From Varna, Bulgaria to Long Beach, CA

By DAvis RAmAgE

Volleyball player Georgi Binev made a decision that most athletes would not have turned down. Instead of taking a professional contract to play volleyball, the freshman took a 6,700 mile flight from Varna, Bulgaria to further his education while playing the sport he loves at LBCC.

“It was difficult for me to play in Bulgaria and study at the same time, but education is important for me, and I couldn’t leave volleyball,” Binev said.

Binev made the decision to come to the States and pursue an education while still being able to play volleyball at a high level.

He missed the deadline to apply to many four-year universities so he chose to stay close to his new home and attend LBCC.

“It is always hard moving so far away from home, but I’d like to say that I’m very lucky to have people here who fully support and guide me. Thanks to them, I’ve been adapting way faster than I thought,” Binev said.

Vikings head coach Jonathan Cha- rette said that he knows Georgi’s godfather through the volleyball world and a coaching change at the university Georgi was supposed to attend opened up the opportunity for him to play for Long Beach

“Georgi kind of just fell in our lap to be honest. It was a nice surprise, he’s been a great kid and such a good contributor to our program,” Charette said.

Binev, a freshman, is in his first year playing volleyball in the U.S., but has already noticed differences in the volleyball culture.

“The preparation is different, the style and the experience as well, which I think is the most important one,” Binev said. Even though there are differences, Binev is still flourishing as he leads the Western State Conference in hitting percentage and is top 10 in the conference in kills, kills per set, service aces, total blocks, solo blocks and points.

To go along with his statistical prowess, Binev is in the Vikings’ passing line and carries a very big passing load, which is rare for an opposite hitter.

Charette expressed his praise for Binev by saying, “he’s just contributing everywhere at the net. He may score from the service line with a serve, he might help us by passing the ball and if we set him, he’s scoring.”

Binev, a kinesiology major, has not decided if he wants to play professionally yet. For the time being, he plays a major role for the No 1. ranked volleyball team in the state.