Kim Yeon-koung

Early Life

Kim Yeon-koung was born in Ansan, South Korea, and began playing volleyball in the fourth grade, inspired by her older sister, who played the sport. During middle school, she faced challenges due to her height, standing under 170 cm, and contemplated switching to soccer. However, her growth spurt in high school allowed her to transition from being a setter and libero to an outside hitter. Her impressive physical abilities and performance at Hanil Women's High School caught the attention of the media, leading to her selection for the national team in 2005. She made an impactful international debut at the World Grand Champions Cup, ranking as the third best scorer.

Career

Kim Yeon-koung's professional career began when she was drafted by Cheonan Heungkuk Life in the first round of the V-League in 2005. In her rookie season, she helped her team win the Korean League championship while earning multiple accolades such as 'New Face Award', 'Regular Season MVP', and 'Best Scorer'. Despite undergoing knee surgery, she continued to excel, contributing to Heungkuk Life's championship wins in subsequent seasons. In 2011, she signed with Fenerbahçe in Turkey, where she enjoyed further success, including a two-year extension in 2016. After a season in the Chinese Volleyball League, she returned to Turkey to play for Eczacıbaşı VitrA. Throughout her career, she represented South Korea in various international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships, establishing herself as one of the top players worldwide.

Achievements

Kim Yeon-koung's accolades include being named the Most Valuable Player and Best Scorer at the 2012 London Olympics, where she set an Olympic record for scoring 207 points. She is also recognized as the first Asian player to receive an MVP award in the CEV Women's Champions League. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous national and international awards, solidifying her status as a leading figure in volleyball. Her contributions have also been acknowledged in the Asian Games and World Championships, where she consistently delivered outstanding performances.

Legacy

Kim Yeon-koung's influence on volleyball extends beyond her personal achievements. She has inspired a new generation of players in South Korea and across Asia, showcasing the potential of athletes from the region. Her techniques as an outside hitter, particularly her powerful spikes and strategic gameplay, have set a standard in women's volleyball. Kim's success in various leagues and international competitions has not only raised the profile of volleyball in South Korea but has also contributed to the sport's popularity across Asia.

Notable Quotes

Did You Know?

• Kim was inspired to play volleyball by her older sister, who also played the sport.
• She considered quitting volleyball in middle school due to her height before experiencing a significant growth spurt.
• Kim has played in multiple countries, including South Korea, Japan, Turkey, and China.