The women's volleyball champion of Bulgaria, Maritza (Plovdiv), was chosen as 'Team of Plovdiv' for 2025. The yellow-blues won the award in the traditional survey for the best sports achievements of athletes and teams from the city for the past year, once again affirming their leading role in Bulgarian women's volleyball.
The award ceremony took place at an official event in the City Art Gallery. The award was presented personally by the mayor of Plovdiv, Kostadin Dimitrov. Representing the club were manager Boris Halachev, head coach Ahmetcan Erşimşek, as well as players Zhana Todorova, Iva Dudova, Elisaveta Sarieva, and Aleksandra Kitipova.
A record-breaking year for the yellow-blues
The year 2025 will remain golden in Maritza's history. The Plovdiv team won a record 11th consecutive championship title of Bulgaria, as well as the 10th National Cup in the club's trophy cabinet. However, their successes were not limited to the domestic scene.
For the first time in its history, Maritza advanced from the group stage of the Champions League, which opened the way for participation in the CEV Cup tournament. There, the yellow-blues reached the quarter-finals – an achievement that marks significant progress for the club in European tournaments.
Individual awards and a strong presence of young talents
The successful year was also highlighted by individual recognitions. In the ranking for the best athletes of Plovdiv for 2025, Iva Dudova took 9th place. In the ranking of the best young sports talents, U19 world champions Elisaveta Sarieva, Aleksandra Kitipova, and Darina Naneva ranked in a prestigious third position.
Looking ahead to the next challenge
By the end of the calendar year, Maritza has the opportunity to add yet another trophy to its impressive collection. From December 19 to 21, the yellow-blues will participate in the Bulgarian Cup tournament, which will take place in the 'Hristo Botev' hall in Sofia.
In the quarter-final match, Maritza's opponent will be the team of Minyor (Pernik). The match is scheduled for Friday at 12:30 PM and will be the first step towards a new goal – another gold medal for the most successful women's volleyball club in the country.
