1. How did the idea of studying in the U.S. come about? What was the decisive factor that made you take this path?

L.I.: The idea came about around the middle of 11th grade, when the question arose – what will I do after 12th grade? The decisive factor was my desire to keep developing in the sport I love, as well as to receive, if possible, a higher-quality education. My goal was also to grow as a person.

K.B.: Since I was little, I watched Disney Channel like most kids and dreamed of the moment I would visit the U.S. In 7th grade, I discussed with my parents what my options would be if I stayed or if I went abroad, and we decided that the best choice for me was to go and chase my dreams. I’ve never regretted this decision for a second, and I’m extremely grateful to my parents and family who stood by me and supported me all the way. Without them, I wouldn’t have succeeded.

2. What did the process of finding a university and applying involve? Did it take a lot of time and effort?

L.I.: The process was long and intimidating, but in the end it paid off. First, I had to convince my parents about my “crazy” idea, then I reached out to PK Recruitment, and that’s when the process began. I won’t lie, I had many sleepless nights due to anxiety and video meetings with coaches, but it was all worth it. For me, the processing of documents and obtaining a visa took between 6 and 8 months.

K.B.: For me the process was long too, but with the help of PK Recruitment it went faster and everything stayed on track. I won’t lie to you—it was exhausting and stressful, from endless paperwork to the embassy interview—but in the end it’s all worth it. The most important thing is to stay confident and not give up!

3. Tell us a little more about Navarro College and its location.

L.I., K.B.: Navarro College is a small school located in the city of Corsicana, about an hour and a half from Dallas, Texas. Everything—from the dorms to the gym and cafeteria—is within a five-minute walk. People here are cheerful and friendly, with a great sense of humor, and always willing to help. The teachers, coaches, and college staff are professionals in their fields, and working with them is a real pleasure. We’re very happy we were lucky enough to end up at this wonderful place together.

4. What does your daily routine look like? Describe a standard week.

L.I.: Kari and I have pretty much the same schedule. We wake up around 7 every day and go to breakfast. We have classes from 8 to 12:30, then lunch, and afterwards we either study in our rooms or at the library, unless we have team activities (often volunteer work with the team or study sessions with teammates). We have practice at 4, but we always arrive at least half an hour earlier to warm up. Practice lasts until around 6–6:30, then it’s time for dinner. Depending on whether it’s season or off-season, our days vary a little, but that’s the general schedule. In the evenings we either study again or go to different campus events like concerts or other sports games. We often go to the gym. We practice in the gym six times a week, with Sunday being our rest day to sleep in, catch up on homework, or go out.

5. Do you manage to balance volleyball and academics successfully?

L.I.: Yes, absolutely. I think this is one of the biggest advantages of studying in the U.S. Unfortunately, it’s much harder to do this in Bulgaria, because academics and sports are treated as two separate worlds with no connection. Here they go hand in hand. First and foremost, you must maintain good grades in school to be eligible to compete.

K.B.: Yes, I manage to balance everything well—I get good grades and maintain the desired level on the court. If someone struggles academically, there is an academic advisor who helps you get back on track so you can continue competing.

6. Navarro College’s performance so far has been impressive – 34 wins and 4 losses. What do you attribute this to?

L.I., K.B.: Training here is not only physical, but also mental. Lots of practices and matches. Constant pressure. The difference compared to Bulgaria is that the season there runs from October to March with only two matches per week. Here, at the beginning of the season, we sometimes played six matches in one week, with back-to-back games on the same day. We owe everything to the time and effort put in by our coach, Ariel Apolinario, and the teamwork with girls from all over the world.

7. What are your impressions of training in the U.S.? Are there major differences in volleyball and physical preparation compared to Bulgaria?

L.I.: Yes. For one thing, we play with Molten balls instead of Mikasa, which surprised me at first. The practices are also more dynamic, longer, and in my opinion—more productive. Before the season, the focus was on individual skills, and during the season it’s more on team play. Overall, it’s more professional.

K.B.: I’ve been here for only two months and I already feel the difference in training and the athletes’ attitude both on and off the court. I’m very happy and can’t wait for the new season.

8. How do you relax when you have free time? Do you go out with the team? Travel? Have you seen any big cities or landmarks?

L.I., K.B.: During the season, in our free time, we watch movies with the team and go out to nearby towns for shopping. We’ve managed to visit many museums in Dallas, see how cowboys live, and try different foods like fried pickles, American steak, and other delicious dishes.

9. What’s next for you?

L.I., K.B.: Right now, we are focusing on technical and physical preparation for the upcoming season. We’re working on becoming better athletes, studying, and eagerly awaiting the new season to begin!

10. What would you say to students who are considering following in your footsteps? How would you describe the overall experience—from the start of the university search process to today? What do you see as the biggest benefits?

L.I.: If you feel like you want to try it—go for it and don’t stop. It will be hard and stressful at the beginning, but you’ll have the chance to play at a higher level and experience unique things, and that’s worth it. When the idea first came to my mind, not once did I think it was impossible, even when my parents said it was unrealistic. Honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions of my life so far.

K.B.: If you were like me and watched Disney Channel as a kid, dreaming of seeing the U.S., then it’s worth taking this big step—I promise you won’t regret it for a moment. Here is the land of unlimited opportunities, and anyone can become what they’ve always wanted, as long as they work hard and don’t give up. Good things always happen to patient and persistent people. It’s tough at the beginning, but no new beginning is ever easy. I encourage everyone who wants to study and play volleyball in the U.S. to go for it without hesitation.