The pain of two reward players → 720 million FA is a hit...GS's ambitious work Kim Ju-hyang "Honestly, it's burdensome, but..."

Sep 10, 2024

The pain of two reward players → 720 million FA is a hit...GS's ambitious work Kim Ju-hyang 'Honestly, it's burdensome, but...'
photo courtesy of GS Caltex
"I'm under pressure, but I'm trying to overcome it."

Kim Joo-hyang (25) became a new member of GS Caltex. He changed his uniform twice in his career, but all of them were irrelevant to his will.

He joined Hyundai E&C in the 2017-2018 season, but transferred to IBK Industrial Bank as Ko Ye-rim's FA compensation player ahead of the 2019-2020 season. But after four years, he went back to Hyundai Engineering & Construction. He moved his team back to Hwang Min-kyung's FA compensation player.

However, after the 2023-2024 season, Kim Joo-hyang qualified as an FA and was able to choose a team for the first time. He chose a new challenge after signing a three-year contract with GS Caltex for a total of 720 million won. Kang So-hwi, a former mainstay, moved to Korea Expressway Corporation and Choi Eun-ji also moved to Heungkuk Life Insurance, creating a gap in the outside heater position. Kim Joo-hyang was recruited to fill this position.

The average age of GS Caltex's squad is young. Kim Joo-hyang, who entered her eighth year this year, has many roles to play in the new team. They are carrying responsibilities themselves. Kim Joo-hyang said, `It's been something I can't do about being selected as a reward player. However, as I became an FA, I was able to make a transfer that reflected my opinion to some extent now. "I think I have to take that much responsibility, and I think I have to take a lot of responsibility."

Compared to other players, he has gained a lot of experience. Still, there are many players of his age. Kim Joo-hyang and I don't have much age. Kim Joo-hyang said, `Since there is not much age difference with the players, anyone seems to be very helpful to me with their opinions.' `We are talking a lot with each other about how they move and how they will play. Since you're young, you're all energetic, having fun, and working hard" laughed.

Then "Volleyball is a team sport. It's a game that one can't win just because he's good at it. So, we are talking a lot and matching each other. "Libero (Han) Soo-jin is very responsible and well centered, so I believe and follow him. He also talks a lot with setter (Kim) Ji-won. From the outside, I thought he was a blunt friend, but it wasn't like that when we were together. We are adjusting comfortably."

He is gradually building a connection with director Lee Young-taek. Kim Joo-hyang laughs, "'I talk to the director a lot, but I don't know much about it.'" He has a lot of jokes and points out points. "I think we can get to know the coach better only when we go into the season," he said, adding that "Since the coach is a middle blocker, he cares a lot about the shape of his blocking hand and his positioning."

Coach Avo Kiyoshi's delicate guidance also strengthens Kim Joo-hyang's mindset. He said "The father coach tells me one by one in detail. On the offensive side, he emphasized that it should be receiving, so he is focusing on receiving. It tells us the feeling that we have to treat each ball carefully. Tell them about the position of the defense or the direction of the attack, and make them keep their predetermined promises. I'm learning a lot because it's fascinating."

Giselle Silva is GS Caltex, which has an unrivaled striker in the league. Kim Joo-hyang should also ease the burden on Silva. "Since Silva has a good striker, our players have to support him well."," he stressed.

As it is a transfer of his own choice as an FA, he is trying to shoulder the responsibility worthy of it. I don't try to avoid the pressure and pressure. Kim Joo-hyang said "It's not that I don't feel pressured. But I'm trying to get through it as much as I can. "I think there's a lot you're looking forward to me, and I'll try to show you that much. This year, I want to never get hurt and get the best performance in terms of aggression and receiving."

He said "I'm considered weak, but I practiced a lot with all the players believing that I could play a good game."I think it would be better for you to support us more than to worry about our team. We are also working hard, trusting each other. I think it will be more encouraging if you encourage me with the words `You're doing well.'





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