"I won't celebrate too early": GS's 'Serve-ro' Kim Hyo-im, who clinched the 24-24 deuce, displays radiant humility: "I am a supporting assistant" [Jangchung on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

GS Caltex's second-year 'Serve-ro (serve + libero)' Kim Hyo-im led her team to victory with a decisive serve that saved them from the brink of defeat.

GS Caltex secured a 3-0 sweep victory over SOOP in their home game in Round 1 of the women's division of the 'HK Hungeuk Financial 2026-2027 V-League' held at Jangchung Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 14th, rising to second place in the league standings.

The biggest turning point of the match was the first set. Kim Hyo-im, who entered as a substitute during a crisis where the team nearly lost the set, disrupted the opponent's reception with sharp serves. In a 25-24 set-point situation, she delivered a perfect service ace to the far left corner of the court, putting an end to the tense deuce battle.

After the game, Kim Hyo-im reflected, "The situation was extremely tight, and we could have easily lost the set if we made a mistake." She added, "I served with the mindset of 'let's just get it in and make one defensive play first.'" Regarding her final service ace, she explained, "On my first serve, I tried to aim for the sideline but it didn't go well, though fortunately it resulted in a point. After that, I found my rhythm and hit boldly, and it went in perfectly."

The head coach also did not hold back his praise. Manager Lee Young-taek said, "We only had one substitution card available to strengthen serving and defense, which was Hyo-im, and she performed her role perfectly in the deuce situation," expressing satisfaction. He continued, "After returning from national team duty, she has grown significantly enough to handle the libero position comfortably as well. Thanks to Hyo-im stepping up reliably, we were able to proceed boldly with (Yoo) Ga-ram's trade."

Although she plays the specialized defensive position of libero, Kim Hyo-im primarily handles back-row defense and serving in a 'Serve-ro' role due to the presence of starting libero Han Su-jin on the team. She grew further by competing in international tournaments such as the Asian Games while wearing the national team badge during the off-season.

Kim Hyo-im shared, "Experiencing the power of overseas players broadened my defensive vision, and training with the senior players on the national team taught me a lot about my attitude toward volleyball."

Although she joined team training after a short off-season, there was no waver in her performance. Regarding her role within the team, she said, "I see myself not as a mainstay, but as a supporting 'assistant.' Rather than overthinking it, I am focused simply on being helpful to the team."

Since joining last year, Kim Hyo-im has already experienced three titles in the V-League, the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup, and the Yeosu Cup Tournament, earning her the nickname among fans as a player with 'winning luck.' While stating, "I also believe I have winning luck," she expressed her determination: "I will not celebrate prematurely. Without becoming complacent or arrogant, I will focus on winning one game at a time."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original