used to it having played as a middle blocker from the beginning,” noted Darina, who has achieved 49 spike kills and 12 stuff blocks en route to the quarterfinals.

Currently leading the World Championship in aces with 14, Darina’s serves will undoubtedly be a crucial weapon for Coach Atanas Petrov in the knockout rounds as Bulgaria aims for a first-ever World Championship title in this age category.

“Throughout the season, my serve was terrible. I couldn’t make like two in a row inside the court but I have consistently worked on it in training and I’m happy the results are beginning to show,” said Darina, who expressed confidence in the reigning European champions securing a podium finish in Osijek.

“We have been together for a year and have developed as a team under Coach Petrov. He has helped us improve our technique and mentality. If we make it to the top three it will be amazing. We really dream about it and have been working hard for it, I hope our dream will come true.”