In a truly historic moment for Bulgarian sports, the nation`s Girls` U19 volleyball team has achieved what no women`s team before them could: a World Championship title. Claiming the gold medal at the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship, held in Osijek, Croatia, Bulgaria overcame the defending champions, USA, in a thrilling final match that showcased their remarkable resilience.
The victory, secured with a 3-1 comeback (21-25, 25-16, 25-17, 29-27), marks the first time in history that Bulgaria has won a World Championship in women`s volleyball at any age category. Adding further weight to this achievement, it is also the first world championship title won by a Bulgarian women`s team across *all* team sports.
The Championship Final: A Battle of Wills
The final against the USA was a tense affair. After dropping the first set, the young Bulgarian squad, spurred on by their enthusiastic supporters in the Gradski Vrt Hall, dug deep. They demonstrated incredible fighting spirit and tactical discipline to turn the tide, winning the next three sets consecutively.
Key factors in Bulgaria`s triumph included their effective serving game and, perhaps more significantly, the number of unforced errors committed by the American side. While Bulgaria kept their mistakes in check with 23 errors, the USA tally reached a somewhat generous 37, a statistic that undoubtedly influenced the outcome.
Individually, Bulgaria saw strong performances from players like Alexandra Kitipova, who contributed crucial aces and spike kills. Middle blocker Darina Naneva was effective at the net, and outside hitters Edna Todorova and Kalina Veneva consistently scored points in attack.
Bulgarian coach Atanas Petrov lauded his team`s unwavering determination. “Our most important quality is that we don’t give up,” he stated. “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.” He highlighted the team`s rapid ascent, now holding Balkan, European, and World titles, proclaiming them both the future and present of Bulgarian volleyball.
For the USA, Suliane Davis was the top scorer, while Macaria Spears also reached double digits. Despite their efforts, they couldn`t contain the Bulgarian momentum after the first set.
Bronze Medal Secured by Poland
Earlier in the day, Poland secured the bronze medal by defeating Türkiye in straight sets (25-19, 25-21, 25-20). This was the second time Poland had overcome Türkiye in the tournament. Poland`s solid performance in attack and blocking proved too much for their opponents.
Natasza Ornoch and Liliana Wojcik led the scoring for Poland, while Aylin Uysalcan was the top contributor for Türkiye. Poland`s captain, Nadia Siuda, expressed her happiness with the result, calling it a fitting reward for their hard work and dedicating the medal to their traveling fans, primarily their parents.
Tournament Honors: The Dream Team
The outstanding players of the tournament were recognized with selections to the Dream Team. Champion nation Bulgaria dominated the selections, with four players making the list, including the Most Valuable Player.
The Dream Team members are:
- 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)
Conclusion of Classification Matches
Aside from the medal matches, the tournament concluded with numerous classification games determining the final rankings from 5th to 24th place, played across host cities in Croatia and Serbia.
- Italy claimed 5th place after a five-set victory over China (3-2).
- Japan finished 7th, defeating Brazil 3-0.
- Co-hosts Croatia secured 9th place with a 3-0 sweep against Argentina.
- Chinese Taipei took 11th place, beating Mexico 3-1.
- Thailand finished 13th after a 3-1 win against Belgium.
- Hosts Serbia ended on a high note, taking 15th place with a 3-0 victory over Germany.
The final standings of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship are:
- 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
Bulgaria`s monumental win concludes the tournament, setting a new benchmark for the nation`s women`s team sports and promising a bright future for Bulgarian volleyball.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham