Akademia Sant
Anna, an ambitious A2 Series club in Italy, announced the transfer of setter Nicole Milanova. Her joining marks a return to both the club and her childhood region of Sicily.
👨👩👧 Volleyball family: daughter of two national players
🥉 Anna Ivanova, her mother, is a bronze medalist from the 2001 European Championship in Varna, when the Bulgarian women's team achieved one of its strongest rankings.
🏆 Danail Milanov, her father, is a multiple champion with Levski Sikonko and a former setter in elite men's volleyball.
🏐 The beginning: from Slavia, through Sicily, to Maritsa
Nicole began her career in the Slavia (Sofia) academy. In her early teenage years, she moved to Italy, where she gained valuable experience in two Sicilian clubs.
In 2020, she returned to Bulgaria and signed with Maritsa (Plovdiv) - the leading club in women's volleyball.
🌍 European career: variety of leagues
After Maritsa, Milanova again went abroad, representing the colors of:
🇮🇹 Trentino Volley (Trento)
🇮🇹 Volley Napoli (Naples)
🇮🇹 Savino Del Bene Scandicci
🇮🇹 CBF Balducci HR Macerata
🇭🇺 Fatum Nyíregyháza (Hungary)
🇫🇷 Istres and Évreux (France)
🇨🇾 Apollon Limassol (Cyprus)
🏅 National contribution:
In 2020, Milanova participated in the U19 European Championship, where the Bulgarian team achieved sixth place.
In 2024, she was included in Lorenzo Micelli's extended squad for the Nations League (VNL).
🌋 Return to Messina: not just a transfer, but a mission
Nikol Milanova sees her transfer to Akademia Sant'Anna (Messina) as an emotional return - she spent part of her childhood in the area and describes the places as "home." The club's campaign for the 2025/2026 season is themed"Sicilians do it better", and Nikol becomes the embodiment of this philosophy.
"I share the ambition, values, and professionalism of the project. To return to Messina is not just a sporting decision, but a personal joy."
🧠 Under the leadership of Fabio Bonafede
Fabio Bonafede, the club's head coach, relies on Milanova in the quest for promotion to Serie A1. He has a contract until 2027 and is known for his ability to develop young athletes at an international level.
"I look forward to starting training, connecting with my teammates, and giving my best."
👕 Number 72 - a symbol of a new chapter
Nikol Milanova will wear a jersey with No. 72, as a key part of Akademia Sant'Anna's core in the upcoming season.
