Eva Yaneva – born to win, to shine and to smile
Bulgaria’s 3-0 win over Spain at EuroVolley 2021 Women was a special one for Eva Yaneva. Four years after her retirement from the national team, she came back to play again for The Lionesses. To the joy of the thousands fans at the Kolodruma sports hall, Eva returned to lighten the hall with her shining smile.
Eva Yaneva"I was a bit nervous at the start of the match, but I managed to overcome as the match was unfolding. To be back on the court and on a home soil, this made me feel really excited. Our fans are just incredible. Hopefully, we will keep on with the same winning energy."
Outside spiker of Bulgaria
Eva Yaneva is probably one of the most smiling persons in the world of Volleyball. She shines wherever she goes, and it is completely impossible to miss her on and off the court.
“Years ago, my mother said: 'Eva, the smile opens every door!' My mom is a very positive person, so I am probably like her", Yaneva said.
But what stands behind the smile? What motivates her, and what does she expect from EuroVolley 2021? In a sincere and touching way, Eva Yaneva spoke in front of the official broadcaster in Bulgaria of the tournament - bTV, sharing about some of her best and hardest moments.
In 2017, Eva Yaneva decided to retire from Bulgarian national team but now, four years later, she is back again.
Eva Yaneva"My role now is a bit different with a special mission. Currently, I am currently more of a supporter and motivator in the team. Some years ago, when I used to play, we did not have many achievements. Now, I really wish for our team to accomplish something significant. Why not a medal?"
Outside spiker of Bulgaria
Yaneva started playing Volleyball at the age of 10, and she shares regularly that all the past years are full of positive emotions and lessons.
She won her first medal abroad in 2005-2006, playing in her debut season in France. "It was a dream come true which made me think that everything is possible. I started dreaming even bigger", Yaneva said.
One of those special dreams is her having a horse. In her early years, Eva used to participate in equestrian competitions, and she even won a medal won. Besides Volleyball and equestrian, in her career, Yaneva has also some skiing trophies and loves tapestries and knitting.
But Eva Yaneva’s greatest victory was out of the court.
"I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which scared me a lot. It was emotionally exhausting to overcome it. I kept smiling, but it was a very tough experience. I needed seven years to be able to say: "I had such a problem and that’s OK". I could not give up", Yaneva confessed.
"I believe that each person can be best described just seeing them, how they shine from the outside, what energy they spread. My father recently told me to be more realistic than optimistic. But this is what I am. I love dreaming."
Speaking about her dreams, we can’t skip one of her early ones. Eva Yaneva is extremely inspired by the Bulgarian football star and winner of the Ballon d'Or 1994 Hristo Stoichkov.
It is not by accident that she chooses to play with number 8.
Eva Yaneva"8 as an eternity, 8 as the number of Hristo Stoichkov. He was the best footballer, and I just wanted to be like him. This number brought me the best of luck."
Outside spiker of Bulgaria
Stoichkov did not miss this message. His response was swift, as he sent an emotional video message wishing Eva and her teammates the best of luck at #EuroVolleyW.
"I have always believed in your strengths! You are the best, and you have been it for such a long period. I am really happy that you came back!", the Bulgarian Football legend said said.
