Area Sports Round-Up – March 2025

Baseball – Soccer – Volleyball

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) ||

Kia Tigers Bet on Defensive Evolution for 2026 Season

The Kia Tigers are entering the 2026 season with a clear objective: redefining their identity through defensive stability rather than offensive firepower.

One of the key additions to the team is Asian import Jarryd Dale, a young but experienced infielder who has competed across Australia, Japan, and the United States. Head Coach Lee Bum-ho praised Dale’s solid fundamentals at shortstop and believes his offensive profile is well suited to a leadoff role. Lee projected Dale to post a batting average between .260 and .270 while contributing around 15 home runs.

On the international stage, Dale’s credentials were further validated on February 6, when final rosters for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) were announced. Alongside Kia star Kim Do-yeong, Dale was named to his national team, highlighting the Tigers’ growing presence beyond the KBO.

While position players drew attention, pitcher James Naile stood out for a different reason – his candor. Rather than expressing confidence ahead of the new season, Naile openly admitted dissatisfaction with his recent pitching form. “Even the best pitchers can’t be perfect every day,” he said, emphasizing that true competitiveness lies in performing well even when conditions are less than ideal.

Naile, widely regarded as one of the KBO’s top pitchers over the past two seasons, continues to chase improvement. He revealed ongoing adjustments to his lower-body mechanics, aiming to increase velocity while sustaining endurance on the mound.

With closer Cho Sang-woo retained and the bullpen reinforced, Kia has already secured its defensive backbone. Whether the Tigers can now complete their transformation – from a team built on offensive output to one defined by run prevention – remains the central question heading into spring.

The KBO announced on February 4 that Kia will open its 2026 exhibition schedule with a two-game series against the SSG Landers on March 12 at Gwangju Kia Champions Field, offering an early glimpse into this evolving identity.

Gwangju FC Turns to Familiar Hands as Lee Jeong-kyu Takes Helm

Gwangju FC has opted for continuity over overhaul, appointing Lee Jeong-kyu as the club’s eighth head coach following the departure of Lee Jung-hyo at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

Lee Jeong-kyu is no stranger to the club. Serving as an assistant coach from 2022 to 2024, he was deeply involved in some of Gwangju’s most successful chapters: the 2022 K League 2 title, a third-place finish in K League 1 in 2023, and a run to the AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals in the 2024–25 season. Few candidates possessed a deeper understanding of the club’s identity and culture.

During the current training camp, Lee has repeatedly emphasized the concept of “thinking football.” Rather than imposing rigid tactical instructions, he encourages players to read situations independently and find their own solutions on the pitch.

Players are gradually adjusting to the shift. Team captain Ahn Young-gyu acknowledged early difficulties, noting that the abundance of new ideas initially posed challenges. “But the players are adapting step by step,” he said. “We’re improving together.”

While pressure inevitably accompanies change, the mood within the squad suggests a collective commitment to growth – one rooted in reflection and shared responsibility rather than command-and-control football.

AI Peppers Find Momentum Amid Questions Over Park’s Role

AI Peppers secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Hyundai Engineering and Construction on February 4 in the fifth round of the V-League, offering a timely boost to a team seeking consistency.

Head Coach Chang So-yun credited the win to confidence and atmosphere rather than tactics alone. “The players entered the match believing in themselves,” she said at the post-match press conference. “Our positive head-to-head record helped, and we played without pressure, overcoming challenges as they came.”

Foreign hitter Zoe Weatherington delivered a standout performance with 30 points and four blocks. Chang highlighted Weatherington’s game intelligence, noting her ability to read directions accurately and execute tactics with minimal instruction. “She reduces the burden on the middle blockers, even when opponents vary their approach,” the coach explained.

In contrast, veteran outside hitter Park Jeong-ah endured a difficult night, scoring her first point only in the third set and finishing with an attack success rate of just 5.56 percent. Yet Chang was quick to defend her continued inclusion in the starting lineup.

“Park Jeong-ah contributes far more than what appears on the stat sheet,” Chang said. “Her role in dealing with foreign attackers and providing backcourt support is critical. Her value to the team is unmistakable.”

For the AI Peppers, the victory offered not only points but reassurance: reassurance that progress, while uneven, remains possible through trust, patience, and steady development.

The Author

Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) is a dedicated follower of Gwangju’s sports scene. He regularly attends games of the Kia Tigers, Gwangju FC, and AI Peppers, and closely observes the unique identity and competitive spirit each team brings to the city. He hopes to see all three clubs continue to grow sustainably and attract even more supporters.

Cover Photo: Lee Jeong-kyu gives instructions from the sidelines during his time as an assistant coach with Gwangju FC. (Gwangju FC)