Antonina Zetova Takes Charge of Bulgaria’s Women’s Team

The Bulgarian Volleyball Federation announced on November 19, 2024, that Antonina Zetova will take the helm as the new head coach of the Bulgarian women’s national volleyball team.

Zetova will succeed Lorenzo Micelli, who has led the team since 2022.

The terms of Zetova’s contract include an initial period of two years, with an option for an additional two years contingent on the team’s performance in the 2025 and 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the 2025 World Championship, and the 2026 European Championship.

Zetova brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having achieved considerable success with youth teams. She guided the U23 Bulgarian women’s national team to a bronze medal at the 2017 FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship. More recently, in July of this year, she led the Bulgarian women’s U18 team to victory at the CEV U18 Volleyball European Championship, marking the country’s first-ever title in this category.

During her playing career, Zetova was a prominent opposite for the Bulgarian national team. She earned the MVP title at the 1991 European Championship and helped secure a bronze medal in the same tournament.

Looking ahead to 2025, Zetova’s first year in charge will see Team Bulgaria competing in the VNL and the FIVB World Championship. With Zetova at the helm, the Bulgarian team aims to reach new heights in international volleyball.

(Featured image source: CEV)

(Written by Boris CHUNG Bok Man)