Heungkuk Life Insurance took first place in the women’s regular league of the ‘Dodram 2022-2023 V-League’. On the 15th, in the away game against IBK IBK held at Hwaseong Sports Complex Town, they won the set score 3-0 and accumulated 26 wins, 9 losses, and 79 points. As a result, regardless of the results of the second place Hyundai E&C (24 wins, 10 losses, 70 points) and the final match to be held on the 19th, the first place was confirmed. It is the return to the top of the regular league after 4 years since the 2018-2019 season when they won the combined championship. What is the driving force behind Heungkuk Life Insurance regaining its top position in women’s volleyball despite experiencing considerable ups and downs this season?

●A flawless squad

This season, Heungkuk Life Insurance has built a watertight squad across all positions. In the attack, Kim Yeon-kyung (1st in overall attack, 5th in scoring) – Yelena (3rd in total attack, 3rd in scoring, 2nd in sub) ‘Sweet Po’ was powerful. Not only captain Kim Mi-yeon, but also backup member Kim Da-eun’s performance was outstanding. The middle blocker (center) consisting of Lee Joo-ah and Kim Na-hee was strong, and libero Kim Hae-ran showed off his unchanging defense.

The setter’s concerns were resolved through trade. Previously, Park Hye-jin missed the entire season due to a knee injury, and Kim Da-sol was disappointing in her management skills. At the end of December of last year, Lee Won-jung was recruited from GS Caltex to fill the vacancy. Lee Won-jung, who became the starting player in earnest from February, coordinated the game by properly distributing the ball to Kim Yeon-kyung and Yelena.

●Team spirit that does not waver even in trials

Heungkuk Life Insurance went through a huge ordeal in the middle of the season, but was not shaken. In early January, former coach Kwon Soon-chan, who led the team well, laid down the baton. The club explained that it “didn’t match the direction,” but it was actually hard. It was also difficult to find a new head coach. Former head coach Lee Young-soo left the team after directing one game as an acting head coach, and Kim Ki-jung, the head coach of Sunseon Girls’ High School, declined the final decision even though the appointment was officially announced.

There was a skit that became the ‘acting of the acting’ system of coach Daekyung Kim, but the team was rather united. Coach Kim took the top spot from Hyundai E&C by maximizing the strengths of Kim Yeon-kyung and Yelena while maintaining the existing system메이저놀이터. Coach Marcello Abondanza, who took over the baton last month, eventually finished first in the regular league.

●Last Dance of ‘Volleyball Empress’

Kim Yeon-kyung played a big role in Heungkuk Life Insurance’s ability to find a sense of stability this season and not be shaken by bad news. Before the opening, he said, “It’s a season to challenge with young players,” and he held up the trophy proudly with his juniors. Personally, the first place in the regular season of the V-League is 15 years after the 2007-2008 season.

Kim Yeon-kyung transformed a team that was only in 6th place last season into the strongest with leadership that encompasses the entire team as well as high offensive contribution. When his command tower was vacant, he served as a mental support for the team along with coach Kim and his eldest sister Kim Hae-ran, and rolled up his sleeves to help manager Abon Danza understand the team. Setter Lee Won-jeong, who joined through a trade, was able to quickly adapt to the team, but Kim Yeon-kyung owes a lot.