Over the coming weeks, we will catch up with and spend five minutes with a number of Cougar student-athletes. Next up is Washington State women's basketball senior Borislava Hristova.
How has life in quarantine been for Bobi Buckets?
"After the Pac-12 Tournament, I took about two weeks off from everything. Then we had to go under quarantine, which is a good decision but a little challenging. After those first two weeks, I started going out and conditioning. I've been lifting, working on my ball handling and playing a lot of one-of-one with my friend, Jovana Subasic. That has been keeping us both in shape. I've been packing up things in my apartment as well, getting ready to move back home - Varna, Bulgaria – once all the restrictions have been lifted."
How challenging is it to plan a trip to Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic?
"I had a ticket to go home for early May, but that flight got canceled. It's very hard right now to travel internationally. I've been looking for some flights to get back home, hopefully by the end of May. But, Bulgaria just extended its quarantine to May 14. Once I am able to go home, I will probably have to be in self-quarantine at my place for about 20 days. Bulgaria may extend the quarantine past May, so I'm just waiting to see when is the best time to go back home."
Unfortunately, you were not drafted in last Friday's WNBA Draft. What are the next steps as you begin to prepare for a professional career overseas?
"It's kind of painful that you don't get picked. (Not getting drafted) motivates me more and I'm looking forward to starting my career in Europe and hopefully develop. After that, then I'll try the WNBA again. Right now, it's just so hard when you don't know when the WNBA season is going to start and if there are going to be training camps. Even the European leagues right now don't know if they will be playing this season. But, I'm trying to be prepared for anything and I'm looking forward to starting my professional career."
What has been a favorite moment of yours during your time at Washington State?
"I'll remember the team achievements a lot more than the personal achievements. Even though I sat out my sophomore year, we made the WNIT. I had never been so excited for my team. We kept winning and winning and went to the final four. It was so fun for me to cheer on the team. We overcame a lot of struggles that season and went to a final four. It was a great experience and one of my most memorable moments at Washington State."
What will you remember the most about breaking Washington State's all-time scoring record?
"Probably the people I met. I got to meet Klay Thompson, which isn't something that happens every day. Then I got to meet Jeanne Eggart, who is a legend at this University, and Isaac Fontaine. Just meeting so many great people and building relationships with them. That is something that will stick with me."
How special was it to have Klay Thompson come talk to the team inside the locker room during his jersey retirement weekend?
"It was such an honor. You don't see a lot of people with his resume do that. He was so busy and was only there for just a couple of days. So, for him to take the time to come talk to us, take photos and be so generous meant a lot to me and the women's basketball program. I hope I see him again along the way."
What does Pullman, Washington and Washington State mean to Borislava Hristova?
"Home. It's my second home. The moment I stepped onto campus everyone opened their arms. The help I've received since day one is unbelievable. When I got here, I didn't know the language but it never felt like it because people were helping. Some even tried to learn Bulgarian to help translate for me. That support grew over the years. Pullman is a second home and it means so much to me. I'm just so thankful for everything people have done for me in this community and inside our athletic department. I'm going to miss Pullman a lot, but I'll definitely be coming back."
