Waterpolo
I started water polo when I first came to Deerfield as a freshman. In the 2026-27 season I was honored by my team mate the title of captain.
I first started as a hole set player then became the goalie. In spring 2027, I manage and scorekeep for the girls water polo team.
Awards
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Named the most determined player in the JV waterpolo team
2023
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Named the door of the week
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"In every game and in every practice, Yong brings his A-game. His energy, attentiveness, and desire to learn the sport have awarded him a newfound awareness of the game. " - Comments from Coach
2024
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"Varsity goalie Yong Ding had an astonishing 18 blocks and held full command of his teammates. " - Comments from Coach
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Chosen to be the Captain for season 2026-27
2025
Swimming
I started swimming at age eight, but I stopped for a while and didn’t return to the sport until I came to Deerfield. I’ve been a JV swimmer for two years and a varsity swimmer for two years. I enjoy long-distance events, and my favorite stroke is freestyle.
Awards
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Named the door of the week "Yong has shown some serious power in the pool in these first few weeks, especially while swimming freestyle and backstroke. He has also been impressively present, patient, and hard-working during each practice." - Comments from Coach
2023
2024
2025
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Named the door of the week
" Yong is a rock for the JV Swim team! His steadiness, good spirit, sense of humor, and strength in the pool make him a valued swimmer and teammate. Despite it being only his second year on the team (and at Deerfield), he subtly leads by example every day. " - Comments from Coach
2024
2025
Joined varsity team
Table Tennis
I’ve been playing table tennis since I was 14, and I’ve been in love with the sport. In middle school in China, I was the only freshman on the highly competitive varsity table tennis team. After coming to the U.S., even without a high school league to compete in, I won the Deerfield Ping Pong Tournament two years in a row.
Awards
2023
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APAC Boys Table Tennis Champion
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Two times Deerfield Ping Pong tournament Champion
2025
2026
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Captain of the RSI Grand Slam Championship Team
