The 2025 Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) foreign player tryouts are taking place at the Mustafa Ozel Sports Hall in Istanbul, Turkey, where several familiar faces were seen. One of them is opposite spiker Michael Ahyi (Netherlands).
Ahyi was the player who wore the Woori Card uniform as the 5th pick in the 2024 KOVO foreign player draft. However, he unfortunately fell short due to an ankle injury after a short period of play. And during this tryout, he made another attempt to return to the V-League. After a practice match on the 7th (Korea time), Ahyi noted, "I participated in the tryouts for the first time last year. It was my first time playing in Korea, and it exceeded my expectations. I hope to have another chance to play again."
Ahyi has good memories about the V-League. He reflected, "I knew it was a high-level league even before I went there. I had heard that it was a good league in terms of defense and reception, and when I went, I definitely felt that. Additionally, there are many excellent players in the attack and institutional sector, making it a highly challenging league for me." He also recalled about Korea, "The experiences there, my teammates, the culture, and the food were all great. So, I want to go back and feel that again."
As much as he had a positive impression of Korea and the V-League, he felt regret about not being able to stay longer. He stated, "I want to show the same performance I displayed when I started my sports career in Korea. I remember we had a good start, and the team’s performance was also decent. But shortly after the season began, I felt regret due to injury. Now, I want to show that I can endure the entire season. Since I’ve been to this league, I want to show more than I initially presented."
Regarding his current physical condition, he smiled, saying, "My condition is good. I haven't played in a match for the last three weeks, so I am in good shape. Since January, I’ve been playing again after my injury, and I’ve recovered quickly, so I’m in good condition now." Indeed, Ahyi showcased impressive skills during the practice match, catching the attention of some coaches. Kim Sang-woo, the Samsung Fire and Marine Insurance coach, remarked, "There are a few tall players with high attack points. Number 5, Sheron Vernon Evans (Canada), is good, and so is number 4, Ahyi, who caught my eye."
To Ahyi, a "V-League veteran," Evans was also an excellent player. Ahyi felt, "After playing in the practice match, I definitely felt that Evans' offensive power was strong. Of course, the choices of the coaches in the draft will be important."
Ahyi mentioned, "It seems I didn't showcase my serves well in Korea last year. When I played in Germany, my serves were effective, but I couldn't show that in Korea. If an opportunity arises this time, I feel I have to show it. Blocking is also an area I need to grow in. I think I need to demonstrate that I have improved compared to before," expressing his eagerness for a return to the V-League.
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