By James Grech
LONG BEACH— Simeon “Moni” Nikolov, a 6-foot-10 setter from Sofia, Bulgaria, has made an immediate impact in his freshman season with Long Beach State’s men’s volleyball team. At just 18 years old, Nikolov has already set the NCAA record for the fastest serve, reaching an astonishing 84 miles per hour.
Before joining the collegiate ranks, Nikolov was a nine-time national champion in his age group in Bulgaria and a member of the Bulgarian national team. His international experience has translated seamlessly to the NCAA level, where he has been a standout performer for the Beach.
Nikolov’s powerful serves and dynamic playmaking have earned him widespread recognition, and he is a strong contender for Freshman of the Year honors. His rapid rise in the volleyball world has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s most accomplished players.
As Long Beach State continues its season, all eyes will be on Nikolov as he looks to lead his team to success and further solidify his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in men’s volleyball.
