As Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet finalized the 14-player roster for Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team ahead of SEA Games 33 in Thailand, Anh Thao emerged as a standout inclusion. Alongside former star Ngoc Hoa, she now becomes one of the youngest players in the national team’s SEA Games history.

Despite her youth, Anh Thao boasts a string of accomplishments most players can only dream of. In 2025 alone, she helped Ninh Binh Club win the Hoa Lu Cup and secure the runner-up position at the national championship. Later, after joining Hanoi Club, the 2009-born outside hitter led the team to victory in the National A-League and earned promotion to the 2026 National Championship.

At the international level, she was a key player for Vietnam’s U21 team at the 2025 U21 World Championship. Now, she’s set to make her senior debut at SEA Games in national colors.

Her breakthrough came in 2024 when she first appeared with Hanoi Club at the National Championship. Despite her age, she quickly became the team’s top scorer.

That same year, she was called up to the U20 national team. At the VTV9 Binh Dien Cup, she delivered a standout performance, particularly against PFU Blue Cats, scoring 15 points.

Her momentum continued at the 2024 Asian U20 Championship, where she and her teammates secured fifth place - earning Vietnam a historic spot at the 2025 U21 World Championship.

Experts have praised Anh Thao for her composure on court. At 16, she demonstrates remarkable flexibility, intelligent play, high vertical leaps, effective serves, and precise shot placement. She consistently delivers points with high efficiency.

However, like any young athlete, she still faces limitations - particularly in experience, physical stamina, height (1.74m), and cohesion with her older teammates on the senior squad.

Still, with her rapid development and outstanding potential, Anh Thao is widely seen as the natural successor to veteran Thanh Thuy. Having played in six consecutive SEA Games, Thanh Thuy may soon pass the torch to the next generation.

Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet, born in 1976, made the strategic choice to include Anh Thao in the official SEA Games lineup. He plans to gradually introduce her into suitable matches, allowing the young hitter to adjust, grow in confidence, and showcase her unique strengths.

Team Vietnam unveils official attire for SEA Games 33

On November 29, Dong Luc Sports Group unveiled the official “Rise Beyond” collection for Team Vietnam’s SEA Games 33 campaign. The design draws inspiration from the night sky, featuring fireworks, radiant stars, and shooting comets - symbols of the athletes' quiet perseverance and explosive breakthroughs.

Representing the brand, Le Vu Hong Ngoc shared: "Our mission goes beyond creating quality athletic wear. We aim to infuse each piece with spirit, aspiration, and national pride. The Rise Beyond collection embodies the determination, consistency, and drive of Vietnamese athletes to conquer new heights."

Dai Nam