“I did it without regrets.”
Myongji University won a shutout victory with a set score of 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-21) in the preliminary match against Inha University in the 2023 KUSF University Volleyball U-League held at Inha University Gymnasium in Incheon on the 4th. Myongji University gained 3 points in this game, keeping its hopes of advancing to the semifinals alive. Depending on the win or loss of the remaining games between Joongbu University and Chungnam National University and Hanyang University and Chosun University, Myongji University's advancement to the playoffs will be determined.
On the court, which could be the last game of the year, Shin Seong-ho (4th grade, OH, 190cm) gave the team victory. Both teams scored 25 points, the most, and the attack success rate was high at 77%. The receiving efficiency was also respectable at 41%. Shin Seong-ho, who achieved great success on the university stage, said, “During our meeting yesterday, I told him not to regret it because this member will not come back. “We were able to win thanks to everyone coming together and playing well,” he said.
Last year, Myongji University reached the semifinals and lost to Sungkyunkwan University in a close full set. Shin Seong-ho was disappointed not only because he had a close match in every set, but also because he could not cross the threshold to the final stage. He decided not to repeat the same mistakes as last year.
Shin Seong-ho said, “Last year, I ended the season with Park Seong-jin (Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance) unfortunately. He was so sad when he said goodbye as he went pro. He didn't want to relive those memories, so he wanted to see it through to the end. “I was more persistent,” he said, sharing his determination for this game.
The extraordinary attitude translated into athletic performance. “Since Inha University is a strong team, I decided to do it without regrets. The director also said the same thing. “I decided to do what I wanted to do on the court, and I think it led to good results,” he said with a smile.
Also, the teamwork that became stronger over time also played a role. Shin Seong-ho said, “We became closer toward the end of the league. He explained, “Thanks to not going on vacation during the school break and spending time preparing for the competition, we were able to come together more.”
Shin Seong-ho, who is only a few days away from ending his four years of college life, said, “I did it without regrets,” and added, “(Woo) Liang-seong also came all the way from Taiwan and thanked me for always working hard. “When I first came here, I didn’t win much, but it was nice to be able to win a lot as we grew together.”
This year, I had the experience of stepping on the court wearing the Taegeuk symbol as I was selected as a member of the national team for the 2023 8-nation international university volleyball competition. Looking back on his national team career, “I consider it an honor. “While I was on the national team, I played various positions, and receiving support from overseas players served as an opportunity for me to grow further,” he said.
As he is a senior in college, Shin Seong-ho will participate in the 2023 Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) rookie player draft, which will be held on the 30th. Regarding his professional stage, he said, “From an outside hitter to an apogee, he can also be a one-point server. The advantage is that it is more powerful than others. “He will become a player who always confidently does what the team wants,” he appealed.
Regarding the professional performance of Park Seong-jin, who joined Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance last year and won the MIP in this year's cup competition, he laughed and said, "It doesn't stimulate me." “He’s a close friend who always supports me, but these days he seems to have shrugged his shoulders (laughs). “I hope Seongjin does well, and if I go to the pros, I want to compete in good faith even if I go to the same team or a different team,” he said, looking forward to a reunion on a higher stage.
Lastly, “It can be frustrating playing volleyball together, but I’m just thankful to my teammates for smiling and doing well every time we play. My parents support me, but I'm sorry that I'm not good at expressing myself. “I want to tell you that I always love you,” he expressed his gratitude.