May 9, 2000

The University of Missouri Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the hiring of DENG YANG (pronounced, Den Young) today. With the hiring, Susan and Wayne Kreklow completed their coaching staff for the 2000 fall season.

Yang comes to Missouri from Columbia College where she was a member of the Kreklow's men's volleyball coaching staff. Prior to joining the coaching staff, Yang was part of the Cougars women's volleyball program.

"Deng Yang is not only a great player but she is a very good teacher of the game," Wayne Kreklow said. "She brings a lot of things to the program. She brings international playing experience and a knowledge of the game that will really help both on the court and in the recruiting process."

As a player, Yang was a two-time NAIA First team All-American (outside hitter in 1998 and setter in 1999) and was named 1999 NAIA National Player of the Year. She was also selected as the Most Valuable Player at the National Tournament where the Cougars placed first. But Yang's accolades do not stop there. She was also a member of the all-region and all-conference teams, including the all-conference academic team, her freshman and sophomore seasons.

Prior to moving to the United States, Yang played for the Chinese Junior National team for four years and the Chinese National team for one year. She was a member of the 1995 World Cup Championship team as well as a member of the Asia Princess Cup III Championship teams (1993 and 1996). She was selected "Best Hitter" in 1993.

"It is going to be a challenge (being a full-fledged coach)," Yang said. "But the girls are hard workers and I like them a lot. I am looking forward to the experience."

A native of Chang Zhou, China, Yang is married to Chen Feng, a former member of the Columbia College men's volleyball team.