Long Beach State setter Moni Nikolov has clear preferences when it comes to eating before practices and matches.

His favorite meal is the classic combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli. Before practice, he prefers a fresh smoothie with banana and strawberries, and before a match, he opts for a sandwich he made himself in the locker room.

When it comes to snacks, Nikolov chooses an Uncrustable (peanut butter and jelly in a crustless sandwich) in combination with Rice Krispies (these are crispy rice treats, often bound with a sweet glaze or marshmallow. In Bulgaria, the closest analogue would be rice cakes or desserts like "caramelized rice bars") or Chex Mix (a mix of baked cereal pieces, crackers, nuts, and pretzels, usually with a savory or spicy flavor. The closest comparison here would be a savory mix of crackers and nuts).

It is clear that for the Bulgarian setter, proper nutrition is an important part of preparation for success on the court.