[Official Announcement] 'Two Years Later, They Finally Met': Former National Team Coach Isanaye Ramirez Appointed as the 12th Head Coach of KB Insurance

*This content was translated by AI.

Isanaye Ramirez (43), who once again elevated the Korean Nam Ja-bae-gu (CEO) team to a competitive level on the international stage, is now set to lead KB Insurance Stars' quest for a championship title.

KB Insurance officially announced on the 5th, "We have appointed former Korea Men's National Volleyball Team coach Ramirez as our 12th head coach to lead a new leap forward."

This is not the first time Ramirez and KB Insurance have crossed paths. During the 2024~2025 season, KB Insurance had pursued Ramirez's appointment. However, issues arose regarding his concurrent service as both national team and professional team coach, leading to the cancellation of the appointment at that time.

The connection that briefly passed by has now been rekindled after approximately two years. Coach Ramirez completed his term with the Korean Nam Ja-bae-gu (CEO) team on the 4th and immediately signed a formal contract with KB Insurance.

He also delivered his first greeting to fans as the KB Insurance coach at the 2026~2027 season kickoff ceremony held at the Nambu Cultural Arts Center in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on the same day. Coach Ramirez shared his thoughts, saying, "It is an honor to serve as the head coach of the KB Insurance Stars volleyball team. Given that the players and coaching staff have prepared well during the off-season, we will present good matches to our fans this season based on in-game focus and a winning mentality aimed at victory."

His achievements with the national team also contributed to his appointment. Under Coach Ramirez's leadership, Korea secured second place in this year's AVC Cup, won the East Asian Championship, and placed third in the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship. In particular, by finishing third in the Asian Championship, they secured a qualification spot for the 2027 International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Men's Volleyball World Cup. Previously, Coach Ramirez had set goals of achieving a top finish in the Asian Championship and restoring competitiveness on the international stage even before the season began, boosting team cohesion through various practical programs such as joint training with China.

The current challenge is to elevate KB Insurance to the final step. As recently as the 2023~2024 season, KB Insurance had fallen to a record of 4 wins and 25 losses, securing last place early in the season. However, in the 2024~2025 season, they overcame numerous setbacks, including an early-season coach resignation and home arena closure, to rise as high as second place in the regular league with a record of 24 wins and 12 losses and 69 points. They also created a surge with a nine-game winning streak and an undefeated 8-0 record at their temporary home venue, Gimin University. In the playoffs, they took the first game against Korean Air but lost the second and third games, stopping just short of the championship finals.

Last season, they rose to third place again. They dramatically secured third place with a record of 19 wins and 17 losses and 58 points by defeating KEPCO 3-0 in the final regular league match. However, their spring volleyball campaign ended in a single game after suffering a 0-3 loss to WooCard in the one-game playoff semifinal. From last place to second, then back to third. They have risen to a top-tier power, but they have yet to reach the summit.

There are also significant changes to the team's strength for the new season. Andres Viena, who had been responsible for offense for four seasons, has departed, and Im Seong-jin has enlisted in the military. In their place, they signed Linus Weber (27, registered name: Weber), an opposite spiker from the German national team, and added Asia quota player Tarusha Chames (24, registered name: Tarusha). Hwang Kyung-min returned after completing his military service, while existing outside hitters Na Gyeong-bok (32), Hong Sang-hyuk (28), and Yoon Seo-jin (21) are competing for starting positions. During the off-season, Coach Ramirez, along with coaches who have worked with him since his national team days and acting coach Ha Hyun-yong, led a training camp in Japan and practice matches to continue preparations for the new season.

The KB Insurance club stated, "We highly evaluate Coach Ramirez's excellent communication skills and leadership, which further developed the Korean men's volleyball team, and determined him to be the right person to lead the KB Insurance Volleyball Team," while promising their support. The Korea Volleyball Association also expressed its support, stating, "We positively evaluate that the coach selected by the association has also been chosen by a professional club."

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*This content was translated by AI.