"Defence! Hold the line!"
Shouts echo across the Spanish summer sky as flying discs slice through the air.
This week, from 21 to 28 June, the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) is hosting the 2025 World Under-24 Ultimate Championships in Spain. Among the top youth athletes representing over 20 countries is Xu Jiayi , a third-year English with International Business student from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), competing proudly for Team China. This team ultimately secured seventh place in the mixed division, setting a historic best record for China's national ultimate team in this competition.
“I wanted to showcase China’s potentialand learn from the best players in the world and through that make UNNC Frisbee team stronger and more experienced.” Xu said.
Xu’s rise has been remarkable. Just three years ago, she was a 35kg newcomer with no sporting background, joining the UNNC Ultimate Frisbee team simply to “earn credits.” Today, she’s a national-level athlete competing on the world stage. Her journey is a powerful example of how UNNC’s student-focused, development-driven sport environment helps individuals discover their potential and grow far beyond the classroom and borders.
Early on, training was physically and mentally demanding. Injuries made her question whether she belonged. Everything changed during an autumn league match, when her captain—nicknamed “Tomato”—coached through a torn ligament and led a tearful team to a comeback victory.
“That moment showed me there’s something deeper than winning,” Xu recalled. “That bond, that belief in each other—that’s what made me want to stay.”
Since then, ultimate frisbee has become central to her life. She trains four or more times a week, rain or shine. Every session, every challenge, has helped her grow—not only as an athlete, but also as a leader and teammate.
UNNC’s vibrant sport culture and student-athlete support systems have played a key role in her development. The university has taken clear steps to build a high-performance environment that supports long-term growth. This includes professional coaching, the introduction of strength and conditioning, student-athlete workshops, and targeted resources to help players thrive—on the field and in the classroom.
Xu’s dedication was recognised earlier this year when she was named Female Athlete of the Year at the 2025 UNNC Sport Awards, a celebration of the students driving sport forward on campus and beyond.
“As a university, we’re committed to creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and athletically,” says Prathiv Kholia, Deputy Director of Sports and Physical Education at UNNC. “At UNNC, we’re aligning more closely with the high-performance support systems seen on our UK campus, taking a student-athlete centred approach that focuses on long-term development.
We’re building the foundations of a high-performance sport culture—from professional coaching and strength and conditioning support to student-athlete workshops that help players manage their time, mindset, and recovery. Xu Jiayi is a great example of how this support is already making a difference.
As our programme continues to grow, more students will have access to the tools, knowledge and opportunities needed to compete at the highest levels—both in China and internationally.”
UNNC also provides financial and logistical support for elite student-athletes, covering training, competition expenses, travel, and nutrition—ensuring all students have the chance to pursue their passion without barriers.
After impressing selectors at the national trials, Xu earned her place on the national team. Now, she’s competing on one of the sport’s biggest international stages.
“Ultimate is my spiritual anchor,” she said with a smile. “It’s helped me slow down, think strategically, communicate better, and work in a team—skills that have improved both my studies and my confidence in life.”
At UNNC, sport is more than fitness—it’s a platform for growth, resilience, and transformation. Xu hopes more students will find their passion at UNNC and take bold steps onto bigger stages around the world.
Published on 28 June 2025