GS Caltex middle blocker Choi Ga-eun is dreaming of making a leap forward in the new team.
Choi Ga-eun joined IBK Industrial Bank as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2019-2020 season's rookie draft. However, she changed her uniform to a special designated player for the new team Pepper Savings Bank ahead of the 2021-2022 season, and headed to Korea Expressway Corporation in a trade for the 2022-2023 season the following year.
This is not the end of his career. Choi will move to another team ahead of the 2024-2025 season. He will come to GS Caltex as a compensation player for Kang So-hwi, a free agent. In his sixth year as a pro, he has already transferred to GS Caltex three times.
Still, Choi is positive. "I think it's all because he needs me, when I became a specially designated player at Pepper Savings Bank, when I was traded, and when I was named an FA compensation player this time. I thought he brought me here because this team wanted me even more."
With manager Lee Young-taek's inauguration, players are constantly emphasizing blocking, and the importance of the middle blocker line has grown. "Our team's blocking and receiving levels were both at the bottom," Lee stressed to the team. In the meantime, the team frequently checks data on the duration of practice games and informs the players as well. This is why Choi was called by GS Caltex. 토토사이트 모음
Choi Ga-eun said, "It was good when I was nominated as a reward player, and I'm determined to show more so that I can get a little more recognition as much as you appointed me," adding, "Someone is not exactly chosen in the middle blocker line. Since the coach is a middle blocker, I can feel that there are high expectations for these position players. You have to give more feedback on the blocking part to match the name of the position, and in the case of fastballs, receiving has to support them, so they also point out a lot of these parts."
"The power analysis coach has set the goal for this season, saying that it would be nice to increase the number to a certain extent compared to last season. We set the standard in practice and check individual data. We are now in the process of reaching that goal," he said.
Choi vacated the court for a long period of time last year due to ruptured ligaments in his left ankle, and only played 15 games last year. Choi is re-establishing himself and is in the process of pursuing his goal again.
Choi Ga-eun said, "I think I'm still lacking a lot. I had some minor injuries, so I rebuilt my body and couldn't do ball training for a long time. My condition is getting better and I think it will be an opportunity to elevate my condition further through the KOVO Cup."
Choi Ga-eun realized the importance of the court in the aftermath of her injury last year. She also knows the joy and effect of playing in court more as she played 136 sets in 36 games during the 2022-2023 season when she played for Pepper Savings Bank and garnered 73 blocks. As no middle blocker has been decided yet, Choi is determined to show herself again.
Choi Ga-eun said, "I realized again that it is important to finish the season without injury because I did not play much last year due to injury. When I was in my second year at Pepper Savings Bank, I played as a starting player, and I felt that I gained a lot of experience by playing a lot of games and improved a lot," adding, "So I want to finish the season with a better record than then. I hope I can have a season where I can upgrade myself."