Former national team player Vangelia Rachkovska will continue her career in Greece. The 29-year-old outside hitter is a new addition to PAOK Thessaloniki, the club officially announced.
Rachkovska, who is 185 centimeters tall, signed with PAOK for the 2026/2027 season and will strengthen the club's women's team – PAOK F&U. Thus, after Elitsa Vasileva-Atanasijevic, who plays for Panionios, a second former national team player will play in the elite league of our southern neighbor.
Significant international experience
Born on July 19, 1997, the Bulgarian has extensive experience in a number of European championships.
Her career began in Bulgaria, where in the 2015/2016 season she played for Maritsa (Plovdiv), and in the following season she played for Rakovski. Between 2017 and 2020, Rachkovska defended the colors of Levski Sofia.
In 2020, she embarked on her first adventure abroad, moving to Hungarian Ujpest. A year later, she continued her career in Poland with Joker Swiecie, and in the 2022/2023 season she played in Italy for Omag-MT San Giovanni in Marignano.
Periods in Turkey with Iba Kimya TED Ankara Kolejliler and in Cyprus with Apollon (Limassol) followed.
In the 2025/2026 season, the Bulgarian outside hitter defended the colors of French Volero Le Cannet, before accepting PAOK's offer.
Thus, Greece will be the next stop in Rachkovska's international career, who has already gained experience in the championships of Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, and France.
European League Champion with Bulgaria
Rachkovska also has experience with the Bulgarian national team. One of the most significant successes in her career is winning the Golden European League in 2021.
The outside hitter has also participated in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), where she has faced some of the strongest national teams in the world.
Rachkovska: I can't wait to experience this
After the transfer was made official, the Bulgarian commented on her move to PAOK to the club's website:
"I am happy and grateful that I will wear the PAOK jersey in the new season. This is a club with an exceptional history, whose matches are played in an incredible atmosphere. I hope for another excellent season for both me and PAOK. I can't wait to experience all of this up close!" said Vangelia Rachkovska.
photo: cev.eu
