Ann Tong, an undergraduate in Duke Kunshan’s Class of 2026 from the United States, is president of the DKU Volleyball Club and plays libero in the team.
DKU student Ann Tong passes a volleyball during a training session
You became president of the volleyball club this academic year. What have you found most challenging about the role?
There’s been a lot of paperwork and logistics. This year was the first time for me to organize the volleyball intramurals, and then during the intramurals it was hard to find enough students to staff the games, as each match needs at least four people: a referee, a scorekeeper, and two line guards. Usually, we use students from our volleyball teams, but they all needed to play. So after the intramurals, I had to think of ways we could avoid using students who are playing matches.
What do you feel players gain from volleyball?
I like that it’s a sport that focuses on teamwork, not just individual skill. Through playing, I’ve learned how important it is to communicate. On court, everyone is focused on the ball, not where you are, so you have to speak up. You need to communicate clearly, especially as a libero, whose only job is defense. What’s more, the benefit of playing volleyball, or any sport, is it’s healthier for you. I get a good workout playing volleyball. Plus, I’ve made really good friends.
Volleyball is not as popular in China as some other parts of the world, but there’s clearly growing interest. How do you encourage people to try the sport?
Most people find volleyball a bit scary at first. Volleyball isn’t easy to pick up, not like badminton or basketball, so it requires a lot of commitment. When I started playing, I just focused on how to do the basics. That’s what I encourage other people to do, too, because when you understand how the game fundamentally works, it becomes more fun to play with others.
Generally, to get more people interested in volleyball, you need to start introducing them to the sport earlier, like in high school. If not, when someone gets to university, they’re likely going to be scared off by the skill level of those who’ve been playing for a while.
On a personal level, find people who love the sport as much as you do. Maybe you show them by playing with your friends, or by competing in matches, because when people watch a game, they might think, “Wow, this is amazing. I wanna try, too.” If you show that you truly love a sport, I think other people feel that and will be encouraged to join in.
Find out more about intramurals and the DKU Volleyball Club.
