Courting future stars

Former captain of the Chinese women's national volleyball team and Olympic gold medalist Hui Ruoqi is embracing a vibrant new chapter in her life.

As a volleyball match commentator, recent PhD graduate and charity fund initiator, Hui is seamlessly transitioning into her multifaceted post-retirement roles. Adding to her impressive portfolio, the 33-year-old is set to become a teacher at Nanjing Normal University.

Hui, a key player in the Chinese women's volleyball team's triumphant Rio Olympics journey, holds a deep-seated belief in the team's core values: unwavering patriotism, steadfast teamwork, relentless perseverance and an indomitable spirit.

These principles have become the beacon guiding her career, influencing every venture she undertakes — be it commentating, teaching or spearheading charitable initiatives. Hui said her journey continues to inspire her, reflecting the enduring spirit of excellence she championed on the volleyball court.

Last month, Hui celebrated a significant milestone at Nanjing Normal University's 2024 graduate commencement ceremony, earning her PhD in sports humanities and sociology from the School of Sports Science.

As a student-athlete, Hui has always believed that playing sports and academic studies complement each other — both can be improved through rigorous training and practice. She emphasized the importance of moving forward with curiosity.

"For many questions I had on the court, I found the answers in books," Hui shared, likening her various post-retirement volleyball endeavors to "job rotation".

She said she is a hands-on person who feels that, by deeply experiencing something, she can better identify issues and then find answers through systematic analysis.

"As a beneficiary of volleyball, I feel responsible for helping the sport develop, and this is my passion," she said.

Hui's doctoral thesis, which explores the professionalization and reform of volleyball, represents more than just a milestone in her academic career. With over 200,000 words, she hopes her work will be a significant contribution to the volleyball industry and inspire scholars, coaches and athletes to delve into the sport's deeper issues.

During the FIVB Volleyball Nations League tournament in Hong Kong, Hui took on a new challenge, serving for the first time as an assistant technical delegate. She described this role as being "a pair of eyes" for the FIVB, overseeing every detail of the competition venue's management.

Hui explained that the job involves a lot of responsibility. "We conduct pre-event research at the host site, inspect its preparations, and complete match reports afterward. If any emergencies arise, we also assist in resolving them," she said.

"During my career, I thought volleyball was just what I saw every day. After retiring, I've come to see its far-reaching impact. It's a force that transcends time and space, inspiring generation after generation," Hui remarked.

Last December, Hui played a volleyball game with local children in Chaodeng Mongolian township, Zhaoyuan county, Daqing, Heilongjiang province, braving temperatures as low as — 30 C.

"Our court was nothing more than a small hollow in the ground, a net, and a few volleyballs. But, it held a unique charm unlike any other place I have played before," Hui recalled.

"From the harsh winters to the scorching summers, this humble volleyball court remains the favorite spot for local children to unwind after school."

In 2023, her Hui Foundation charity team launched the "100 Courts in 100 Cities" initiative. Through this program, they have built volleyball courts and organized village volleyball tournaments in places like Hotan prefecture, Xinjiang, and Zhongshan, Guangdong province. According to Hui, this initiative not only provides a stage for students and enthusiasts interested in volleyball, but also promotes the sport's development with follow-up training services.

The Hui Foundation also donated a volleyball court to the children of Chaodeng. Despite the challenging construction, due to the local topography and conditions, the children voluntarily joined the construction team, helping the workers carry sandbags and set up the net.

"I promised them that next time, we would play another game there. I hope that this court, along with others we will build in the future, will carry the volleyball dreams of many more children, fostering their physical health and instilling a spirit of perseverance."

With the Paris Olympics approaching, she wholeheartedly wishes all Olympians and China's women's volleyball team the very best.

"I hope they showcase their talents and savor every moment of competition. I also hope that our stories of perseverance on the court will inspire more people to boldly chase their own dreams."

Tracking Success delivers the inside story for global sports fans, exploring what makes elite performers tick, and providing insight into their biggest and most intriguing moments on and off the field of play.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn