Halacheva signs with NCAA Division I Missouri State

Iva Halacheva, Cowley College's all-time leader in kills (1,581), signed a letter of intent on Monday to continue her volleyball career at NCAA Division I Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.

Halacheva recently returned from Cedar Rapids, IA, where she helped the Lady Tiger volleyball team finish as the national runner-up.

"Her competitive attitude propelled us to the national title game," Cowley College head coach Steven Gream said.

With Halacheva recording the second-most kills in a single season (605), Cowley finished this past season with a record of 41-1. Her three-year total of 1,581 kills is far and away a school record. She is also the school record holder in kills per set.

"Iva came here from Bulgaria a very humble player, but I could tell from day one that she was special," Gream said. "She does things on the volleyball court that you can't teach."

The 6'1" outside hitter will join a Missouri State program that plays in the Missouri Valley Conference and finished last season with a record of 17-13.

"She is going to play for a good program and a good coach (Steven McRoberts)," Gream said. "Her style of play will fit well at Missouri State and her three years at Cowley have prepared her for this."

Halacheva is looking forward to the challenge of playing at the NCAA Division I level.

"I felt comfortable with the coach at Missouri State and think I will fit in good there," Halacheva said.

However, after three seasons playing for the Lady Tigers, Halacheva will find leaving Cowley hard.

"The community and team accepted me from the start and Cowley just felt like home," Halacheva said. "Cowley is a special place that will always have a place in my heart."