Not long after bidding goodbye to a stellar playing career when she lit up courts with her graceful and fluid style, Sung Ji Hyun is back, this time in the role of coach.
Sung Ji Hyun: From Player to Coach
It’s just a month since Sung Ji Hyun took up the position as singles coach with Korea, and already a big test awaits her and her team – the Uber Cup. Sung is putting her young players – An Se Young, Kim Ga Eun, Sim Yu Jin, Lee Seo Jin – through their paces.
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Sung Ji Hyun handled singles responsibilities for Korea for over a decade.
The Challenge Ahead
Korea is in Group D with India, Canada, and the USA, but Sung believes that the team has the ability to not just top the group, but even stake a claim for the title. She wants her players to believe in themselves and have the goal of winning the Uber Cup. Sung had many good moments as a player, and as a coach, she wants her team to target the title.
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An Se Young and the two strong doubles pairs give Korea a chance in any tie, but Sung knows that the second and third singles players might have to step in. She reckons Kim Ga Eun, in second singles, would have to play a key role. Sung wants her to relax, calm down, and focus on her play while believing in herself. She knows that Ga Eun has the potential to do much better once she realizes her abilities.
Sung Ji Hyun’s Journey
It isn’t often that players transition so quickly into coaches, but Sung knew she wanted to be a coach even in her playing days. Her parents’ influence played a role in her decision. Her father was in the national team, and her mother is a university professor. Even when she was a player, she worked with her juniors in her free time.
“As a player, you only need to focus on yourself and improve your game. But as a coach, I have to run many things and keep thinking about how to improve the team. Sometimes it’s hard, but sometimes it’s exciting, and you become really happy,” Sung reflects.
One of her proudest moments — winning the Uber Cup in 2010.
From Player to Coach
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Sung completed her graduation four months ago, with a degree in sport psychology, and was ready to take up the coaching position. Arriving at a major team event, albeit in a different role, Sung knows all about the challenges of not just competing in it, but actually winning the title. She played a vital role in Korean campaigns that won the Uber Cup in 2010 and the Sudirman Cup in 2017.
“Sometimes there’s more pressure in a team event, but when you win, you feel happier. Winning a team event is more important than an individual event. There’s more pressure, but if you’re successful, you’re happier,” Sung explains.
Conclusion
While Sung misses being on the court, she is now a coach, and her focus is on helping her team improve and set high targets. She wants to improve alongside them, using her experience and expertise to guide them towards success.
FAQs
Stay tuned for some frequently asked questions about Sung Ji Hyun and her coaching journey.
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