Eva Yaneva returns to Bulgaria with a mission to develop young talent
Exclusive interview with one of the most successful Bulgarian volleyball players. Why is she leaving Volero, what's next for her as an agent, and will she return to a management position in the future?
Eva, how did you make the decision to end your active career?
The decision was not difficult. I myself felt that the time had come \u2013 22 years in professional sports is longevity. Physically, my body was telling me it was time!
What are your most vivid memories with the national team?
Every single match with the national jersey was unforgettable. The responsibility and pride with which you step onto the court are very strong and incomparable. However, the most vivid memory remains the European Championship in Plovdiv ", I felt the love and support of the Bulgarian fans. I stepped onto the court shoulder to shoulder with players I had known since childhood, and who had already achieved so much. I am grateful to Ivan Petkov for trusting me and inviting me to participate in this, my last, competition.
If you look back \u2013 would you change anything?
No. Every situation teaches you something. I wouldn't change anything.
What did volleyball give you beyond sporting success?
It gave me the opportunity to be a citizen of the world \u2013 something I personally have always liked very much. France is definitely the country I can call my second home.
What are the biggest moments in your club career?
With the Cannes team, we played in the Champions League final \u2013 an unforgettable experience. And with Volero Le Cannet, we won the first title in France \u2013 a historic moment for the club and a true source of pride for me.
How did the transition from player to sports director affect you?
Honestly, I didn't expect it to be so difficult for me to stay in one place! For an active athlete, office work is a challenge of a completely different nature. I learned that players see only 20% of the work done around them. I liked this experience from the "other side."
Why are you leaving the position of sports director at Volero?
The reason is personal \u2013 I wanted to return to Bulgaria to be with my family.
How did your work with SB Community come about?
I worked with SB Community as a player for 15 years and I know how important it is to have an adequate agent who can build your career in the most effective way. This is not just about the biggest contract, but about vision and a plan for growth. Young players want to be the best, but they don't always know how to achieve it. We help them precisely with this \u2013 management and comprehensive service. As I said above \u2013 players don't see much of the work that is done. SB Community and Boyan Simurina did it excellently for me, and now I have the opportunity to do it for other young Bulgarian players \u2013 of course, together with Mr. Simurina.
What are the main challenges for you as an agency?
There are always opportunities, the question is about the quality of work \u2013 that's where the trick is. We are an agency with over 20 years of experience in volleyball, and among our clients are some of the biggest names in the world.
How do you see the development of volleyball in Bulgaria?
It strikes me that more and more sports events, camps, and activities are being organized. The future is with children - however clich
is the sound. We must attract them to sports fields and show them the opportunities that sport provides.
And what's next for you personally? Do you have plans for a coaching career?
Now I will focus on helping young talents develop their potential to the fullest. I would also help as a coach someday, but it's not in my plans at this stage. The future will show.
What would you advise young competitors?
Work hard and never stop dreaming! Of course, I will gladly help them with any questions.
Finally - what is Bulgaria to you in volleyball?
Bulgaria has always had traditions in this sport - and that is no accident. We have good coaches for youngsters and talented children. I hope they will soon start reaping successes with the women's teams as well.
Photos: Nikolay Varadinov, bgn
www.volerolecannet.fr
