Lee Da-young Supports Men's Volleyball Team While Playing in the U.S.

Lee Da-young (이다영), currently playing as the starting setter for the San Diego Mojos in the American Professional Volleyball League (PVF), attended a friendly match between the South Korean men's national team and the Netherlands on June 7. Accompanied by a friend, she watched the game at the Yu Gwan-sun Gymnasium in Cheonan. Her twin sister, Lee Jae-young (이재영), a former outside hitter for the women's national team, was also present but watched the match separately.

Reflecting on her experience in the U.S. league, Lee Da-young noted the significant differences in atmosphere compared to European leagues in Greece, Romania, and France. "The league was incredibly enjoyable, with fantastic audience engagement. I remember the highest attendance for a home game was around 18,000 fans. The level of play and the athletes' skills were impressive and exceeded my expectations," she shared with Yonhap News.

Regarding her plans for the next season, she stated, "I plan to continue playing in the U.S. league. I am also discussing options with my agent regarding European leagues, but I was satisfied with my experience in the U.S. last season. Starting in 2026, another professional league will launch in the U.S., which will provide more choices for players."

When asked about a potential return to the Korean V-League, she expressed, "It's hard to give a definitive answer right now, but I do have a desire to play again. However, I don't think it's appropriate to say whether I want to play in the V-League at this moment."

As for why she and her sister watched the game separately, she explained, "I didn't know she was coming today, and I only found out when I arrived at the gym."

Lee Da-young made her professional debut after being selected as the second overall pick in the first round of the 2014-2015 Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) women's draft by Hyundai Engineering & Construction. After the 2019-2020 season, she became a free agent and transferred to Heungkuk Life Insurance, where she played alongside her sister.

However, in February 2021, Lee Da-young faced allegations of involvement in past school bullying, leading to an indefinite suspension from Heungkuk Life Insurance and a permanent removal from the national team by the Korea Volleyball Association. After losing her place in the domestic league, she joined PAOK Thessaloniki in the Greek A1 League for the 2021-2022 season, establishing herself as the starting setter. She later played for Rapid București in Romania and Volero Le Cannet in France before signing with the San Diego Mojos last year.