Zhasmin Velichkov is no longer just a promising name from Beroe's academy. The captain of the U19 national team made a decisive step in his career, heading to Italy and Monza – an environment where talent is not enough if it's not backed by character, discipline, and resilience.

His conversation on Volleycast with Anatoli Gyonov and Aleksandar Kepev clearly outlines the path of a young athlete who is not afraid to admit his doubts, but even less afraid to overcome them.

The decision to leave your comfort zone

Velichkov's initial plan was to stay one more season at Beroe. Logically – a familiar environment, trust, playing time. Instead, however, come the questions that every ambitious athlete asks themselves at some point:

Will I develop enough if I stay?
What will happen if I step out of my comfort zone?

"I was scared," he frankly admits. The Italian SuperLega is the strongest championship in the world, and such a step at 18-19 years old is no small decision. Family support, however, proved crucial. His parents firmly stood behind his choice to seek development abroad, even if it meant separation and a new beginning.

Beroe – the foundation upon which to build

Velichkov does not fail to emphasize Beroe's role in his development. According to him, the conditions in Stara Zagora are among the best in Bulgaria – a good base, a calm environment, and a team where young players are not isolated.

The transition from junior to senior volleyball was difficult. "It was unpleasant and tough at first," he says, but that's when the real growth came. Besides coach Miroslav Zhivkov, he also learned from more experienced teammates – in attack, reception, and game thinking.

An interesting detail is his journey through different positions. He started as a middle blocker – a typical choice for a tall boy – but gradually sought greater influence on the game and moved to the role of an outside hitter/receiver. This transformation required additional work and adaptation, but today it brings him new opportunities.

Captaincy – responsibility, not an armband

As captain of the U19 national team, Velichkov speaks maturely about his role.

"The captain is not the one who wears the armband, but the one who holds the team together," he says.

For him, leadership means sensing when a teammate is wavering, supporting them, and creating a sense of community. Team play, in his words, is always stronger than the sum of individualities.

"A team of stars is not necessarily stronger than a true collective."

The match that stays in mind

Asked which match he would like to play again, Velichkov does not hesitate – the encounter with Spain at the World Championship. Bulgaria was leading 2-0 in sets but lost 2-3.

At the moment of loss, emotion prevails, and realization doesn't come immediately. The true weight, however, is felt later.

"It's unpleasant to think you couldn't help the team enough," he admits.

This type of experience doesn't break you, it builds you. They give direction to your work afterwards.

Stress and emotion as a weapon

Velichkov openly talks about the anxiety he felt as a younger competitor. Every match was accompanied by tension, especially when playing against older opponents.

The solution comes through experience and through advice that remained permanently in his mind – to show emotion, not to keep it inside.

"Sometimes, even if it's forced at first, it's important to express the emotion. That way, you release the tension."

Today, this emotionality is one of his distinctive traits on the court – a reaction after every point, infectious energy, and constant communication with the team.

Monza – among professionals

The decision for Italy was not dictated by guarantees of a starting spot, but by the desire to be among the best. To train daily with proven names, to learn, to adapt to a higher pace and demands.

Playing time comes gradually. The coach's trust is earned in the training process and in the minutes on the court. Velichkov admits he is happy with the opportunities he gets, but is aware that in the Superliga, every minute must be defended with quality.

Working in an international environment also brings another challenging aspect – the linguistic one. He is learning Italian to communicate more fully, especially in high-pressure situations.

A look to the future

Competition in the national team is serious, especially in his position. Velichkov, however, accepts this as a stimulus, not an obstacle.

"I will give my all. Even if I don't make it among the chosen ones, I will gain experience."

This type of thinking speaks of a long-term perspective – development, not momentary success.

Emotional journey

In the rapid-fire questions, he defines his career with one word – "emotional". And the sentence he would leave behind is indicative:

"Always express yourself."

In a world where young people are often accused of lacking persistence and character, Zhasmin Velichkov sets a different example – that of a competitor who seeks development, takes risks, and is not afraid to be honest about his weaknesses.

And that is the first essential step towards growth.