She has decided to retire after the 2024 season. What is the reason?
- I had a plan in advance. I got married in 2021 and have been dedicated for two more years. At the end of 2023, I would like to allow the leadership of Duc Giang Chemical Club to temporarily suspend competition to take care of my small family. In the second phase of the 2024 national championship, I returned to compete with the team. At the end of that season, I officially said goodbye.
Duc Giang Chemicals has just had a change on the coaching bench. Are you assured of saying goodbye to the team at this time?
- When I decided to retire in 2023, I was not confident but had to put my competition on hold. After that, I was encouraged by the leadership and teachers and returned to the team at the end of 2024. In 2025, I will definitely not join Duc Giang Chemical Club. The team also found a new signing in the libero position.
What do you remember most for more than 15 years of competition?
- I came to volleyball quite late when I was only 16 years old and started practicing. But because of my passion, I still pursued. I started training at Nghe An team. In 2017, I was able to return to Duc Giang Chemicals. Exercising in a good environment helps me develop myself and leave an impression.
2020 was the first time Duc Giang Chemicals entered the top 4 and reached the finals of the national championship. Although I was not lucky enough to win the championship, I was happy to be able to set foot in the first final match of my career.
What else do you regret?
- At the end of 2024, I returned to compete and the Duc Giang Chemicals team entered the final of the national championship but could not win. I still regret when the team lost the final match against VTV Binh Dien Long An in 2024. That was the 5th consecutive year the team finished second, so I also wanted the highest title of the tournament.
Do your husband and family support your decision?
- My husband used to be an athlete, so he understands my psychology and supports me. The family always understands my feelings. I am quite lucky to have my husband and both families support my career. When we stopped competing, my husband and I sat down and talked to each other. My husband said that when I was young, I devoted myself to my passion for volleyball, so now I can retire to take care of my family.
Currently, she is doing training in the youth team of the Duc Giang Chemicals team. What is the difference between being an athlete and a coach? What difficulties are you facing?
- There is a big difference between being an athlete and a coach. When I was an athlete, I only focused on training and competing, sometimes when I had a task, I was a little stressed. When becoming a coach, you have to start from scratch, learn and explore, it is very difficult.
If the team still has the desire and needs support, are you ready to return?
- I am always ready to return to play. Before retiring, the goals and achievements I set were still unfinished. If I have the chance, I still want to continue doing it. But at my age, my physical strength is declining. However, if he is ready to return, it is not too big a barrier. I can try to take my position.
How has your life changed since you retired?
- When I was an athlete or switched to youth training, I was still away from home. It's just that now I have more time to talk to everyone.
She has a stable source of income as an athlete. So when I retire, will there be many changes? How do you and your husband share about your finances?
- As an athlete, there will be better regimes and bonuses. When I became a coach, my income was a little more limited. However, this did not affect my life much. When we talked to my husband, we found everything was fine. Therefore, I am currently satisfied with what both husband and wife are trying.
What is your goal for 2025?
- I hope to have more health and opportunities to continue to improve my coaching skills, complete the tasks assigned by the team, and constantly learn to improve myself.
