Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
True Blue Testimonials – Senior Midfielder Yana Yordanova
9/25/2025 10:16:00 AM | General, Women's Soccer, BRAA
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — From the quiet town of Kyustendil, Bulgaria, to the vibrant campus of Middle Tennessee State University, Yana Yordanova's story is one of passion and the pursuit of dreams on and off the soccer field.
Yana's love for soccer was ignited at the tender age of seven, inspired by her father, Krasimir Nikolov, a former professional soccer player. Krasimir was not only a role model but also one of her earliest coaches, guiding her with wisdom and encouragement as she developed her skills. This family legacy played a crucial role in shaping Yana's early admiration for the game.
At 14, a pivotal change came in her career due to a Bulgarian rule that no longer allowed her to play alongside boys. This restriction turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter where Yana's game flourished playing exclusively with girls. She then joined WFC NSA Sofia—the National Sports Academy—a prestigious club where her talent caught national attention.
Yana's dedication paid off as she was called up to represent Bulgaria at the U15, U17, and U19 levels. She fondly recalls the profound emotion of stepping onto the pitch for her country for the very first time—a memory that still fuels her drive today. Her leadership skills shone through as she captained the U17 national team and competed in European Championships and qualification tournaments. With multiple accolades and international appearances under her belt, Yana established herself as a standout player on the Bulgarian national stage.
While her heart was set on continuing soccer, Yana also deeply valued education. Knowing that the United States offered a unique opportunity to balance both, she made the bold decision to cross the Atlantic. During the recruitment process, Coach Aston Rhoden stood out for his genuine and heartfelt conversations, instantly convincing Yana that MTSU was where she belonged—even before setting foot on campus.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, quickly became her new home away from home. She credits the welcoming spirit of the coaching staff, teammates, and their families for helping her transition smoothly into life in America. For Yana, this journey has been transformative both personally and athletically.
Majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, Yana has embraced the incredible blessing of pursuing her academic passions while playing the sport she loves—all without the burden of financial strain. Looking ahead, her goal is to return to Bulgaria to attend law school and ultimately become an attorney, blending her discipline on the field with a dedication to justice.
As she prepares to graduate this spring and close her chapter at MTSU, Yana admits that saying goodbye to her American home is even more challenging than leaving Bulgaria four years ago.
Her message to international student-athletes? "Never take this chapter of your life for granted."
To help support athletes like Yana, please consider giving to the Champions Annual Fund. This fund is designed to help our student-athletes by providing educational and athletic opportunities for student-athletes from scholarships and academic support to housing and nutrition.
Yana's love for soccer was ignited at the tender age of seven, inspired by her father, Krasimir Nikolov, a former professional soccer player. Krasimir was not only a role model but also one of her earliest coaches, guiding her with wisdom and encouragement as she developed her skills. This family legacy played a crucial role in shaping Yana's early admiration for the game.
At 14, a pivotal change came in her career due to a Bulgarian rule that no longer allowed her to play alongside boys. This restriction turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter where Yana's game flourished playing exclusively with girls. She then joined WFC NSA Sofia—the National Sports Academy—a prestigious club where her talent caught national attention.
Yana's dedication paid off as she was called up to represent Bulgaria at the U15, U17, and U19 levels. She fondly recalls the profound emotion of stepping onto the pitch for her country for the very first time—a memory that still fuels her drive today. Her leadership skills shone through as she captained the U17 national team and competed in European Championships and qualification tournaments. With multiple accolades and international appearances under her belt, Yana established herself as a standout player on the Bulgarian national stage.
While her heart was set on continuing soccer, Yana also deeply valued education. Knowing that the United States offered a unique opportunity to balance both, she made the bold decision to cross the Atlantic. During the recruitment process, Coach Aston Rhoden stood out for his genuine and heartfelt conversations, instantly convincing Yana that MTSU was where she belonged—even before setting foot on campus.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, quickly became her new home away from home. She credits the welcoming spirit of the coaching staff, teammates, and their families for helping her transition smoothly into life in America. For Yana, this journey has been transformative both personally and athletically.
Majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, Yana has embraced the incredible blessing of pursuing her academic passions while playing the sport she loves—all without the burden of financial strain. Looking ahead, her goal is to return to Bulgaria to attend law school and ultimately become an attorney, blending her discipline on the field with a dedication to justice.
As she prepares to graduate this spring and close her chapter at MTSU, Yana admits that saying goodbye to her American home is even more challenging than leaving Bulgaria four years ago.
Her message to international student-athletes? "Never take this chapter of your life for granted."
To help support athletes like Yana, please consider giving to the Champions Annual Fund. This fund is designed to help our student-athletes by providing educational and athletic opportunities for student-athletes from scholarships and academic support to housing and nutrition.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's SoccerTrue Blue Testimonials - Yana Yordanova MTSU Soccer Midfielder - Presented by MMC
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