Iliana was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. She started training in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the age of ten at Akademik Sofia under Ms. Marieta Dukova. At the age of 14, she joined the Bulgarian National Team and trained under Ms. Neshka Robeva and Ms. Krasimira Philipova. Her achievements include: 2nd place at the Bulgarian Nationals in 1996; 2nd AA- Qween Margarita in Bourgas, Bulgaria; 3rd AA in Yerkutsk, Russia; 3rd AA at Eurogym Cup in Verviers, Belgium; and 3rrd AA at Balcanian Penincula, Turnovo, Bulgaria. In 1997, Iliana came to the United States to study and coach. She graduated Temple University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, and now she coaches rhythmic gymnasts across the country.