Vietnam's women's volleyball team welcomes a 'European star', determined to return to the top after 10 years of ups and downs.

Vietnam's women's volleyball team recruits a high-profile hitter from Europe, aiming to reclaim their peak after a decade of fluctuations.

Nearly 10 years have passed since Vietinbank wrote a brilliant chapter in the club's history by winning the National Volleyball Championship for the first time in 2016. To date, that remains their only national championship title.

That success was closely tied to Coach Le Van Dung, who then served as the "captain" of the banking sector's women's volleyball team and has recently returned to the "hot seat" to lead them this season, replacing Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet (who moved to coach Hanoi Tasco Auto Club).

Not only changing the coach, Vietinbank entered this season with significant changes in their playing squad. The team no longer has the services of two key hitters, Nhu Quynh (who joined Hanoi Tasco Auto) and Dang Thi Hong, as in the previous season. Setter Ton Nu Minh Thu also left to find a new club. Assistant coach Kim Hue also departed to join the coaching staff of LPBank Ninh Binh.

With a heavily reshuffled lineup, few believed Vietinbank could perform well when they participated in the Hoa Lu Binh Dien Cup 2026. But Coach Le Van Dung and his players surprised everyone.

Under the guidance of the coach who helped them win the national championship in 2016, Vietinbank underwent an incredible transformation, becoming a cohesive and highly effective team. The team no longer played inconsistently or was easily affected by psychology. Instead, they presented an image of a resilient Vietinbank, full of fighting spirit, with extremely sharp blocking and stubborn defense. Their fierce blocking at the net and relentless covering in the back row became the new "brand" of this team.

From being considered an "outsider" in the Hoa Lu Binh Dien Cup 2026, Vietinbank created an impressive journey. They staged a dramatic comeback against Hanoi Tasco Auto to reach the top 4, then convincingly defeated the Information Corps, before only succumbing to VTV Binh Dien Long An after five thrilling sets in the final. That achievement not only reflects professional results but also shows a clear competitive identity and commendable never-give-up spirit.

Although it was just a "warming-up" tournament for the 2026 National Club Championship, Vietinbank showed positive signs of "revival." That initial success undoubtedly bears the mark of Coach Le Van Dung, who "ignited" his players with a close approach, constantly encouraging and motivating them. Consequently, Vietinbank's young players relieved pressure and confidently maximized their individual abilities.

After a promising warm-up run in this year's Hoa Lu Binh Dien Cup, Vietinbank has welcomed Finnish hitter Suvi Kokkonen to prepare for Phase 1 of the 2026 National Volleyball Club Championship.

With an increasingly refined playing style and enhanced attacking power, the banking sector's women's volleyball team promises to be a formidable opponent in the upcoming Phase 1 of the National Championship. If they continue to maintain their current spirit and identity, Vietinbank can fully dream of a new cycle of success after a decade of waiting.