The Thunder Bolt

Having attended Concordia International School Hanoi since the second grade, sophomore student-athlete YeEun has transitioned to the United States to join the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Her move marks a significant milestone for the Concordia athletic program, illustrating how a supportive school environment helps students transform their passions into reality.

YeEun’s volleyball career began in the eighth grade. Although she was initially too "scared" to join the team in seventh grade, her friends eventually convinced her to try the sport for fun. Her natural talent surfaced quickly; in her very first year, she was named the Tournament MVP at the eighth grade ASAC tournament, which was an achievement that came as a surprise to her at the time. "I really worked hard for it, but I didn't know the tournament MVP existed," YeEun recalled. "I didn't work for the outcome, but for myself, and the progress really helped me grow".

YeEun credits her time at Concordia with teaching her the vital life skills necessary to pursue athletics. Balancing high-level athletics with rigorous schoolwork forced her to master time management and detailed scheduling. To overcome the challenge of prioritizing both, she learned to plan her schedule in high detail to ensure she could complete her work while still valuing volleyball.

Beyond academics, the Concordia community provided a vital support system. YeEun specifically noted the influence of her coach, who not only helped her find the IMG summer camp but also consistently checked in on her well-being and encouraged her to improve throughout the season. "My friends, all my teachers, and my coaches... helped me become who I am today," she shared.

YeEun discovered IMG Academy while searching social media for intensive summer programs to seriously improve her skills. Her first experience at the camp was "very scary" as she observed the height and skill level of the other athletes. However, her dedication and passion caught the eye of the coaches. Her hard work was formally recognized when she received an MVP award at the conclusion of the program, which was a prestigious honor given to only eight other athletes during the entire two-week camp.

The turning point came when a coach at the camp, recognizing YeEun's passion during private lessons, introduced her to the director of volleyball and provided a campus tour. This experience reminded YeEun why she wanted to play at a high level and solidified her decision to join the academy long-term. 

At IMG, YeEun is participating in a year-round volleyball program designed to prepare athletes for the collegiate level. While she admitted to being nervous about meeting new teammates and adjusting to a new coaching style, she was eager to utilize IMG’s specialized resources, such as mental health practices and nutrition. She believes these "mental mentality" improvements will help her overcome hard situations and improve her physical performance.

As she started her new chapter on January 6th, YeEun left behind a message for other aspiring athletes at Concordia. Her advice is to remain persistent and avoid being stuck in a single pathway: "Do not give up on what you really want to do, and try to find new ways you can reach your goal". YeEun has carried Concordia’s theme of the year with her to Florida: to inspire. By following her dreams and making them a reality, she hopes to inspire her peers in Hanoi to do the same.

Learn more about Concordia Hanoi.