"Watch this player." This is not an expression used by chance in Italy. This is how people speak who are truly impressed by someone and feel the need to warn others:here is the young star who is yet to make her mark in big volleyball. In the article byVolleyNews.itjournalist Alessandro Garotta shines the spotlight precisely on such a figure – Dimana Ivanova, a Bulgarian setter with rare talent.
She hasn't turned 18 yet (she will on December 1st), but her potential is obvious. Having grown up in CSKA Sofia, this summer she moved to Levski Sofia, a club that decided to bet on her in the process of growing towards full athletic maturity. In the last two years, Ivanova won – and in both cases as MVP – the European Championship U18 and the World Championship U19, establishing herself as one of the most promising young setters on the international stage.
The following is part of the interview content, adapted for the Bulgarian audience.
The family foundation of her volleyball passion
Dimana's passion for volleyball doesn't come by chance, but from her family environment. Her mother is a former player, and her older sister continues to play today. It was they who ignited her desire to step onto the court. Ivanova's first memories are linked to joy, fun, and pure enthusiasm – from the very beginning, volleyball captivated her and made her feel "in the right place".
The path from CSKA to Levski
Her career at this stage is not long, but in eight years she already has achievements that many players cannot boast of. Her move through different clubs – first CSKA Sofia, and then Levski Sofia – is not a coincidence or a sign of instability, but a conscious choice. Together with her family, Ivanova assessed that Levski offers a higher level of professionalism, better conditions, and an opportunity to grow further.
Ambitions with Levski: a final and a step forward in Europe
Levski's goal for the 2025/26 season is clear – another qualification for the championship final, but this time with a different outcome. In the European Challenge Cup tournament, the team wanted to go as far as possible, but this did not happen. Nevertheless, for Ivanova, participating in international club competitions is another step towards her dream of playing against the best.
The 2025 World Championship and the call-up to the women's national team
One of the key moments in her career so far is her participation in the 2025 World Championship, which she describes as an "unforgettable moment." There, Dimana felt calm and confident, but nevertheless did not expect to be called up to the Bulgarian women's national team. The call-up came as recognition for her hard work and placed her in a completely new orbit – alongside the best in the country.
The Double MVP – European U18 and World U19
When she looks back at the European U18 title and the World U19 title, and the fact that she was chosen as MVP in both cases, Ivanova speaks with both astonishment and satisfaction. She emphasizes that the awards are a result not only of personal effort but also of the team's collective endeavor. She still gets excited when she sees the accolades arranged at home – a reminder that her efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Part of the "golden generation" of Bulgarian volleyball
The interview also touches on the topic of the new wave of Bulgarian talents. The journalist mentions the names of Simeon (a setter, like her) and Aleksandar Nikolov in the men's national team. However, Ivanova does not speak of herself as a solitary phenomenon – she emphasizes that:
the entire generation that won the European U18 and World U19 is strong and promising;
all the girls from these teams have proven their talent and can be the backbone of future Bulgaria.
Dimana's Style: No Role Model, but with High Standards
An interesting highlight is that Ivanova does not define herself through imitation. She says she doesn't have a specific idol she wants to emulate, but admits she really likes the play of Luciano De Cecco. This speaks of a desire to build her own style – a combination of composure, intelligent distribution, and a high degree of perfectionism.
A Look at the Future
Her ambitions are not modest. Ivanova clearly states that she wants to reach the highest level in club and national volleyball. At the same time, she is aware that this requires constant work, discipline, and daily effort, rather than short bursts.
The Personality Behind the Athlete
Outside of sports, Dimana describes herself as calm, kind, determined, and perfectionistic – both on the court and in life. She doesn't have many hobbies, but she loves watching movies and relaxing. Her family is loud, cheerful, and sometimes demanding, but always stands behind her. She speaks of her loved ones with warmth and gratitude.
Conclusion
The article byVolleyNews.itnot coincidentally begins with the call: "Watch this athlete." After a U18 European title, a U19 World title, and two consecutive MVP awards, Dimana Ivanova is already on the radar of European volleyball – and this seems to be just the beginning.
