In a truly landmark achievement for Bulgarian sports, the nation`s Girls` U19 volleyball team has secured the gold medal at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls` U19 World Championship. The European champions delivered a stunning performance in Osijek, Croatia, overcoming the defending champions, USA, in a hard-fought final that captivated audiences.
This victory marks an unprecedented moment in Bulgarian history. It is the first time Bulgaria has ever claimed a World Championship title in women`s volleyball at any age category. Furthermore, this talented squad is the first women`s team across *all* team sports in Bulgaria to reach the pinnacle of becoming world champions. A statistic that underscores the magnitude of their accomplishment.
The Gold Medal Thriller Against USA
The final match against the formidable USA side was a test of resilience and tactical execution. After dropping the first set 21-25, the young Bulgarian team, spurred on by passionate supporters, mounted a remarkable comeback. They secured the next three sets with scores of 25-16, 25-17, and a tense 29-27 in the deciding fourth set.
Several factors contributed to Bulgaria`s success. The USA team, uncharacteristically perhaps, committed a significant number of unforced errors (37 compared to Bulgaria`s 23), a deficit that proved difficult to overcome. Bulgaria also showcased impressive serving, applying consistent pressure. Key contributions came from Alexandra Kitipova (12 spike kills, 2 aces), Darina Naneva (9 spike kills, 4 blocks, 1 ace), Edna Todorova (10 points), and Kalina Veneva (10 spike kills). For the USA, Suliane Davis led with 17 points, supported by Macaria Spears with 12.
Bulgarian coach Atanas Petrov highlighted his team`s fighting spirit:
Our most important quality is that we don’t give up. We are a team that keeps on going especially when faced with difficult situations. The girls executed our tactical plan well but most importantly we fought for every point together as a team. We are now Balkan, European and World Champions. This is the first time this is happening in the history of Bulgarian volleyball. This team is the future for Bulgaria and also the present. They have shown today that they are ready to play at the high level.
A clean sweep of titles at youth level, indeed, and a bold declaration of intent for the future.
Poland Claims Bronze
In the battle for third place, Poland rebounded from their semifinal loss to USA to defeat Türkiye in straight sets (25-19, 25-21, 25-20). Poland demonstrated dominance in attack and blocking, securing their place on the podium. Natasza Ornoch was a standout performer for Poland with 16 points, while Aylin Uysalcan led Türkiye with 13.
Poland`s captain Nadia Siuda reflected on their bronze medal win:
We knew that we had to play hard and be powerful in every action today. We kept on pushing and finally we got the win. I’m so happy that we have managed to get bronze. It’s a good reward for all the hard work we have put in as a team. We also dedicate this medal to our fans, most of them are our parents and they have been travelling all the way from Poland to support us in every game since the start of the tournament.
Tournament Dream Team and Final Standings
Adding to their accolades, the newly crowned champions, Bulgaria, dominated the tournament`s Dream Team, with four players selected. Dimana Ivanova was deservedly named both the Most Valuable Player and Best Setter, a rare double honor.
The full Dream Team roster includes:
- MVP and Best Setter: Dimana Ivanova (BUL)
- Best Outside Hitters: Kalina Veneva (BUL) and Suliane Davis (USA)
- Best Middle Blockers: Denitsa Angelova (BUL) and Maja Koput (POL)
- Best Opposite: Henley Anderson (USA)
- Best Libero: Viktoria Ninova (BUL)
The tournament also saw classification matches finalize the standings for all 24 participating teams across venues in Croatia and Serbia. Italy secured 5th place after a comeback win over China, while Japan finished 7th by defeating Brazil. Co-hosts Croatia claimed 9th place.
The final standings reflect the intense competition:
- Bulgaria
- USA
- Poland
- Türkiye
- Italy
- China
- Japan
- Brazil
- Croatia
- Argentina
- Chinese Taipei
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Belgium
- Serbia
- Germany
- Spain
- Canada
- Puerto Rico
- Chile
- Peru
- Egypt
- Dominican Republic
- Tunisia
This historic victory for the Bulgarian Girls` U19 team is more than just a medal; it`s a beacon of success for women`s sports in the country and a powerful statement about the potential of this young generation on the global volleyball stage.
Rupert Caldwell