With Elitsa Atanasijevic once again as captain and under the leadership of the legendary Antonina Zetova, Bulgaria is starting a new chapter in its women's volleyball journey.

The team's preparations are already underway in the capital's Hristo Botev hall, and the ambition is clear – building a competitive squad that can rival leading teams and put the national team back on the path to success.

"We will try with all our might to transfer this atmosphere from the youth national team to the women's national team," saidAntonina Zetova.

However, she emphasized that a lot of work is needed to build a "cohesion" within the team, as there are players returning after a break, as well as a new setter with whom most of the girls have not played. "Now the training process is aimed at improving the physical condition of the girls and establishing the synergy between the new setter and the other players," she added.

Zetova also presented her vision for the team's goals: "In principle, our goal is to be able to defeat teams that we haven't beaten in recent years, which can guarantee us an ascent in the rankings. But again, my personal goal is for the team to play well on the court, which will allow us to achieve results." She was adamant that she would not set unrealistic goals such as winning against leading forces in world volleyball, but the focus would be on building good volleyball step by step, point by point, set by set. "Last year we only beat South Korea and the Dominican Republic in the VNL and finished last. So we need a lot of work and goals must be set one after another," she pointed out. "I cannot guarantee that we will be in the middle of the VNL standings, our level of play will increase with experienced players... The team comes first, and when we have stronger individual players, naturally the quality of play should also increase," the coach added.

One of Antonina Zetova's biggest ambitions as a coach is related to the Olympic Games. "It has been my goal since childhood to participate in the Olympic Games. Our goal has always been to play in the Olympic Games, and I could not achieve this goal as a player. I hope to achieve it now with this team," she shared, describing the national team as her "weakness" and "close to her heart."

Regarding the roster, Zetova revealed that she had invited all key players. She had conversations with Petya Barakova, who declined due to fatigue from busy summers ("80% no, 20% yes"). Gergana Kyoseva declined due to other "happy plans" (she will become a mother), and Mira Todorova for family reasons. "So, those who agreed are here," Antonina Zetova summarized.

Among the returning experienced players isElitsa Atanasijevic, who will again be the team's captain. She returns to the national team after several years of absence. "It's an emotion to play for the national team of Bulgaria," Atanasijevic stated.

She described the first training day as "the first day of school," admitting that after such a break, it's nice to return and get to know the new, younger girls. "After 15 years every year in the national team, of course, you miss that thrill; hearing the anthem of Bulgaria is unique. And it's not experienced in any club team, no matter where you play. This feeling is different," she shared. Elitsa Atanasijevic expressed hope for a successful "fusion" between experienced and young players. She was also clear about the new coach's role: "Toni Zetova didn't tell me anything specific, nothing that influenced me... For me, she is the best coach who could take over the national team right now! She is definitely the person because of whom I returned to the team," the captain added.

The young opposite hitterMikaela Stoyanova, who will play for the Italian "Megabox" (Pesaro) from next season, also spoke to the media. The 20-year-old player stated that this year was "full of good and bad moments," but she managed to learn a lot from her coach at "Levski" and will now gain experience from her contact with Antonina Zetova in the national team. She did not hide her excitement about the upcoming transfer to Italy, describing it as a "dream since childhood," but admitting that the level there is much higher and it will take her time to establish herself. Regarding the national team, Stoyanova emphasized: "With these girls who are here in the Bulgarian national team, I can only learn and be happy that I can train side by side with them." She believes that a realistic goal for the team is to fight for a Top 8 finish in the VNL, with success depending entirely on themselves.

Under the leadership of Antonina Zetova, the women's national volleyball team begins a new stage, aiming to build a strong collective, combining the experience of returning players and the potential of the young ones, with a view to improving their game and ranking in international tournaments. And the big goal – the Olympics!