"Aroonuma" has made her decision after announcing her retirement from volleyball, leaving one message for the Thai national team.
On 16 March 2026 GMT+7, Aroonuma Sithirak, a 39-year-old player of the Thai women's national volleyball team, gave her latest interview following her recent announcement to retire from professional women's volleyball last Saturday.
Aroonuma announced her retirement after the final match of the TVA Channel Thailand Volleyball League 2026 at Terminal 21 Korat shopping center, where GLO Miracle Nakhon Nonthaburi defeated Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen Star 3-1 sets, 25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 25-10.
Recently, Aroonuma Sithirak revealed that the reason for retiring is due to her physical condition no longer being suitable for playing. As for her future after retiring from professional volleyball, she plans to become a coach, having had the opportunity last year to join the coaching staff of the Thai women's national volleyball team.
Aroonuma said, "I'm still involved in volleyball. Right now, I am learning to become a coach, though I don't yet know how well I will do. I will keep learning. I've gained a lot of experience from playing in professional leagues and as an athlete. I will use that experience to learn so I can continue as a coaching staff member."
One of the legendary '7 Masters' of Thai women's volleyball also left a message for younger players joining the national team, both now and in the future: "The first thing is discipline and perseverance. I think these are everything now. Sports science and other advances are much more modern than in my generation. Medical care and support for athletes have become much more accessible."
"I want the younger players to endure and fight through it because in my generation, injuries and treatments were not as advanced as they are today. Now, everything is easier, and body care is much better. I believe that if the players take good care of their bodies, they can go far and have longer careers."
Aroonuma also spoke about Coach Odd Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, head coach of the Thai women's volleyball team, who worked closely with her and played a major role in shaping her into one of Thailand's volleyball legends: "I thank the Volleyball Association for taking good care of us, and Coach Odd has been one of the coaches who has supported me since I first joined the national team. I want to thank him sincerely for his guidance, teaching, and knowledge that helped me succeed."