Zhang Changing

Born on November 6, 1995, in Changzhou and raised in Nanjing, Zhang Changning comes from a family with a strong volleyball background. Her father, Zhang Yousheng, was a former player for the China men’s national volleyball team, and her elder brother, Zhang Chen, is a current member of the same team. Zhang’s early career began with beach volleyball in 2009. She initially partnered with Ji Linjun and later with Ma Yuanyuan in 2010 and 2011, achieving a silver medal at the 2011 Asian Beach Volleyball Championship. Her foundational experience in beach volleyball provided her with diverse skills and adaptability.

In early 2013, Zhang Changning transitioned to indoor volleyball, a decision that initially led to a ban from competition by national and provincial volleyball bureaus. This ban was due to her refusal to return to beach volleyball. However, following public discontent and the Jiangsu team’s performance challenges in the 2013-2014 season, the ban was lifted on December 29, 2013. This turning point allowed her to join the Jiangsu Zenith Steel Women’s Volleyball Club, marking the start of her prominent indoor volleyball career. She has since remained with the Jiangsu team, playing as an outside hitter.

Her career progressed rapidly, with Coach Lang Ping promoting her to the national indoor team in 2014. Zhang Changning represented China at the 2014 Asian Games, earning a silver medal. She was a pivotal part of the team that secured the gold medal at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup. A significant achievement came in 2016 when she played as both an outside hitter and an opposite hitter, winning a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She continued to achieve success, including a bronze medal at the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship and another gold medal at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup. Zhang Changning also received individual recognition, being voted CVL’s MVP and Most Popular Player in the 2015-2016 season.