FanNation

Taking a break once again from the Tibet controversy (don't worry, we'll be back on that topic very soon).

A few days ago I mentioned James Li, the Chinese-born coach of American distance ace Bernard Lagat. Li is sure to be as much of a sensation in China this summer as his protege, who will be a medal favorite in the track distance events in Beijing. There's another great Chinese coaching story in the United States Olympic movement right now - that of Lang Ping, known as Jenny here in the States, who was a superstar volleyball player in China and is now the head coach of Team USA's women's team heading to Beijing this summer. The team is currently in the midst of a tour of China, playing Chinese club teams. Women's volleyball in China is a full professional sport with superstars, huge crowds and legion of fans. One of the cutest sports cheers I've heard in Chinese roughly translates as "I love my China, and I love my women's volleyball team!" ("Ai wo Zhongguo, ai wo nupai.")

USA Volleyball is posting regular news of the team's matches in China at its main national team website. The latest installment includes news of the team's win against the Zhejiang club team yesterday (March 29) in Fuyang.