COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. February 8, 2005 – “Jenny” Lang Ping of China, one of the most famous and respected individuals in the history of volleyball, has been hired as the new head coach of the USA women’s national volleyball team, USA Volleyball announced Monday. 

Lang Ping takes over the position from former Team USA coach Toshi Yoshida, who resigned late last year to accept a professorship position at Biwako Seikei Sport College in Japan. 

“USA Volleyball is honored to be able to reach an agreement with ‘Jenny’ to be the next USA women’s national team coach,” said USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer, Doug Beal.  “Lang Ping is perhaps the most decorated, successful women’s volleyball personality in the world, and I am excited that we are going to be able to have her leading our women’s national team for the next quadrennial. 

Known as the “Iron Hammer” during her playing days, Lang Ping, 44, was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame as a player on October 18, 2002, culminating an incredible career that saw her establish herself as one of the finest female volleyball players ever. 

Lang Ping was a member of the Chinese women’s national team that won an Olympic gold medal over the United States at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, a World Championship crown in 1982 and World Cup titles in 1981 and 1985. 

In 1995, Lang Ping became the head coach of the Chinese national team and eventually guided the squad to the silver medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.  Later that year she earned FIVB Coach of the Year honors.  China also captured a silver medal at the 1998 World Championship, a bronze medal at the 1995 World Cup and a gold medal at the 1995 Asian Championships during her tenure.  She resigned from her job as coach in early 1999. 

Along with the Montreux VolleyMasters, the Pan American Cup and the month-long World Grand Prix, Team USA’s 2005 schedule features the NORCECA World Championship Qualifying Tournament from Aug. 13-19 in Puerto Rico and the NORCECA Championships from Sept. 2-9 in Trinidad and Tobago. 

The USA women will be the defending champions at the NORCECA Championships, which also serves as the qualifier for the Grand Champions Cup tournament in Japan from Nov. 15-20.  The 2006 FIVB World Championships will take place in Japan from Nov. 16-Dec. 3.