After 14 Years, Woori Bank Coach Wi Sung-ho Steps Down: 'I Want to Tell Myself I Worked Hard'

After an illustrious 14-year tenure, Coach Wi Sung-ho is stepping down from his position at Asan Woori Bank, marking the end of an era for the Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL). His departure comes after a period of reflection, having mentally prepared for this transition over the past year.

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It's hard to say I'm fine, but I also feel a sense of relief.

Wi's legacy with Woori Bank is nothing short of remarkable. Taking over a team that had consistently finished at the bottom of the league, he orchestrated an unprecedented turnaround, leading them to six consecutive championship titles and a total of nine championship wins. His coaching philosophy and strategic acumen have undeniably shaped the team's dominant history.

Despite the unparalleled success, Wi has consistently felt the need to step aside, sensing a decline in the team's performance and recognizing the challenge of revitalizing it himself. He expressed confidence in his successor, former assistant coach Jeon Ju-won, believing she can lead the team back to its former glory.

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I've been imposing my style on Woori Bank for too long. For the past two years, I've felt the team's performance gradually declining. I realized it would be difficult for me to bring it back up again.

As he packs up his office, filled with mementos of his coaching career, Wi reflects on the intense moments that defined his journey, particularly his debut as a head coach and his time leading the national team. These challenging experiences, rather than the victories, seem to hold the most profound meaning for him. Now, at 55, he looks towards a future outside the intense world of coaching, admitting to both excitement and apprehension about exploring life beyond the basketball court. His heartfelt message to himself, "You've worked hard. You've truly worked hard," encapsulates a career dedicated to the sport.

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You've worked hard. You've truly worked hard.