Former Bulgarian national team player Hristina Vuchkova will continue her career in Russia, joining Tulitsa – a team that finished 8th in the Super League and 6th in the Russian Cup in the 2025/26 season, according to "BO Sport".
Vuchkova played a solid season with Proton (Saratov), being among the leading figures of Yuri Marichev's team. The Bulgarian had a key role in blocking and serving, and often recorded double-digit scores in attack. Nevertheless, the Saratov team finished 9th in the championship, and in the Russian Cup tournament, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Vuchkova: "Russia suited me in terms of environment and volleyball"
In an extensive interview for Proton's club website, Vuchkova shares her impressions of her stay in Russia, as well as interesting details from her rich international career.
"Russians are very similar to Bulgarians – emotional, open, and warm-hearted. For me, everything here aligned – both the environment and the level of volleyball," says the middle blocker.
She emphasizes that the Russian league stands out with its high class, which is difficult to find in many other European championships.
Career around the world – from Italy to China and the USA
Vuchkova is one of the most experienced Bulgarian players, having played in several leading championships:
Italy – "the highest technical level and tactical discipline"
Turkey – "emotion, improvisation, and strong derbies"
USA – "extremely physical volleyball, almost like an assembly line"
China – "difficult adaptation off the court, but valuable experience"
Particularly impressive is her period in the USA, where she won the title with the Omaha Supernovas in the newly established league, although she herself admits that adaptation was difficult due to the distance from Europe.
The National Team and the Future
Vuchkova also commented on the situation in the Bulgarian national team, which is undergoing a generational change: "The new generation is not weaker. It just needs time. Currently, there's a lack of experience, but the potential is there."
A New Beginning in Tulitsa
The move to Tulitsa is a logical step for Vuchkova, who is already fully adapted to the Russian championship. The team from Tula is looking for stability in the middle of the net and more efficiency in blocking, and the Bulgarian brings exactly this profile – experience, class, and leadership. She is expected to be among the key figures in the squad and help Tulitsa take a step forward in the standings next season.
Photo:VC "Proton-Saratov"
