The head coach of Jiangsu Women's Basketball Team, Chen Xiaojia, has finally returned to the court in this cold winter. The 38-year-old veteran carries a full sense of story and sentiment, using 4 minutes to tell us that the love for basketball never fades with age.
Chen Xiaojia chose a particularly clever time to step onto the court. With more than 4 minutes left in the final quarter against Fujian Jinjiang Women's Basketball Team, she quietly stood by the sidelines waiting to be substituted, at which moment the atmosphere in the entire stadium changed.
This former national team member's performance on the court was particularly touching. Although she had no desire to shoot, she managed to grab 2 rebounds and deliver 2 beautiful assists in a short period of time, showing that she still maintains a very good competitive state.
There was a small incident during the game that made everyone hold their breath. Chen Xiaojia was knocked down by an opponent and lay on the ground for a while before she could get up. Even the medical staff on the sidelines ran into the field to check on her condition, which reminded people that she is indeed a mother of two children.
Last summer, Jiangsu Women's Basketball Team experienced an unexpected change. The original head coach, Ding Tie, passed away due to illness, plunging the entire team into sadness. It was under such circumstances that Chen Xiaojia took over the coaching position.
Having served Jiangsu Women's Basketball Team for 15 to 16 years, Chen Xiaojia has deep feelings for this team. Her decision to take over as head coach seemed hasty but was actually a natural choice because she knows the team so well.
This season, Jiangsu Women's Basketball Team has undergone significant changes in tactics. Chen Xiaojia boldly loaned out main players like Zhang Manman and Jin Weina, a decision that seems risky to outsiders.
Young players like Hu Xin'yu, Hong Xinyan, and Lu Ziwei have received a lot of playing time this season, filling Jiangsu Women's Basketball Team's future with hope, even though their current record of 9 wins and 9 losses looks average.
Chen Xiaojia contrasts sharply with Huang Si'jing of Guangdong Women's Basketball Team. Huang Si'jing now appears more as a player on the court, while Chen Xiaojia focuses on coaching.
In the WCBA league, there are not many who can serve as both head coach and player at the same time. Chen Xiaojia's attempt brings a new possibility to women's basketball.
Huang Jing of Shanghai Women's Basketball Team is still running on the court at the age of 39, making Chen Xiaojia look younger in comparison. Both of them interpret their love for basketball in their own ways.
Chen Xiaojia's appearance hasn't changed much compared to ten years ago, causing many fans to wonder how she maintains herself, but what truly keeps her young is her unwavering passion for basketball.
Jiangsu Women's Basketball Team's current situation is somewhat awkward, ranking ninth in Group A, which is not very ideal. However, Chen Xiaojia doesn't seem to be in a hurry. She cares more about the growth of young players.
On the training court, Chen Xiaojia often personally gets involved and practices with the players, allowing her to better understand their feelings and needs.
Young players say that Chen Xiaojia is not only their coach but also like an older sister, creating a harmonious atmosphere within the team with this mentor-friend relationship.
Although it may be unlikely for Chen Xiaojia to win the honor of best coach this season, she is writing a new story for Jiangsu Women's Basketball Team in her own way.