Who Is Lily Zhang's Coach?

Lily Ann Zhang, born on June 16, 1996, is a top American table tennis player, who is currently set to represent the United States in the Paris Summer Olympics. She previously competed in the 2012 Olympics in London with Ariel Hsing and Erica Wu, and also in the 2016 Olympics in Rio with Jiaqi Zheng and Jennifer Wu. Zhang is a six-time US National Women’s Singles Championship winner, notably in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022.

In 2011, she earned bronze medals in women's singles and women's team at the Pan American Games and won the women's doubles title at the Qatar Peace and Sport Cup. Zhang is ranked No. 2 globally for cadet (Under 15) and No. 5 for junior (Under 18) players.

Quick Facts on Lily Zhang Coach

Lily Zhang’s Coach

Gao Jun currently coaches Lily Zhang. She is the USA Table Tennis Director and National Team Head Coach.

Gao Jun hails from Baoding, Hebei, China, and currently resides in Southern California. She owns the California Table Tennis Club in Rosemead, California.

Gao represented the Chinese National Team in 1992 with Chen Zihe and won a silver medal in women's doubles. In 1994, she moved to the U.S. and attained U.S. citizenship. She represented the United States in the Olympics from 2000 to 2008. In 2009, she was admitted into the USATT Hall of Fame.

Gao is a nine-time US women's champion, having won eleven national titles in women's doubles and eight in mixed doubles. Before the 2012 London Olympics, she was ranked number 1 in the U.S. but had to withdraw from the North American Olympic trials due to an injury.

Gao Jun’s Physical Attributes

Gao Jun was born on 25 January 1969 and is 55 years old. She is tall, 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in) and weighs 165 lb (75 kg).

Gao Jun’s Coaching Career

Gao Jun was pulled towards table tennis at the tender age of five. Born in Baoding, Hebei, China, her early years were influenced by her father who enrolled her in one of China’s top athletic schools.

After completing academic classes each day, Gao would train for several hours. Her first lesson in table tennis involved using a paddle to bounce the ball against a wall without letting it drop, an exercise designed to enhance steadiness and control. From there, she progressed to playing on tables, practicing with older students, and eventually competing against other athletic schools in her province.

Gao won a silver medal in the women's doubles event at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, representing China. In 1994, she became a U.S. citizen and a dominant force in American table tennis. She won numerous trophies, including the 1994 US Open Championship, and was a multiple-time US National Champion in women's singles and doubles.

Beyond her playing career, Gao has also made significant contributions as a coach. She is the Head Coach at California Table Tennis in Rosemead, CA, and has earned the distinction of being a USA Certified National Coach. Her coaching record includes leading the Girls’ Team at the 2017 PanAm Junior Championships and the 2016 World Junior Championships.

Gao guided Erica Wu to the London 2012 Olympics and has coached Grace Yang, who has been a member of the US National Cadet and Junior Teams. Another notable student, Rachel Yang, became the 2015 U.S. Open U-13 Champion and a member of the Cadet National Team under Gao’s tutelage.

Gao Jun’s Record

• Was the 2017 PanAm Junior Championships Girls’ Coach

• Was the 2016 World Junior Championships Girls' Coach

Gao Jun’s Awards & Achievement

• Coached Erica Wu at the London 2012 Olympics

• Coached Grace Yang US National Cadet and Junior Teams

• Coached Rachel Yang 2015 US Open U-13 Champion and Cadet National Tea