The Hyundai E&C volleyball team has undergone significant changes. Therefore, head coach Kang Sung-hyung aims to showcase these changes.
Key middle blocker Lee Da-hyun, who obtained free agent status, has moved to Heungkuk Life, outside hitter Ko Yae-rim has gone to Pepper Savings Bank, and opposite spiker Hwang Yeon-joo has left for Korea Expressway Corporation. They were core members responsible for Hyundai E&C's offense and defense.
Moreover, foreign player Wipawi, who displayed excellent skills, could not continue due to an ACL injury last season. Additionally, the offensive key player Moma was not re-signed. There are changes that could completely alter the identity of Hyundai E&C.
Hyundai E&C chose outside hitter Lee Ye-rim as compensation for Ko Yae-rim. They also signed Kim Hee-jin, who had played for Industrial Bank of Korea. Kim Hee-jin is preparing to be a middle blocker rather than an attacker at Hyundai E&C.
They also acquired outside hitter Ji Min-gyeong, who was temporarily away from the court due to a knee injury. Ji Min-gyeong said, "I often think of my family and the people who have helped me. I feel the strongest sense of starting anew," expressing her determination.
The foreign players are also "new faces." Under the Asian quota, they signed Justine Yaguchi from Japan and replaced Moma with Karrie Geisberger from the United States. Head coach Kang Sung-hyung is undoubtedly facing challenges. He needs to ensure that the new players mesh well with setter Kim Da-in, libero Kim Yeon-gyeon, outside hitter Jeong Ji-yoon, and veteran middle blocker Yang Hyo-jin.
While there are worries about the newly joined players, there are also expectations. Kim Hee-jin, for instance, was contemplating retirement as she received coaching offers from corporations. However, she wanted to step on the court again, and Hyundai E&C reached out to her.
Coach Kang said, "Though I'm not in the prime of my career, I have the will. I was a player who performed well, and I am training hard. I believe I can play veteranly in the center." Kim Hee-jin needs to fill Lee Da-hyun's gap.
There are mixed feelings of worry and expectation regarding the foreign composition. Yaguchi, chosen to replace Wipawi, brings uncertainty. Coach Kang stated, "There's both worry and expectation. This will be different from the volleyball we've played until now," adding, "Wipawi did well. Yaguchi performed well in the Mongolian league, but the V-League is different. I have concerns. Nonetheless, since she's played in Japan, her defense should be fine."
A player to watch out for is Kai. They need to perform even better than Moma. In this regard, Coach Kang believes that Hyundai E&C will be able to play fast-paced volleyball.
Coach Kang remarked, "While Moma relied on a high jump and powerful hits, Kai excels at faster balls rather than high ones. They are a speedy player. It seems they will work well with setter Kim Da-in, who plays with speed. There have been many errors as Da-in has tried to adjust to their previous style. Hyundai E&C's volleyball will become faster."
Regarding transfer student Lee Ye-rim, Coach Kang's expectations were evident as he said, "She performed well at Pepper Savings Bank. She has the fundamentals and will fulfill her responsibilities."
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