The 2025 FIVB Girls` U19 Volleyball World Championship culminated in a spectacular fashion across host cities Osijek, Croatia, and Serbia, delivering not just a tournament champion but also a moment etched forever in national sports history. Bulgaria, already the European champions, achieved something truly extraordinary by winning their first-ever World Championship title in women`s volleyball at any age category. This accomplishment carries even greater weight as it marks the unprecedented occasion of a Bulgarian women`s team becoming world champions across *all* team sports.
The Grand Finale: A Comeback Crowned
The gold medal match in Osijek pitted the determined Bulgarian squad against the defending champions from the USA. Bulgaria`s coach, Atanas Petrov, had reportedly promised a significant challenge, and his team certainly delivered, staging a powerful comeback after dropping the initial set.
The final score stood 3-1 in favor of Bulgaria (21-25, 25-16, 25-17, 29-27). After losing the first set, the young Bulgarians, visibly buoyed by their enthusiastic supporters, regrouped with impressive composure. They dominated the second and third sets before securing the title in a tense, extended fourth set.
While Bulgaria showcased resilient play and effective serving (Alexandra Kitipova contributed 2 aces), the USA squad unfortunately contributed to the narrative with a notable 37 unforced errors compared to Bulgaria`s 23. A slight misstep that proved costly on the world stage.
Key performers for the champions included Alexandra Kitipova (14 points, 12 attack, 2 aces), Darina Naneva (14 points, 9 attack, 4 blocks, 1 ace), Edna Todorova (10 points), and Kalina Veneva (10 points, all from attack). For the USA, Suliane Davis led the scoring with a match-high 17 points, followed by Macaria Spears with 12.
Bulgarian Coach Atanas Petrov lauded his team`s indomitable 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.” He proudly added, “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.”
Bronze Medal Secured by Poland
In the third-place playoff, Poland successfully bounced back from their semifinal loss to the USA, defeating Türkiye in straight sets (25-19, 25-21, 25-20) to claim the bronze medal. This match was a repeat of their preliminary round encounter, with Poland again asserting dominance.
Poland`s victory was built on superiority in attack (41 points to Türkiye`s 38) and a significant advantage in blocking (11 blocks to Türkiye`s mere 3). Natasza Ornoch led the Polish attack with 16 points, supported by Liliana Wojcik with 15. Türkiye`s top scorers were Aylin Uysalcan, who marked her 16th birthday with 13 points, and Ceylin Kuyan with 12.
Poland captain Nadia Siuda expressed the team`s hard-earned satisfaction: “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.”
Beyond the Podium: Final Standings
The tournament also saw thrilling classification matches determining the final rankings. Italy secured 5th place after a remarkable comeback against China, winning 3-2 (18-25, 21-25, 27-25, 25-17, 17-15) after trailing by two sets. Stella Caruso led Italy with 21 points, while China`s Xiaohui Chen delivered a phenomenal individual performance, scoring 30 points, the highest by any player in the entire championship.
Japan claimed 7th place by defeating Brazil 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 28-26). Rion Chuganji was instrumental for Japan, scoring 25 points, while Brazil`s effort was led by Luize Da Silva Tavares with 19 points.
Tournament Dream Team Announced
Recognizing the standout athletes of the championship, the Dream Team was announced, featuring players who excelled in their respective positions. World Champions Bulgaria fittingly dominated the selection with four players.
- 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)
Bulgaria`s historic victory at the FIVB Girls` U19 World Championship not only crowns a new generation of volleyball talent but also sets an unprecedented benchmark for women`s team sports in the country. The world will be watching the future careers of these promising young athletes.
