Nasya Dimitrova spoke candidly to VolleyCast about life and volleyball in Japan, about her difficult path in Bulgarian volleyball, and about the feeling of wearing the national jersey. The middle blocker explained that the Japanese championship is completely different from what is known in Europe – games are played on Saturday and Sunday against the same opponent, which is physically demanding but tactically helpful because by the next day you already have a clearer idea of how to counter the opponent.
She admitted that her daily life in Japan is almost entirely dedicated to training, recovery, and match preparation. Despite the busy schedule, Dimitrova considers her stay there a valuable experience, and she accepted the invitation from the Bulgarian embassy in Japan as a sign that Bulgarian athletes are respected and noticed.
Nasya also spoke about what volleyball has given her – discipline, character, and the opportunity to see the world. According to her, the greatest privilege remains the national team and the chance to defend Bulgaria's colors. However, it is there, she believes, that the biggest problems in women's volleyball are seen – a lack of a sufficiently strong domestic league, insufficient competition, and prematurely throwing young players into tough matches without the necessary support from more experienced volleyball players.
Dimitrova was adamant that junior successes should not automatically translate to women's volleyball. According to her, the difference between U19 volleyball and the professional level is huge, and young players need time, the right environment, and the presence of more experienced players to guide them through difficult moments. She gave an example that in decisive situations at major championships, support within the court is invaluable.
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation was her personal story regarding the transfer from Levski to Maritsa. Nasya revealed that after paying her release clause, her rights were nevertheless suspended for six months. According to her, this was an extremely difficult period, marked by tension, pressure, and a sense of double standards in Bulgarian volleyball. She emphasized that she reached a point where she was even ready to quit volleyball, but not to back down.
Nasya also looked back at the beginning of her journey. Before volleyball, she was strongly connected to folk singing and dancing, and her love for Bulgarian folk music remains alive today. She admitted that even abroad, she often listens to folk music, which reminds her of Bulgaria and her roots. This very sense of belonging and uncompromising spirit, she believes, helped her overcome difficult moments in her career.
Dimitrova spoke about the national team with both pain and affection. She did not hide that the experience at the last World Championship left a heavy mark, but emphasized that conflicts and external tension are often exaggerated. According to her, there was a desire within the team for the more experienced players to help the young ones, and reactions in tense moments were a result of immense emotion and a desire to save the match, not personal animosities.
Despite the disappointments, Nasya does not completely close the door to the national team. She admitted that she would return, but only if she sees a clear concept, good organization, and a precise idea of how young and experienced players will be combined. For her, balance is key if Bulgaria wants to have a stable and competitive women's national team again.
At the end of the conversation, Dimitrova also showed another side of her character – that of a person who does not give up. She admitted that she is her own biggest critic and that after a weak match, she seeks more work, more effort, and more development. It is this inner restlessness and constant drive to prove to herself that she can do more that keeps her in the game to this day.
