Can You Dig It?

Nov. 6, 2006

Throughout the 2006 Lady Eagle Volleyball season, each player will sit down for an interview with a member of the Southern Miss Athletic Media Relations staff to discuss what you want to know about Lady Eagle Volleyball and a little more. Can you dig it?

This week will feature freshman libero Maia Ivanova.

What do you think about the season so far? "I don't know how the team was last year, so I don't have anything to compare it to. I can say that everything here is very different from Bulgaria, such as the way of playing. The rules as a team are very different; everything here is so strict. You can't make any mistakes. So far, I think it's a good season, but we have to improve some on our skills."

Did it take you a long time to adjust to the way it differs? "Yes, but I still don't think that I'm completely adjusted. Sometimes I'm like 'Oh this is a nice place,' and but sometimes I'm like 'This is so hard.' I'm having to cope with all of this alone, but I think that it's a great place. I'm glad I'm here because there are a lot of different opportunities."

How did you end up here? "I was trying to find a university where I could play, and a friend of mine sent me lots of e-mail addresses and websites. That's where I found Southern Miss. I sent in my video tape and the coach liked me."

Is the difference in culture getting better? "Yes. At the beginning, it was really hard because this is like a new world for me. Right now, I'm trying to adjust to all of the things here. I had no idea of what to expect in the United States. Right now, I'm o.k."

Where did you learn to speak English? "I learned English at school, but it wasn't so serious so I ended up going privately. It's different when you're in the country. In Bulgaria, we speak English just like me, so I thought when I came here I would be fine. When I got here I was like 'O.k., I'm not fine.'"

Has it been difficult being away from home? "Yes. At the beginning, it was hard for me because I was far away from my friends. Now, it's hard for me because I'm far away from my family."

Have you met any other Bulgarians here? "No. It was weird though because I met a guy in my biology class who was wearing a Bulgaria shirt. He was there on vacation and said that it was really nice."

Using the opportunities that are presented here, do plan on staying in the United States? "I have a Visa for four years, so I don't know. Right now, I'm only thinking about getting my education."

What are your educational plans? "I want to study international business, but it's very hard because I have to study math. I don't understand math here."

Did you watch reality shows in Bulgaria? "Yes"

Which one did you like the most? "Big Brother. I don't know how it is here, but in Bulgaria it was really interesting. All of the people were obsessed about this show."

Since you've been here, have you found something that you REALLY like to eat? "Salad. I like it a lot with the dressing on it; I'm not sure which dressing it is."

Is there a particular place you would like to visit within the United States? "I want to go to New York, Miami, and California."

Did you find it hard to communicate and bond with your teammates? "Yes, it was hard. I was speaking in English all the time when I was in Bulgaria, but when I got here, I didn't understand what they were saying and they couldn't understand me. The first two weeks, I didn't talk. I'm sure they were thinking that I couldn't talk."

If you had to hang out with someone on the volleyball team who is really fun, which would it be? "Amanda Huntoon and Cassie Lavery"

What do you like about Southern Miss? "I love the weather. In Bulgaria, the winter is so cold, and you have to wear a lot of clothes. Here, the weather is hot and wet."

Are you going to get to go home for Christmas? "I'm not sure because my parents have plans to visit my sister. She is in Atlanta. I could go over there too so we can all be together, but I want to go to Bulgaria."

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