'Three consecutive years of producing first-round picks': The reason Central Girls' High School never stops is found in Coach Jang Yun-hee's 'tough details,' who says, "Anything not done in practice will absolutely not appear in a match."

*This content was translated by AI.

In recent years, whenever the V-League women's rookie draft is held, one school's name is consistently called out: Central Girls' High School, led by Korean women's volleyball legend Coach Jang Yun-hee (56).

Since taking charge in 2021, the school produced a first-round pick just two years later. Starting with Lee Yoon-shin (4th overall in Round 1), who joined GS Caltex for the 2023–2024 season, the 2024–2025 draft saw Jeon Da-bin (Jeong Kwanjang, 7th overall in Round 1) and Lee Soo-yeon (Hyundai E&C, 4th overall in Round 2). In the 2025–2026 rookie draft, the school produced no fewer than two first-round selections: Lee Ji-yoon was selected 1st overall by Korea Expressway Corporation, and Park Yeo-reum joined Jeong Kwanjang at 7th overall in Round 1. Park Yun-seo, who played alongside them, was also chosen 1st overall in Round 3 by Korea Expressway Corporation.

The team's performance has been consistently strong. Just last year alone, they claimed titles in the National Championships, the Iksan Jewelry Cup, and the National Sports Festival. This year, after finishing as runners-up consecutively in the spring league tournament in March and the national category championships in May, they skipped the second league tournament (Iksan Jewelry Cup) in June and the Presidential Cup in July to focus on building a solid foundation. Later, they defeated Seonmyeong Girls' High School—twice before—the team that had previously beaten them—in the finals of the IBK Industrial Bank of Korea National Middle and High School Volleyball Tournament to secure their first championship of the season.

The reason Central Girls' High School continuously produces players lies in Coach Jang Yun-hee's 'details.' Coach Jang ensures her players experience at least two positions whenever possible. Her goal is to develop athletes who can step onto the court in any situation, not just those who excel in a single position.

Park Seo-yoon (17), a 194cm middle blocker, trains as an outside hitter during practice sessions, mastering both receiving and powerful attacks. Star player Oh Se-in (18) alternates between outside hitter and opposite spiker roles. Libero Jo Ri-bin (17) does not limit herself to being Kim Soo-min's (18) backup; she also serves as a one-point server, stepping onto the court in every set.

In a recent interview with StarNews, Coach Jang explained, "Since players are often called up to the national team, we must fill gaps when someone is absent. I believe they need diverse experiences before turning pro. That's why we teach them to handle at least two positions. Our players can respond to any situation."

Naturally, the players' training load increases. They effectively undergo more than 1.5 times the training compared to those preparing for only one position. When asked what Central Girls' High School players do on their rest days, a frequent answer is simply, "We sleep first."

Yet the players follow without hesitation because Coach Jang herself stands on the training court more intensely than anyone else. During a visit by reporters to Central Girls' High School's practice session, Coach Jang's arms and voice remained active for nearly two hours straight. While attacking players rotated through rest periods and lower-grade students took turns resting while holding up blocking nets, Coach Jang's voice echoed throughout the gymnasium until the very end.

Testimonies from her players support this. Park Kang-bin (17) remarked, "The coach always says, 'Anything not done in practice will absolutely not appear in a match.'" Not even a single attack is overlooked. There are no exceptions for team leaders Oh Se-in and Park Seo-yoon either. They repeatedly drill scenarios: where the blocker is positioned, where the defense stands, and which direction to turn their bodies.

Each player receives a tailored plan. To build power and agility commensurate with their height, the focus was on weight training and movement. Coach Jang noted, "In their first year, there were concerns that their height would lead to weak power and sluggish movement. Now, their bodies have become much stronger, and their movements are lighter."

Park Seo-yoon herself feels she has developed most significantly in transition attacks, quick attacks, and overall mobility since joining Central Girls' High School. She expressed gratitude, saying, "The coach explains in great detail how to handle each situation."

For star player Oh Se-in, the focus is on sharpening her strengths. Coach Jang acknowledged that Se-in's advantage lies in her hitting impact but constantly urges her not to rely solely on front attacks by reading the court and blockers. Oh Se-in explained, "The coach often tells me to turn my body and hit from the opposite side or spin all the way around to change the angle, since a straight hit is easier for the defense to handle."

Setter Kim Mi-joo (18) was developed by completely shifting the team's training direction. To address her tendency to lose power at the end of tosses, Coach Jang focused intensively on low-and-fast combo plays for two months starting in May. Other coaches who observed Kim Mi-joo's improved toss during the IBK Industrial Bank of Korea tournament remarked, "She wasn't known for making such tosses before, but she has improved significantly." Kim Mi-joo received the setter award alongside the team championship.

Emphasis is not placed solely on technique. During the interview, students from Central Girls' High School and its affiliated middle school continuously greeted coaches and staff upon arrival and departure. Coach Jang said with a smile, "During this IBK Industrial Bank of Korea tournament, tournament officials told us that our players have 'good expressions, are diligent, and show proper etiquette.'"

While she is the toughest on the court, Coach Jang becomes like a mother once practice ends. Park Kang-bin stated, "On the court, she tells us everything we can't do and even gets angry when necessary. But off the court, if someone feels sick, she takes them to the hospital like a mother and cares for us very well." Park Seo-yoon added, "She may appear strict because she wants us to improve, but in daily life, she takes care of us like a mother and often says kind words."

In response, Coach Jang emphasizes responsibility. Central Girls' High School has no separate dormitory, so players from other regions must establish living arrangements near the school. Coach Jang stressed, "They trusted us and came here. We feel we must teach them even more and do whatever it takes to develop them."

As a result, new professional players emerge from Central Girls' High School every year. After Lee Ji-yoon, the 1st overall pick in Round 1, departed, players like Park Seo-yoon, Oh Se-in, Kim Mi-joo, Gimhae-yeon, and Park Kang-bin are now growing up, dreaming of their next stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.