A product of the Levski Sofia academyRaya Mlyakovacontinues to impress overseas and received recognition that highlights her upward development. Just a few months after joining St. Thomas University at the end of March,St. Thomasthe Bulgarian outside hitter was namedFreshman of the Year in the Sun Conference– one of the strongest collegiate championships in the NAIA.
Sun Conference – a place where future stars are forged
The Sun Conference is known for its high intensity, athleticism, and extremely competitive environment. It features universities from the southeastern United States, where volleyball is among the fastest-growing sports. The league is renowned for regularly producing teams that reach the national finals, and a large portion of its athletes transition into professional leagues or more elite NCAA programs. The Freshman of the Year award is difficult to earn – the competition is strong, and every mistake is costly.
A Season Full of Victories
St. Thomas finished the regular season with an impressive record –23 wins and only 4 losseswhich highlights the team's stability and scale. Mlyakova very quickly became a key figure in the "Bobcats" squad.
| Raya Mlyakova's Statistics (St. Thomas) | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack Kills | 246 |
| Aces | 22 |
| Blocks | 35 |
The statistics clearly show the maturity of her game – she isattack points leader, and her contribution in serving and blocking shapes the profile of an athlete who influences all phases of the game.
Comment
246 points scored in one of the most competitive NAIA conferences is a serious testament to adaptation and stability. Her twenty-two aces highlight her aggressive serving, and 35 blocks show that Mlyakova is useful not only in the attack phase but also in tactical net defense. For a first season in the USA – an impressive performance that fully justifies her selection as Freshman No. 1.
Conclusion
The recognition for Raya Mlyakova is not only a personal success but also proof of the quality of the Bulgarian volleyball school. If she continues on the same path, her place among the best in collegiate volleyball is guaranteed, and after that – why not in professional leagues. Bulgaria definitely has a new name that we will follow closely.
