Bulgarian Icon Vladimir Nikolov on Volleyball, Family, and Raising Champions

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Vladimir Nikolov, one of Bulgaria’s greatest volleyball players and a true international legend. In this exclusive interview, Nikolov reflects on his incredible professional career, his time with the Bulgarian National Team, and what it’s like to raise two of the brightest stars in world volleyball — Alex and Moni Nikolov.

🏐 Topics include:

His early volleyball journey in Bulgaria

Career highlights on the international stage

Transition from player to mentor and father

How Alex and Moni developed into world-class athletes

This is the story of a volleyball dynasty in the making.

@volleyBUL.official
@lbsuathletics

0:00
4:20 Discovering volleyball **
5:25 Where does volleyball rank in sports in Bulgaria
6:40 The volleyball Hook **
8:00 Volleyball path for kids to play pro ** Lefski volleyball club
9:50 national team radar
11:20 Beijing Olympic Experience **
13:10 London Olympic Experience **
14:35 What Vlado takes away from his Olympic journey *
16:30 The pro years and some of the more challenging things *
17:40 Playing Pro in Japan **
18:22 Interpreter in Japan **
20:50 Highlights of playing over the world
22:00 Pregame routine **
23:00 Italy was very strict on pre game foods **
24:00 Resetting after a bad play **
24:40 Over 30 version of Vlado and reflecting
25:40 Who does Vlado miss playing with during his pro years ** Nikola Grbic
26:30 Nikola Grbic story **
28:45 Advice for younger Vlado **And advice for Alex and Moni this summer ** **
31:45 Younger player advice **
32:00 When did Vlado know it was time to retire **
33:40 Walking away from vball When your kids beat you **
35:10 Mentors and who helped him get Vlado where he is today **
36:42 Igima san Japanese coach ** Harmony
40:45 Nikolov Family
43:01 When did Vlado know Alex and Moni could be something special w volleyball **
44:00 How Moni became a setter **
45:45 Moni Story ** 11 year old
47:40 My son doesn't listen **
49:00 Alex to LBSU and why **
52:10 Scholarship deadline 10 days to figure it out for Alex **
54:20 Princeton **
55:50 Long Beach Beat UCLA and john Sprarw chat **
57:00 Moni to UCLA? *
57:50 Alan Knipe and Moni to LBSU **
58:31 Alex first year **
1:00:10 Moni's first year *
1:01:05 Seeing the boys compete on the global stage **
1:01:43 Which is more nerve wrecking watching your kids play or playing yourself
1:02:05 The game evolving over the years **
1:03:20 Away from volleyball **
1:05:20 Who is next