Hwang Yeon-joo, 40, the Korea Expressway Corporation opposite spiker famously known by the nickname "Flower Deer," is retiring from women's professional volleyball.
"We hoped to continue the journey together, but Hwang told us, 'I want to retire beautifully while I am still at a certain level as a player,'" the Korea Expressway Corporation club said Tuesday. "After much deliberation, she has officially declared her retirement, leaving the court she has grown attached to."
Hwang made her professional debut as an inaugural member of the V-League in 2005 and won the Rookie of the Year award. Over 22 years on the court, she set major records across both men's and women's leagues, including the first to reach 300 service aces and the first to surpass 5,000 career points, while experiencing six championship titles.
During the 2010-2011 season with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, she led the team to an integrated championship and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in both the regular season and the championship finals. In 510 career matches, she left a brilliant legacy with 5,868 points (third all-time), 1,269 back-row points (second), and 461 service aces (first).
"I sincerely thank the fans, the club, and my teammates who sweated alongside me for their generous support and overwhelming love that allowed me to play as Hwang Yeon-joo on the court," Hwang said. "Although my playing career is ending, I will explore various directions to continue meeting volleyball fans through broadcasting, coaching, and other opportunities. I hope you will continue to cheer for my second chapter in life."
"We extend our deep gratitude to Hwang Yeon-joo for her dedication to the team and the development of women's volleyball, and we sincerely wish her well as she leaves the court and embarks on a new beginning," the Korea Expressway Corporation said.
