Volleyball Legend Kim Yeon-koung Receives AVC Award of Merit

Volleyball icon Kim Yeon-koung has been honored with the first-ever AVC Award of Merit, presented at the inaugural AVC Gala Awards ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand. The prestigious award acknowledges her remarkable career and profound influence on the sport.

The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) cited Kim Yeon-koung's "great footsteps both on and off the court" during her extensive playing career and her "amazing impact on the world of volleyball beyond Asia." The recognition highlights her status as a leading figure in the sport.

Accepting the award, Kim expressed her deep honor and gratitude. "It is a great honor to receive such a meaningful and special award," she stated. She extended her thanks to her fans for their unwavering support throughout her career. Kim, who retired from professional play in 2025, pledged to continue contributing to the advancement of volleyball and supporting future generations of players.

Since retiring, Kim has remained actively involved in the volleyball community. She serves as the chairperson of the KYK Foundation, an advisor for Heungkuk Life Insurance, an AVC Ambassador, and is a co-owner of the San Francisco team in the U.S. Women's Professional Volleyball League (LOVB). Her continued engagement underscores her commitment to the sport's development.