
Chang Yoon-hee
Also known as 張潤喜, 장윤희
- Born
- May 22, 1970age 56
- height
- 5'7" (or 170 cm)
- nationality
- South Korean
Career
Active 1983 – 2011
Biography
About Chang Yoon-hee
Chang Yoon-hee, born on 22 May 1970, is a retired South Korean volleyball player who remains one of the country's most decorated female athletes. She began her career at around 13 years old, in 1983, and went on to compete for 28 years. On the international stage, she was a key member of the South Korea women's national volleyball team, while at club level she played for Honam Oil, which later became LG Oil and then GS Caltex. Chang's early promise was evident when she won the Most Valuable Player of the Year award in 1989. That same year, she was named the best server at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup, and in 1991 she earned the title of best defender at the same competition. These achievements helped cement her reputation as one of the finest players of her generation.
Chang's personal life drew attention when she stated in 1996 that she had no intention of getting married or retiring in the near future. Despite that, she married national cycling team member Lee Kyung-hwan in April 1997. She initially worried about balancing married life with the demands of volleyball, but she returned to the national team in 1998. She had stepped down from the national team after the 1996 Summer Olympics, yet continued competing at the club level. Chang finally retired from playing in 2002, but she did not leave the sport entirely. She later became a coach for GS Caltex, passing on her considerable knowledge to a new generation of players.
Standing 5'7" and weighing 139 lbs, with black hair, Chang is of Asian ethnicity and South Korean nationality. Her career, which spanned from 1983 to 2011, saw her evolve from a teenage prodigy into a respected veteran and mentor. She is remembered not only for her individual awards but for her dedication to the sport over nearly three decades. Today, she is considered a pioneer for women's volleyball in South Korea, having inspired many young athletes to pursue the game. Her story is one of talent, determination, and a lasting contribution to her sport.
Record
Profile details
Frequently asked
How did Chang Yoon-hee balance marriage with her volleyball career?
Chang married national cyclist Lee Kyung-hwan in April 1997 and initially worried about balancing married life with volleyball, but she returned to the national team in 1998 and continued playing.
What international awards did she win?
She was named best server at the 1989 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup and best defender at the 1991 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup.
When did she leave the national team and when did she come back?
She stepped down from the national team after the 1996 Summer Olympics, but returned in 1998.
What happened after she retired from playing?
She retired in 2002 and later became a coach for GS Caltex.
Did you know
- Chang started playing professionally at age 13, making her career unusually long at 28 years.
- She won the MVP award in 1989, the same year she was named best server at the World Cup.
- Her club team changed names from Honam Oil to LG Oil and then to GS Caltex during her tenure.
- She stated in 1996 that she had no plans to marry or retire, yet married Lee Kyung-hwan in April 1997.
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