Heungkuk Life, which is currently training in Japan, talks about how they are preparing for the new season with Kim Yeon-kyung and Kim Soo-ji, and what they have been thinking about together.
In a scrimmage against the JT Marvels in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan on the 16th, Heungkuk Life started both Kim Yeon-kyung and Kim Soo-ji, unlike the previous day, in a full-scale power check four weeks before the start of the season. JT Marvelous played with two male coaches due to a lack of players due to national team call-ups, and in a match that went to three sets, Heungkuk Life lost with a set score of 1-2.안전놀이터
Kim Yeon-kyung scored a game-high 18 points, followed by Kim Mi-yeon with 12 points. Kim Soo-ji, who was playing for the first time during the training camp in Japan, had five points. After the game, Kim Yeon-kyung said, “It’s been a long time. JT Marvels is a team I used to follow. It’s like a hometown team,” she said, adding, “It’s very emotional.” Kim last played for the JT Marvels in 2009.
“I joined the team at the end of July and have been playing with them for almost a month and a half. I’m looking forward to this season because I have a friend I can rely on.”
“It’s nice to be able to get advice and rely on her when I’m in the process of building my physical condition,” Kim said. Kim became a free agent after the end of last season and joined Heungkuk Life. She played on the same team as her friend Kim Yeon-kyung.
Both players are playing for the same goal this season. The two veterans have a lot to answer for. Outside hitter Kim Yeon-kyung and middle blocker Kim Soo-ji will be the centerpiece.
“When I heard that (Kim) signed with Heungkuk Life, I was very happy,” Kim said. We won the regular league title but missed the overall title, so we needed to strengthen, and I think it’s good that she’s here.” Kim welcomed Kim Soo-ji.
“I need to do well so that I can live up to expectations. I signed the contract with that in mind,” she reflected.
Kim then opened up about her retirement, which was mentioned during last season. “I was thinking about it before,” Kim said. The conversation was getting louder, but Suzy didn’t react much. It’s because we’re now at an age where it wouldn’t be strange for us to retire at any time.”
Friends are always thinking about the future. And they’re not the only ones. Everyone has a Plan B for life after retirement. It doesn’t mean you have to decide to retire right away. It’s about thinking ahead and preparing for it.
This is something that Kim discusses with her friend Kim Soo-ji and asks for advice. “We talk to each other a lot. I think we talk about it a lot these days,” she said, “and I’m thinking about a lot of directions.”
“Because we’re older, we want to focus on volleyball for the rest of our careers, but we also want to try different things during the off-season. I think we’ll find something that works for us.”
At the same time, Kim and Kim Soo-ji are eager to see the younger players improve. “I hope there will be many opportunities for the younger players in the future,” Kim said, “I always hope that they will have good skills and play well in the V-League and international competitions.”
“I think the same thing,” said Kim Soo-ji, “The players are in good physical condition. However, there is a detail that is missing. That’s experience, so I believe the players will get better as they gain more experience.”
Meanwhile, Heungkuk Life will play one more practice game with JT on the 19th and return home on the 20th.