Dimitar Kalchev, one of the leading Bulgarian beach volleyball players in recent years, is returning to indoor volleyball. The 30-year-old receiver will strengthen the men's team of Sofia University, which competes in the Super League.
The volleyball player, born in Kardzhali, has significant experience both in the Bulgarian championship and in college volleyball in the USA. His career began in Arda (Kardzhali), and in 2015 he went to California State University, Northridge, where he played for four seasons.
In 2017, Kalchev was chosen as the university's athlete of the year among approximately 500 competitors from 20 sports. The same year, he also received the "Mr. Volleyball" award in Bulgaria.
After returning from the USA, he joined Montana, where he played until 2024. Subsequently, he focused his efforts on a professional career in beach volleyball.
Kalchev is a multiple Bulgarian beach volleyball champion and Balkan champion under 22 years old. In 2022, he won the international tournament in Sveti Vlas in tandem with national team player Dimitar Dimitrov.
In September 2026, Kalchev and Dimitar Mehandzhiyski reached the final of the Beach Pro Tour Futures world series tournament in Budapest, where they won silver medals.
Off the court, Kalchev is also active in sports management. In 2021, together with Radoslav Popov, he founded Popov & Kalchev Recruitment Agency - an agency whose goal is to help young Bulgarian volleyball players receive sports scholarships and continue their education and competitive careers in American universities.
With his recruitment, Sofia University gains an experienced receiver who has high-level participation both indoors and on the sand. For the Super League team, this is a serious addition given Kalchev's experience and qualities.
"Class and experience in blue and yellow!" wrote the capital club when presenting their new addition, wishing him many victories with the team.