Over the past two decades, Thai Volleyball Legends have transformed Thailand into a powerhouse in Asian women’s volleyball. This golden generation not only achieved historic victories but also inspired millions of fans. Now, many of these icons have moved from the spotlight on the court to the leadership role on the sidelines.
Table of Contents
These Thai Volleyball Legends who became coaches are proof that greatness doesn’t end with retirement—it evolves. By guiding younger players, they continue to shape the style, discipline, and identity of Thai volleyball.
1. Pleumjit Thinkaow
Thai Volleyball Legend and Middle Blocker Mentor
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Coaching Role: Player-Mentor, Youth Development Coach
Pleumjit Thinkaow is a Thai Volleyball Legend known for her blocking precision and quick middle attacks. Over her decade-long career, she became a defensive wall for the Thai national team, earning numerous Best Middle Blocker awards.
Now, she shares her experience as a youth mentor, running volleyball clinics that focus on blocking timing, net awareness, and mental toughness. Pleumjit also uses her platform to inspire young women to pursue sports as a career.
Notable Playing Achievements:
- SEA Games Gold Medals (2005, 2007, 2009, 2013)
- Multiple Best Middle Blocker awards in Asian competitions
- Over 300 caps for the Thai national team
Coaching Influence:
This Thai Volleyball Legend teaches more than just technique—she instills the mindset required to compete at the highest level.
2. Wilavan Apinyapong
Thai Volleyball Legend Turned Tactical Leader
Playing Position: Outside Hitter / Captain
Coaching Role: Assistant Coach & Technical Adviser
As a long-time captain, Wilavan Apinyapong is a Thai Volleyball Legend who led Thailand to its first Asian Championship title in 2009. Known for her composure, she was a master tactician on the court, guiding the team through high-pressure matches.
Today, she serves as a technical adviser and assistant coach, focusing on developing game intelligence and helping players adapt tactics mid-match.
Notable Playing Achievements:
- 2009 Asian Championship gold
- Over 300 international appearances
- Multiple Best Outside Hitter awards
Coaching Influence:
This Thai Volleyball Legend emphasizes situational drills and strategic adaptability, teaching players to think like captains.
3. Nootsara Tomkom
Thai Volleyball Legend Behind World-Class Setters
Playing Position: Setter
Coaching Role: Specialist Setter Coach
Considered one of the best setters in the world, Nootsara Tomkom is a Thai Volleyball Legend whose creative ball distribution powered Thailand’s signature fast-paced attack. Her partnership with hitters like Pleumjit and Onuma was legendary.
Post-retirement, Nootsara works as a specialist coach for setters, focusing on tempo control, disguise, and decision-making. She also teaches communication skills—vital for a setter who orchestrates the team’s offense.
Notable Playing Achievements:
- Multiple Best Setter awards in Asian and world events
- Over 15 years with the Thai national team
- Architect of Thailand’s quick-strike offense
Coaching Influence:
This Thai Volleyball Legend believes a setter must be both a strategist and a motivator, making her coaching unique and holistic.
4. Onuma Sittirak
Thai Volleyball Legend Powering the Next Attackers
Playing Position: Outside Hitter
Coaching Role: Attack and Physical Conditioning Coach
The MVP of the 2009 Asian Championship, Onuma Sittirak is a Thai Volleyball Legend renowned for her explosive spikes and unmatched vertical leap. Her attacking presence was a key weapon in Thailand’s golden era.
Now, she channels her energy into attack coaching and conditioning, training young players to maximize hitting power, jump height, and endurance.
Notable Playing Achievements:
- MVP at 2009 Asian Championship
- Multiple Best Scorer and Best Spiker titles
- Represented Thailand in numerous global tournaments
Coaching Influence:
This Thai Volleyball Legend integrates strength training with in-game drills, ensuring attackers can sustain power through long rallies.
5. Wanna Buakaew
Thai Volleyball Legend Defending from the Backcourt
Playing Position: Libero
Coaching Role: Defensive Specialist Coach
Wanna Buakaew is a Thai Volleyball Legend whose name is synonymous with defensive excellence. Her lightning-fast reactions and flawless reception were the backbone of Thailand’s defense for more than a decade.
In coaching, she focuses on serve reception, digging techniques, and anticipation skills. She also teaches the mental discipline required for backcourt players, who must remain sharp for every rally.
Notable Playing Achievements:
- Best Libero awards in Asian competitions
- Over 250 international appearances
- Cornerstone of Thailand’s defensive system
Coaching Influence:
This Thai Volleyball Legend inspires her players to fight for every ball, no matter how difficult the save.
Impact of Thai Volleyball Legends as Coaches
The contribution of these Thai Volleyball Legends extends far beyond the scoreboard. They are shaping the very identity of Thai volleyball by:
- Running grassroots development programs
- Serving as national and club team coaches
- Leading international volleyball clinics
- Acting as ambassadors for women’s sports in Thailand
Their collective impact ensures that Thailand’s trademark style—fast-paced, tactical, and united—will be preserved for future generations.
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1.Who are the most famous Thai Volleyball Legends who became coaches?
Pleumjit Thinkaow, Wilavan Apinyapong, Nootsara Tomkom, Onuma Sittirak, and Wanna Buakaew are among the most well-known Thai Volleyball Legends who transitioned into coaching roles.
2.What impact have Thai Volleyball Legends had as coaches?
Thai Volleyball Legends have elevated player skills, improved tactical awareness, and helped preserve Thailand’s signature fast-paced style through their mentorship and training programs.
3.Have any Thai Volleyball Legends coached at the international level?
Some Thai Volleyball Legends have been invited to conduct training camps and clinics abroad, but most focus on developing Thai volleyball at the national and club levels.