World Champion Yao Di Joins Tianjin University as Sports Teacher

Yao Di, a world champion from the Tianjin Women’s Volleyball Team, has officially joined Tianjin University as a sports teacher, marking a significant step in the collaboration between the university and local sports initiatives.

The 32-year-old Yao Di is one of the top setters in China and a key contributor to the dominance of the Tianjin Women’s Volleyball Team. Since taking on the role of team captain during the 2019-2020 season, she has led the team to achieve five consecutive championships in the Chinese Volleyball Super League.

On her first day, “Teacher Yao” delighted students and faculty with her presence, bringing excitement to the campus. She visited the Peiyangyuan Gymnasium and the university’s “One-Stop” Student Community, where she interacted with students, led volleyball training sessions, and participated in discussions with faculty members.

Yao expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, saying: “The spirit of Chinese women’s volleyball has instilled in me courage and responsibility. I look forward to sharing the joy and transformative power of sports on Tianjin University’s platform.”

A New Role to Inspire Students

As part of her position, Yao Di will teach volleyball courses and mentor the university’s volleyball club, aiming to promote the sport on campus. She hopes to inspire more students and staff to embrace volleyball and its values, which are often referred to as the “spirit of the Chinese women’s volleyball team.”

On her first day, Yao also attended a ceremony marking the inauguration of a new “One-Stop” Sports Education Base at the university’s Qiyuan student residence. This center, jointly established by Tianjin University and the Tianjin Sports Bureau, integrates education, sports, and student development. During the event, Yao donated a commemorative jersey from her participation in the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Club World Championship.

Aligning with Tianjin University’s Vision

Yao’s appointment aligns with Tianjin University’s “One-Stop Student Community” initiative, which has been a key part of the university’s education reform since it became a pilot institution for the Ministry of Education’s program in 2021. This initiative integrates learning, physical education, and holistic development, creating a supportive environment for students. By bringing in experts, scholars, and champions like Yao Di, the university fosters personal growth alongside academic achievement.

Reflecting on her journey, Yao shared her understanding of the women’s volleyball spirit and its relevance to education: “Tianjin University has always been a place I deeply admire. As China’s first modern university, it pioneered physical education alongside academics. Today, it continues to emphasize the cultivation of physical fitness habits through its talent development model. I’m honored to join Tianjin University as a sports teacher and hope to share my experiences from the court to help students grow and thrive.”

Looking Forward: A Broader Impact

Beyond teaching volleyball techniques, Yao plans to incorporate the values of Chinese sportsmanship and the women’s volleyball spirit into her courses. She is exploring innovative ways to make her classes engaging while organizing campus-wide volleyball events to nurture students’ skills and passion for the sport.

“I want students to enjoy the fun of sports, improve their physical fitness, develop strong character, and build resilience,” Yao explained.

Her appointment is also part of a broader partnership between Tianjin University and the Tianjin Sports Bureau. Under this collaboration, the two parties will co-establish the Tianjin Youth Women’s Volleyball Team, with Yao contributing to the development of top-level young volleyball talent for both the city and the nation.

By Eva Yin