1. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Oh Ji-young was born on July 11, 1988. She began her professional volleyball career initially playing as a left. Due to her strong serves and excellent defensive capabilities, she was primarily utilized as a one-point server and a defensive backup during her time as a left player. Her powerful serving ability was particularly highlighted during the 2009-2010 V-League All-Star Game, where she recorded a serve speed of 59 mph (95 km/h), earning her the title of 'Serve Queen', which was the highest record among female players at the time.
1.1. Position Switch
Oh Ji-young transitioned her primary playing position from left to libero. This change was attributed to her innate defensive strengths and proficiency in receiving, which are critical attributes for a libero. The shift allowed her to specialize in back-row defense and reception, solidifying her role as a key defensive player for her teams throughout her career.
2. Professional Club Career
Oh Ji-young has had a dynamic professional club career, playing for several prominent teams in the South Korean V-League.
| Club | Years |
|---|---|
| Korea Expressway Corporation Hi-Pass | 2006-2009, 2009-2017 |
| Daejeon KGC Ginseng Corporation | 2017-2021 |
| GS Caltex Seoul KIXX | 2021-2022 |
| Gwangju AI Peppers | 2022-present |
2.1. Korea Expressway Corporation Hi-Pass
Oh Ji-young began her professional career with the Korea Expressway Corporation Hi-Pass (then known as Korea Expressway Corporation Women's Volleyball Team) in 2006, playing until 2009. She then continued with the team under its new name, Korea Expressway Corporation Hi-Pass Zenit Volleyball Team, from 2009 to 2017. During her tenure with this team, she showcased her exceptional serving skills, which led to her being recognized as the 'Serve Queen'. She experienced two periods of temporary retirement during her time with the club. Following the 2010-2011 V-League season, she was listed as temporarily retired along with setter Lee So-ra, returning to play after a year. She faced a similar situation after the 2015-2016 season, being temporarily retired again, but returned to the team after the 2016-2017 season. A notable performance highlight was on February 27, 2013, during an away game against Heungkuk Life, where she achieved five consecutive serve aces.
2.2. Daejeon KGC Ginseng Corporation
Upon her return to the league after her second temporary retirement, Oh Ji-young was traded to Daejeon KGC Ginseng Corporation. This transfer was part of a compensation deal for the player Kim Hae-ran, who moved to Korea Expressway Corporation Hi-Pass. She played for KGC Ginseng Corporation from 2017 to 2021, where she continued to serve as a vital defensive player and contributed to the team's performance.
2.3. GS Caltex Seoul KIXX
On April 19, 2021, Oh Ji-young transferred to GS Caltex Seoul KIXX as a compensation player for Lee So-young. At GS Caltex, she served as the starting libero, playing a crucial role in the team's defense. However, during the 2022-2023 season, she faced challenges due to an injury that limited her playing time, leading to Han Da-hye taking over more significant roles. She played for GS Caltex from 2021 to 2022.
2.4. Gwangju AI Peppers
On December 26, 2022, Oh Ji-young was traded to Gwangju AI Peppers. In exchange for Oh Ji-young, GS Caltex received the first-round draft pick for the 2024-2025 season from Gwangju AI Peppers. Since her move, she has been an active member of the Gwangju AI Peppers roster, contributing her extensive experience and defensive skills to the team.
3. National Team Career
Oh Ji-young has represented the South Korea women's national volleyball team in several significant international competitions.
3.1. 2010 Asian Games
She was a member of the South Korean women's national volleyball team that participated in the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China. The team performed strongly in the tournament, ultimately securing a silver medal in women's volleyball.
3.2. 2020 Summer Olympics
Oh Ji-young was also part of the South Korean women's national volleyball team that competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were postponed and held in 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. The team delivered a commendable performance, reaching the semifinals of the women's volleyball tournament before ultimately finishing in fourth place.
4. Awards and Achievements
Throughout her career, Oh Ji-young has earned several individual and team accolades:
- 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games - Women's Volleyball Silver Medal
- 2010 Pro Volleyball All-Star Game - Serve Queen
5. Broadcast Appearances
In addition to her professional volleyball career, Oh Ji-young has made appearances on television programs.
- September 1, 2021: Guest on episode 121 of the talk show You Quiz on the Block.