(Courtesy of WCTTA)

It is with our heaviest hearts to inform you that 4x World Champion, Zhang Li, passed away on Feb. 13, 2019 at 12:21pm in California, surrounded by her loving family. Coach Zhang was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in September 2015. She was not a smoker and lived a healthy life. The cancer developed through a genetic mutation in her body, which is a scarily high percentage for Asian women over 50 that has lung cancer. She underwent treatments that helped control the disease and fought for her life for almost 3.5 years.

Coach Zhang was extremely humble, thoughtful, caring, selfless, and had the kindest heart. Her strength was unparalleled.

She leaves behind a devastated family who loves her deeply (husband Li Zhen Shi / daughter Nan Li / son in law Stefan Feth / her heart and soul, 14 months old grandson Mika Feth – Li Yu Ming).

To honor Coach Zhang, please consider donating to Stanford Lung Cancer Research in her name. Please help fund and bring awareness to this insidious deadly disease.