Springfield College Collaborates with Chinese Olympic Committee to Host Chinese National Softball Team
Springfield College is currently collaborating with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) to have 16 players and two coaches of the Liaoning National Chinese Softball Team training at the College until June 28.
The Chinese softball team’s visit to Springfield College is part of a training partnership between the College and the COC to allow Chinese athletes an opportunity to learn the different methods of athletic training in the United States. As a result of a strong relationship between the College and the COC, this trip marks the Chinese softball squad’s only visit to the United States to train.
“We are very excited that the Chinese Softball Team chose to spend time practicing at Springfield College,” said Springfield College School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Dean Tracey Matthews. “This is a wonderful collaboration and we are happy to have them on our campus. This experience has provided our athletic training, strength and conditioning, and coaching staff with exposure to a highly skilled team. We look forward to future collaborations with the Chinese Olympic Committee.”
Members of the Chinese Softball Team will live on campus while training with Springfield College Head Softball Coach Julie Perrelli and her assistant coaches during on-field sessions. The team will also have the opportunity to utilize the Springfield College award-winning strength and conditioning facility for off-field workouts.
“As part of our visit to China last summer with Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, we were able to meet with the Chinese Olympic Committee and invite Chinese athletes to campus to train with our faculty and coaches,” said Springfield College Doggett International Center Director Deb Alm. “It’s an honor to have the COC choose Springfield College as the place to send its athletes to train while in the United States.”
For more than a century, Springfield College presidents, students, alumni, and athletic teams have traveled the globe building relationships, conducting educational and sports programs, and receiving governmental and humanitarian awards. Today, more than 600 Springfield College alumni reside in 65 countries outside the United States.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Springfield College Doggett International Center assists international students and hosts international scholars, coaches, and guests. The College also conducts student missions to economically disadvantaged countries to provide needed human services.
Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy—educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2015 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News and World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its School of Human Services campuses across the country.
