Building champions one spike at a time

Stephanie Law Feng Nie.
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This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily has been given permission to share this story on our platforms. 

By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw

VOLLEYBALL was the only thing that Stephanie Law Feng Nie knew. It wasn’t merely a pastime for Stephanie; it was the heartbeat of her existence, entwined with every step of her journey and shaping her path in ways she couldn’t have imagined.

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Born in Miri in 1994, raised by her grandmother, and influenced by a family with a legacy of athleticism, volleyball became her calling at a young age. Her mother, a former Taekwondo player, and her uncle, Dato Moh Wung Ming, a driving force behind Sibu and Sarawak volleyball, stood as pillars of support. Moh, a seasoned player and coach in the United States (US) and Singapore, urged her to focus on volleyball when she was only 10-years-old.

She first discovered volleyball at only eight and began formal training at 13-years-old. It was her aunt, Wong Ing King, a former national player, who ignited Stephanie’s passion for the sport. Encouraged by her family, she represented her school in competitions and quickly made her mark. But it was more than talent; it was perseverance and the unrelenting belief that sports could be a gateway to success that pushed her forward.

Stephanie’s knack for volleyball led her to the national stage, where she played as an outside spiker for Malaysia in two Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. She also found her place on the volleyball teams at Northern Michigan University and Cal State University in Los Angeles while pursuing her higher education in sports healing and massage.

It was in the US that Stephanie realised that volleyball wasn’t just about strength—it was about mental fortitude, something she had to embody when life threw challenges her way.

Her volleyball career was decorated with two gold medals and one bronze at the Malaysian Games (Sukma), where she represented Sarawak in Malacca, Pahang, and Kuala Lumpur (KL). Despite her many accolades, Stephanie had to make tough decisions. In 2015, she opted out of the SEA Games, postponing her much-needed shoulder surgery. But like a perfectly timed return on the court, Stephanie returned stronger than ever for the 2017 SEA Games. After that, she decided to shift her focus to her studies, stepping away from competitive volleyball to pursue sports healing and massage.

Stephanie (left) and Sarawakian volleyball player Britney Chan Xuan Tie.

Though she stepped away from playing professionally, her love for the game never waned. Even while building a successful career in the insurance industry, she continued to give back to volleyball. In 2016 and again in 2024, she returned as an assistant coach for the Sarawak volleyball team during the Sukma Games, both of which were held in Sarawak.

Her commitment to volleyball was recognised beyond the court. Stephanie was chosen to star in a commercial for Mizuno Asia, an experience she recalls with fondness and laughter. She chuckles as she remembers her initial nervousness, saying, “It was all fun in the end.” The commercial that featured Stephanie and another Singaporean volleyball player, showcases the beauty of the game.

Throughout her journey, the influence of her uncle, Moh, never left her. He had coached her during her formative years with the Sibu Volleyball Association and continued to inspire her with the lessons he’d learned as a coach in the US. He taught her not just the mechanics of the game but the importance of resilience and mental toughness—qualities she believes are essential for the young players she now mentors.

Stephanie’s studies in sports science and her exposure to professional volleyball in the US opened her eyes to the difference in training methods and mental attitudes between athletes in the US and Malaysia.

“In the US, the players are incredibly serious and strongminded, always doing extra work to push themselves.

“Our players here need more help in strength and conditioning, which is crucial in their training,” she said, reflecting on the lessons she has tried to pass on to the next generation.

Her experiences abroad, coupled with her education, equipped her to return to Sarawak with not only technical skills but also a profound understanding of what it takes to build champions. She remains devoted to shaping the future of Sarawak’s volleyball players, ensuring that her journey continues through them.

Her tale is not just about personal triumphs but also about her selfless dedication to the game and her desire to give back.

As she continues to build champions, one spike at a time, her legacy is clear: to inspire, mentor, and nurture the next generation of volleyball stars in Sarawak. The love for the game that began at age eight has grown into a lifelong mission to ensure that the spirit of volleyball lives on in the hearts of those she coaches. –DayakDaily

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