Zhana Todorova leads Bulgaria’s youth-driven EuroVolley journey
Feature
Bulgaria are one of the youngest teams at CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 Women, entering the tournament with an average age of just 23.61. In a squad undergoing a major transformation, the team have already experienced both highs and difficult moments in Brno - from a perfect opening against Ukraine to a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Austria after falling two sets behind. At the heart of the young Bulgarian side is 29-year-old libero and captain Zhana Todorova, the oldest player in the squad and one of those tasked with passing on her experience to the next generation.
Bulgaria are the third-youngest team at the tournament by average age, with only Hungary and Slovenia fielding younger squads. The challenges of building around such a young group were already evident earlier this summer, when Bulgaria were relegated from the Volleyball Nations League. In Brno, however, the team have shown glimpses of their potential - and their dramatic comeback against Austria underlined the fighting spirit developing within the group.
For Zhana Todorova, being the oldest player in such a young squad is something of an unusual position. "For me, it’s a little bit unusual because I’m not so old, but I’m the oldest in this young team. Our Federation and coach have their plan, and I believe that in a few years it will bring results. We also have girls who won the U19 World Championship last year, so we have very talented players. Of course, it’s impossible to play only with young girls. It should be a combination of young and experienced players, but right now it’s me and three more girls with more experience. Maybe the future is bright, but right now it seems a little bit tough, especially because we lost our place in the VNL, which in my opinion is not good for the team. I’ve heard some people say that it will be easier to play with lower-ranked teams, but I think playing against top teams makes your level increase faster. We’ll try to do our best to get back to the VNL as soon as possible.”
Todorova knows exactly what it feels like to enter a national team as one of its youngest members. Her own debut came in 2013, when Bulgaria’s squad was filled with established stars.
“Back then it looked completely different. When I entered the national team for the first time, around 14 years ago, there were big stars like Elitsa Vasileva, Mariya Filipova and Strashimira Filipova. The whole team consisted of really big names. I was very excited to play with them. Sometimes I couldn’t even sleep normally during my first few days there! But Marcelo Abbondanza was also our coach back then. He was the first coach who invited me to the national team.”
Now, the roles have been reversed. Todorova is the experienced player, while many of her teammates are taking their first major steps on the international stage. As captain, she wants to offer them the support that she once received herself.
Zhana Todorova“I obviously give them some help, but they also give a lot to me with their energy and their potential. So we are learning from each other, and it’s a good combination.”
captain of Bulgaria
Bulgaria in Brno decided to use the system with two liberos. Todorova takes responsibility in defence, while her club teammate from Maritza Plovdiv, Mila Pashkuleva, handles reception.
“Playing for the national team itself is the most important thing in our careers. There is nothing more important than playing for your country. At club level, we play in a different system, but here the decision was to use two liberos because it is the best way for us to play. I play in defence, while our other libero takes care of reception. We want to help the team and we want to win, no matter what.”
For Zhana Todorova, the captaincy itself is another new chapter. She was handed the responsibility at the beginning of the 2026 season and admits it was not something she expected.
Zhana Todorova“I didn’t expect this role, but I feel very grateful and proud. I want to be an example for our team, but not only for them. The national team is like a mirror of your country in volleyball, so we always have to be a good example. That’s what I try to do, both on the court and outside of the court.”
captain of Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s EuroVolley campaign has already been something of a rollercoaster. After opening with a straight-set victory over Ukraine, they suffered defeats against Greece and Serbia before Wednesday’s dramatic comeback against Austria, overturning a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2. The victory kept their hopes of reaching the eightfinals alive, while a win over Czechia could potentially improve their final position in the pool. Todorova admits that advancing from Pool B was the target from the very beginning.
“Before the EuroVolley, I thought our goal was to progress from the group and fight for third place in the pool. We couldn’t win against Greece, but now we claimed an important victory against Austria, and we have one more game against Czechia. I think it will be a very good and very interesting match. The hall will be full, so for sure we will give our best volleyball and let’s see what will happen.”
At just 29, she may be the oldest player in the squad, but her role goes far beyond age. As captain and one of the few players with extensive international experience, Zhana Todorova is helping the young Bulgarian team navigate its next chapter - while believing that the challenges they face today can lay the foundations for a stronger future.
