Despite growing up in a family deeply immersed in basketball, Darina Naneva has emerged as one of the world`s most promising young volleyball talents.
At just 15 years old, the Bulgarian middle blocker is making a significant impact at the FIVB Girls’ Under-19 World Championship, showcasing powerful spikes, effective blocks, and lethal serves. She has accumulated an impressive 75 points across six matches.
Contributing 11 points, she helped Bulgaria secure a straight-sets victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, advancing to the quarterfinals to face Brazil.
The 192cm-tall Darina has been a central figure for the team. Despite being the youngest player, she is Bulgaria`s second-highest scorer, trailing only outside hitter Kalina Veneva (79 points).
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.
said Darina, who was also part of the Bulgarian team that won the European Under-18 Championship last year.
Coming from 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.
Initially, it was natural for young Darina to be drawn to basketball, following her parents` path. However, her journey led her to volleyball, and she embraced the sport after encountering it at VC Maritza’s academy at age 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 her transition.
Interestingly, my parents didn’t want me to play basketball since it’s a contact sport so they were happy when I chose volleyball.
She added with a laugh.
Darina quickly found her place in volleyball. Under Coach Diyan Boyukliev`s guidance, she rapidly advanced to VC Maritza’s senior team. At just 15, she made her professional debut, joining the Serbian club Jedinstvo Stara Pazova last year.
In the 2024-2025 season, Jedinstvo Stara Pazova secured silver in the Serbian SuperCup and finished fifth in the league standings.
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.
said Darina, who was named 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.
she added about her aspirations.
Her national team experience this season has been equally rewarding. She was a surprising addition to Bulgaria’s senior women’s team roster for this year’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL), playing under 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!
Reflecting on her VNL appearances, Darina said.
Despite her rapid ascent and senior team debut at age 15, Darina remains remarkably humble and has seamlessly integrated with her junior 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.
said Darina, displaying maturity beyond her years.
Interestingly, she names legendary Brazilian middle blockers Thaísa Daher de Menezes and Ana Carolina Da Silva as her inspirations, though she has suggested a potential future switch to the opposite position.
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.
Discussing her position, Darina noted. So far in the tournament, she has recorded 49 spike kills and 12 blocks on the way to the quarterfinals.
Currently leading the World Championship in aces with 14, Darina’s potent serves will be a key weapon for Coach Atanas Petrov`s team in the knockout rounds as Bulgaria vies for its first World Championship title in this age group.
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.
Darina, who believes the reigning European champions can reach the podium in Osijek, commented on her serving improvement.
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.
she concluded.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood