Gao the gamer

When North Idaho College volleyball coach Colleen Frohlich took over the Cardinal program in the spring, she wasn't sure what to expect.

Moments into the team's Scenic West Athletic Conference opener, Frohlich has learned a valuable lesson about the heart and determination of right side hitter Fei Gao.

Gao, a 6-foot-1 sophomore from Qingdao, China, was named an NJCAA honorable mention All-American last year for the Cardinals, who finished 27-6. She was also named to the All-Region 18 first team.

Gao came to the area after her club coach was notified of a few chances in the United States.

"A personal friend got in touch with her," Frohlich said. "A few bigger schools wanted her to come and play for them."

After a brief search, Gao came to Coeur d'Alene, where she contributed right away under coach Chris Kosty. Kosty resigned in March to take an assistant coaching job with Indiana University before leaving the Hoosiers program to return to the Northwest in mid-September.

"I came here because I needed to get my A.S. (Associates of Science) degree to play at a bigger school," Gao said. "Right now, my major is general studies, but I'm really interested in accounting."

Since she's been in Coeur d'Alene, Gao added she's adapted to her new surroundings.

"I like everything about this area," Gao said. "Everyone has been so nice and helps me with everything. Not just on the court - but with my English and school work, all of my teammates have been there whenever I need them."

NIC is 17-5 overall, 3-0 in the SWAC entering its first home match in conference play on Thursday against Snow College. The Cardinals host No. 2 Salt Lake Community College on Saturday.

Gao said she is comfortable on either side of the net.

"I've been playing the right side for most of my life," Gao said. "I really want to be a setter. That's my dream."

"She is a very smart player," NIC sophomore Esther Timofeyev said. "She is quiet, but knows what she's doing on the court. She won't express it, but she gets very intense during matches. She is fun to be around and is very uplifting."

Gao is ranked third in the SWAC in hitting percentage with a .365 average and is ninth in average kills with 2.65 per game and had 20 digs and nine kills for NIC in a five-game win over Eastern Utah last Friday.

"Fei is a complete player," Frohlich said. "When she's on the floor, we're a different team. She can pass, block or terminate a play. She brings tons of experience to the court."

Gao has been battling injuries throughout the first part of the season. She was battling a knee injury at the start of the season, and most recently she sprained her ankle in the conference opener at Southern Idaho on Sept. 25.

"Her ankle is looking pretty good right now," Frohlich said of the injury. "About an hour after the match, she couldn't even walk on it. It was a long walk to the cars that night, but it was worth it."

Gao was injured early in the first game of the match, but returned shortly after.

"I told the team about what courage Fei showed that night," Frohlich said. "When she came to me on the bench, I didn't have a choice but to put her back in. She really did that for her teammates. It was nice to see that toughness in her."

Gao said there never was a doubt she'd return in the match.

"I wanted to go back in," Gao said. "CSI's trainer helped us a lot and wrapped my ankle so I could get back in. I really didn't want to tell them my ankle was hurt - but the girls stepped it up and did a great job."

When it comes to deciding on a four-year school, Gao wants to make sure it is a perfect fit for her future plans.

"The next time around, it's going to be focused more on my academics," Gao said. "I've been very happy with my experience playing volleyball - but right now am more concerned about my schooling."

In her time at NIC, Gao has also developed a friendship with teammates Tina Strahinic from Metlika, Slovenia, and Timofeyev of Moses Lake. The three share an apartment.

"We've been rooming together now for two years," Timofeyev said. "She is a great friend and always listens and is insightful. She is a very funny person, although she doesn't mean to be. She's a great roommate, teammate and person to be around."

"Everyone on the team has been great," Gao said. "But I've grown close with Esther and Tina. Tina has really helped by reading all my papers for school and helping me with speaking English."

When Gao graduates in the spring, she said that she'll miss the area lifestyle.

"I'll miss everything," Gao said. "I just wish that NIC was a four-year school. I like my teachers, coaches and teammates. This area has given me a lot of support. My coaches have been like my American parents."