GS Caltex “Ace” Kang So-hwi reflected on the Hangzhou Asian Games ahead of the start of the new season.
The media day for the Dodram 2023-2024 V-League Women’s Division was held at the Rivera Hotel in Cheongdam on Wednesday. Kang So-hwi, who attended the media day along with head coach Cha Sang-hyun, foreign player Silva, and Asian quota player Tolenada, chose “turning point” as the keyword for this year.
He expressed his desire to make up for the disappointment of being eliminated from spring volleyball last season.
He said, “I was eliminated from spring volleyball last season.
I will do well this year,” he said. He also reflected on the team’s first ‘no medal’ in 17 years at the Asian Games.
At the recently concluded Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, South Korea’s women’s volleyball team suffered its first no-medal finish in 17 years since Doha 2006 (fifth place).
It was only the second time in history, dating back to the 1962 Jakarta Games. South Korea finished fifth.
The team has not been competitive in international competitions this year, following a 12-game losing streak in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the Asian Championships (lowest-ever sixth place finish) and the Paris Olympic Qualifiers (seventh straight).
The team is also looking forward to working with foreign setter Tolenada, who has become a new teammate in the Asian quota system ahead of the start of the new season.
Here’s what Kang has to say about the new V-League season and his thoughts after the Hangzhou tournament.
- Are there any after-effects?
- The team seems to be demoralized after the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Honestly, it’s not that they didn’t try. It was physically difficult, but I gave 100% and I was very upset to see the results. I think the critics are right. I don’t think it’s the players’ fault. Korean volleyball needs to improve.
- How did you feel about the difference in skill among international players?
There are many middle blockers who are 2 meters tall and many who are in the late 190 centimeters. Other countries’ players are taller and more agile. I wish we could work on our defense. I want the younger players to watch and learn.
- I haven’t really gotten to know my GS Caltex teammates yet.
I don’t know because I haven’t played with the setter yet. We’ve been talking a lot, so I think we should do it as soon as possible.
His personality is said to be active.
They say my toss style is a little slow and high. I like to play fast, so I should ask him to play fast. I’ve never played with a foreign setter before.
- Do you feel responsible and overwhelmed for the upcoming season?
There is always responsibility and pressure. We will not finish fifth or sixth this season. We’re going to finish higher. We are aiming for the championship.
- On being captain.
I emphasize mental strength. If I don’t focus and miss something easy, I get angry. Then I yell at them.
- My personal goal is.
The Triple Crown. 40% offense, 40% reception, MVP of the round. 바카라사이트
To lead the team to a championship. Having multiple goals gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Dae-young Jung is here, so she’ll be blocking a lot.
- The effect of adding Jung Dae-young is.
We played together on the national team. She’s sweet and takes good care of us. We live on the same floor. We share food like neighbors. He likes cute things. It was unexpected.
- Rival players are.
Foreign players. Aim high. I want to keep up with Yasmin, Moma, and other Apogee players in terms of offense. There is a big gap between their scores, so I think I can improve if I follow them.
- The beginning of the season will be important.
We don’t know how good our team is yet. I heard that you like foreign players. I’m a little worried.
- I think the key will be the chemistry with the setter.
I heard that the new setter is also good. We have support, and we’ll try to match up evenly.
