Following his sensational performance in the USA, the youth player from Levski signed his first professional contract with Plamen Konstantinov's team.🚆🏐
One of the brightest young talents in Bulgarian volleyball -Simeon (Moni) Nikolov, made an important step in his career. The 18-year-old setter, a youth player from Levski Sofia and a sensation in the USA with the team ofLong Beach State, is transferring to"Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk)- a club managed byPlamen Konstantinov. Nikolov's contract is for one year with an option to extend for two more.
"The offer was not the only one, but "Lokomotiv" was the strongest team that wanted me. Plamen Konstantinov wants to rely on me as the main setter - this was key," Nikolov stated.
🏆 From Levski to the top of America
Moni Nikolov began his journey at the Levski academy, where he quickly established himself and reached a starting position in the men's team. In the 2023/24 season, he won thechampionship title and the Bulgarian Supercup, being selected as theplayer of the audiencein the final series against CSKA.
After that came hisstar season in the USA, where with the Long Beach team he winsthe national college title,becomes the MVP of the final,rookie and player of the year, as well asrecord holder for aces -106 direct points from service! 🧨🇺🇸
His squad also included two more Levski juniors -Lazar Buchkov andAlex Kandev, with whom Nikolov led the team to the top in the NCAA.
🔄 New beginning in Russia under the guidance of Plamen Konstantinov
The transfer to "Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk) isthe first professional contractfor the setter. In addition to the high level of the Russian Super League, the decisive factor turns out to bethe trust of Plamen Konstantinovwho bets on him asmain setter.
"It's obvious that Moni is among the most talented setters in the world for his age. He has excellent ball handling and physical parameters needed for the Russian championship. He has all the prerequisites to become one of the best," commented Konstantinov.
🇧🇬 Mission: The Bulgarian national team
The decision to move to professional volleyball was coordinated with his family,national coach Gianlorenzo Blenginias well as withthe Bulgarian Federation.
"Everything I do is for me, but first it is for the national team. I want Bulgaria to win. The sooner I start playing at a top level, the sooner I can bring that level to the Bulgarian squad," emphasized Nikolov.
💙 "Levski" proudly sends off its talent
The president of "Levski Sofia"David Davidovalso expressed satisfaction with Nikolov's development:
"The college championship in the USA started to be too small for him. 'Lokomotiv' is an ideal club for him, and Plamen Konstantinov is an excellent coach and a Bulgarian, which is an additional plus. We are convinced that Moni will continue to grow and develop."
🏐The future looks bright for Simeon Nikolov – one of the greatest hopes of Bulgarian volleyball. Good luck, Moni! 🇧🇬🔥
