Taiwan's Lai Xiang-chen joins women's pro-volleyball team in Germany

Taipei, June 23 (CNA) Lai Xiang-chen (賴湘程) became the first Taiwanese woman to play professional volleyball in Germany after a German team announced signing her on Sunday.

The VfB Suhl LOTTO Thüringen professional women's volleyball team announced Lai's signing on its official website and Instagram, saying it was pleased to add the 30-year-old Lai as the team's libero to strengthen VfB's defense.

"Lai brings international quality to the libero position," the team wrote. "With her training in Taiwan's competitive youth programs and several seasons in her home country's top league, Lai established herself as a key player in reception and defense."

VfB also praised Lai's previous achievements such as playing for Taiwan's national team several times at international tournaments, including the Asian Women's Volleyball Cup, the Asian Volleyball Championship, and the Asian Games.

In addition, VfB head coach László Hollósy said the team is pleased to welcome Lai for her strong technique, speed and skill in reception and defense.

"Xiang-Chen impressed us not only with her game intelligence, but also with her professional attitude and presence on the court," Hollósy said. "We are convinced that she will play an important role in our defensive structure and be a key figure in the coming season."

Before Lai, the only other Taiwanese woman to play volleyball professionally in Europe was Yang Yi-chen (楊怡真) who joined Italy's Lardini Filottrano as a setter in 2018.

Lai most recently played for China's Guangdong Shenzhen Glorious in the China Volleyball League for two seasons between 2023 and 2025 before getting her German contract.

On playing in Germany, Lai said she chose Suhl because she believes it's a great environment for her to develop further both as a player and as a person.

"I'm excited about the new challenges and look forward to being part of the team and giving my best in the coming season," she said over VfB's website.

In another statement, Lai further explained that she had wanted to play in Europe early on in her career, noting that she was able to get the opportunity to fulfill the dream after VfB came across her tournament tapes by chance.

The opportunity to play in Germany is not only a career milestone but also a chance to find new excitement and growth, she added.

Lai said she will spend time in Taiwan getting into better physical shape for the start of the new European season in October.

She also said that if called on by Taiwan, she would be proud to represent the nation at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan's Aichi Prefecture.

Donning the national uniform is always an honor, she said.