Bulgarian volleyball talents continue to shine in the US collegiate league! Four native athletes –Kristian Titriyski,Alex Kandev,Moni NikolovandStiliyan Delibosov – were selected for theBig West Conference First Teamfor 2025, highlighting the strong Bulgarian presence at the highest level in the NCAA.
Kristian Titriyski – power and class for Hawaii
The opposite hitter from Sofia dominated throughout the season for the University of Hawai'i and was deservedly selected not only to theBig West First Team, but also to theAll-Freshman Team. With an average of4.24 points from attack,5.05 points per setand0.45 aces, Titriyski was a key driver for the "Warriors". He also has two "Attacker of the Week" awards, four "Rookie of the Week" awards, and a wonAVCA National Player of the Week award— an achievement that places him among the elite of collegiate volleyball.
Alex Kandev – Unparalleled Efficiency for Long Beach State
The 201-cm outside hitter from Sofia erupted in his first season with Long Beach State. Kandev was selected to the First All-Conference Team and the All-Freshman Team, finishing the season withan average of 3.06 points per set with a phenomenal attack efficiency of 46.6%. He was the leading scorer for the "Beach" in 7 matches, scored 16 points against Hawaii, 5 aces against Sacred Heart, and 4 blocks against UC San Diego. 👏
Mony Nikolov – Conductor with Records and Aces
Long Beach's setter also joined the elite – First Team and Freshman Team. Nikolov isthe NCAA leader with 0.93 aces per set, accumulating86 aces for the season— almost equaling the Big West's peak achievement. Add to that9.36 assists per set, three double-doubles, and7 "Rookie of the Week" awards— and you have a true conductor of Long Beach's offense!
Stiliyan Delibosov – The New Name in CSUN History
The freshman from Bulgaria made a strong debut season for the CSUN Matadors and was deservedly selected to the Big West Conference First Team. Delibosov becamethe second Bulgarian in CSUN historyto receive such recognition, afterDimitar Kalchev (2018). Strong serving, stable play, and composure under pressure - Delibosov is a key factor for the ambitious CSUN squad, which faces off in the tournament eliminations in Hawaii. 🌴
With such a strong Bulgarian presence in the All-Star team, Big West 2025 goes down in history as one of the most successful seasons for Bulgarian volleyball overseas. Next week, the individual awards will be announced - and it wouldn't be surprising if Bulgarian names are once again at the top! 🇧🇬🏆
