Vietnamese volleyball star writes farewell letter to career at age 28 after 13 years of competition

Vietnamese volleyball star Thu Hoài recently announced her decision to retire from competition at age 28.

On March 27, volleyball star Thu Hoài wrote a heartfelt letter midway through her competitive career. Nguyễn Thu Hoài (born 1998, Thái Bình) is one of the most outstanding setters in the history of Vietnamese women's volleyball.

On her personal page, Thu Hoài wrote an emotional farewell message as an athlete after 13 years dedicated to professional volleyball. Her journey began young with the Vĩnh Phúc team, spanned 11 years of contribution to VietinBank Club, and became an unforgettable part of her youth.

Thu Hoài is one of the most outstanding setters in Vietnamese volleyball - Photo: FBNV

She felt proud to wear the national team jersey, representing the Vietnamese volleyball team in competition, with sacred moments hearing the national anthem. Along that path, she expressed gratitude to the coaches, teammates, and those who shared joys, sorrows, and created bonds like family.

Thu Hoài revealed: "And today, I write these lines to officially say goodbye to my professional competitive career. A decision not easy, but something I know I must do, when my body is no longer in its best condition, when life has entered a new chapter."

"I close this journey not with regret, but with deep gratitude. Gratitude for having lived with passion, contributed, and grown. Gratitude because volleyball gave me a stronger, more disciplined, and more resilient version of myself," Thu Hoài continued.

Thu Hoài affirmed: "The path ahead will be different – no more familiar training sessions, no more intense matches. But I believe that what volleyball taught me will always stay with me, helping me be steadier in my new life."

"Thank you to my family – my greatest support. Thank you to the Leadership of VietinBank Commercial Joint Stock Bank, Vietin Trading Service Investment Company Limited, the Coaching Board of VietinBank Women's Volleyball Club, and the Vĩnh Phúc Province Women's Volleyball Team – those who guided me. Thank you to my teammates – those who together wrote my youth," volleyball star Thu Hoài continued.

Everyday beauty of volleyball star Thu Hoài - Photo: FBNV

"And thank you to all who have always followed, loved, and supported me throughout this journey. Farewell, my brilliant youth. Farewell volleyball – the great love of my youth. Not an end, but a new beginning… gentler, yet always carrying in my heart the pride of having contributed to national sports," Thu Hoài expressed.

Thu Hoài grew from VietinBank Club, leaving a strong mark through talent and stability in competition. In 2016, at just 18 years old, Thu Hoài made a historic milestone by becoming the first Vietnamese setter to win the "Best Setter" title at the Southeast Asian Youth Championship.

At the national team level, she contributed significantly to the Vietnamese women's volleyball team winning silver medals at SEA Games 30 (2019) and SEA Games 31 (2022). With impressive performance, Thu Hoài was once evaluated by the World Volleyball Federation as a promising face of Vietnamese volleyball, and was honored by Volleybox.

Few know that Thu Hoài came to volleyball quite by chance. Though she once dreamed of being an air hostess and did not receive initial support from her family, she persisted in pursuing her passion after being captivated by legends like Kim Huệ, Ngọc Hoa. After only 3 years of serious training starting at age 15, she quickly established her name.

Not only excelling in sports, Thu Hoài also stood out with good education, proficient English usage, and once taught English alongside competing, a rare trait among Vietnamese women's volleyball athletes. She also has artistic talent, especially playing piano.

In late 2024, Thu Hoài married her hometown boyfriend. Early 2025, she retired and transitioned to office work at Vietinbank. By September 2025, she officially became a mother at age 27. After the glory of the court, Thu Hoài is enjoying a fulfilling family life, closing a memorable sports journey.