After the successful period of the Vietnamese women's team, the next problem is the issue mentioned.
A team that wants to maintain its position in the region cannot only rely on a group of familiar pillars. The dense international schedule, great achievement pressure and the requirement to innovate tactics force the coaching staff to expand personnel sources.
In that context, the appearance of many young athletes in domestic and youth-level tournaments brings positive signals. Names like Bao Ngoc, Anh Thao, Thuy Linh belonging to the U18 Vietnam team or Bui Hong Nhung, Phuong Thuy are gradually being noticed. They are not perfect faces but have enough factors to be invested in, challenged and given opportunities.
It is worth mentioning that the current young generation is not only recognized for their physique or bounce potential. Many players have shown confidence, adaptability to higher competition intensity and a clear competitive spirit. This is an important foundation if Vietnamese volleyball wants to prepare for a new cycle.
Bui Thi Anh Thao is a prominent face when summoned to the national team. For a very young athlete, being on the gathering list is not only a personal recognition, but also shows the rejuvenation orientation of the coaching staff.
Anh Thao brings new energy. She has youth, good jumping ability and boldness in attacking moves. In youth playgrounds, Anh Thao shows that her qualities can develop far if trained in the right direction.
However, the gap from the youth tournament to the national team is very large. At a higher level, a young player not only needs to score points but also participate in the common tactical system. The ability to start first, defend, handle the ball difficultly and maintain stability in stressful times are mandatory requirements.
Therefore, Anh Thao being called up to the national team should be considered a starting point. Opportunities have opened up, but to compete for a long time, she needs more time to compete, more exposure and perseverance in the process of perfecting her expertise.
Bao Ngoc and Thuy Linh are also notable faces of the young generation. They represent the group of athletes who are growing up from the youth training system, where Vietnamese volleyball expects to find new factors for the future.
At the U18 level, young players show advantages in fighting spirit and innocence in their way into the game. But to go the long way, they need to be placed in a harsher competitive environment. National championships, domestic cup tournaments or international training and competition trips will be a more practical measure of each person's ability.
Bao Ngoc needs to continue to prove her ability to maintain form when facing more experienced opponents. Thuy Linh also needs more opportunities to show stability, especially in matches with point pressure.
If given the opportunity at the right time, the U18 group can become an important source of replenishment for the team in the next few years. However, that process needs a clear roadmap, avoiding placing too high expectations when the players are still in the development stage.
Bui Hong Nhung and Phuong Thuy belong to the group of young players who have begun to be mentioned more at the club level. This is an environment that is decisive for the maturity of young athletes.
Hong Nhung is highly appreciated for her physique, relatively comprehensive attacking and defending ability, and stability in some basic skills. A young main attacker who wants to compete cannot only be strong in attack. The ability to start first, participate in defense and handle unfavorable ball situations is the factor that helps players have more opportunities to play.
Phuong Thuy is also in the group that needs to be monitored in the 2026 season. If she can play regularly, she can accumulate more experience against strong opponents, especially when the national championship has the appearance of many quality foreign players. This is an environment that helps young players improve quickly, but also very strictly selective.
Vietnamese volleyball needs a suitable roadmap, young players can train with the national team to learn, play in tournaments that are within their ability, and at the same time have a competitive space at the club. If they are only called up and then used sparingly, the rejuvenation process will hardly bring about real effectiveness.
2026 can be considered a pivotal period. The pillar class still plays an important role and the team needs more backup plans with factors that can make a difference in the future.
Bao Ngoc, Anh Thao, Thuy Linh, Hong Nhung or Phuong Thuy all have a lot of work to do, but they bring expectations for a new generation.
