Despite speculation at home that China's Lang Ping will become the head coach of US national women's volleyball team, the final decision will be made before April.

"We have been contacting several nominees for the post, including Lang, but the association has not made a final choice." Doug Beal, chief executive officer of the USA Volleyball Association, told the Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday.

"The association has arranged a full schedule for the women's national team so we have to find a suitable head coach before April. Lang is great athlete as well as a good coach so it is certainly possible for her to take the post."

Known as one of the most dominant volleyball players in the 1980s, 44-year-old Lang, dubbed "the Iron Hammer" for her killer spikes, has led the Chinese women's team to gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, 1982 World Championships, and 1981 and 1985 World Cup.

Lang then coached China's women's team to silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and 1998 World Women's Volleyball Championships, before leading Italy's Novara Club to the league and Cup titles last year.

Because of her special status in Chinese volleyball history, the possibility of Lang joining a US national team has led to intense domestic discussion.

If picked, she would be assisting one of the home side's most formidable opponents during the Beijing Olympics.

"The US is a powerful team no matter who is their head coach," said Chen Zhonghe, head coach of China's women's national volleyball team. "But Lang would make them more potent against China."

Chen led the Chinese women to the Athens Olympic gold after 20 years of waiting.

He also led China to a 2003 World Cup victory in Japan.

Lang, now coaching Italy's Jesi Club, says she just wants to find a stable job and stay closer to her 12-year-old daughter.

"I'm feeling increasingly tired, the older I get," said Lang.

"The reason I chose an Italian club after resigning from China was just because it's much more relaxed here.

"I also told Beal I would not take a post with too much pressure and that now, I just want to share more time with my daughter."

The USA Volleyball Association offered Lang a contract in 2000, but she refused due to personal reasons.

"China is becoming a strong team now," Lang said.

"I don't think the American side can threaten China in the near future."

Chinese press have reported that a four-year-contract worth US$600,000 is up for grabs.

But Lang, a household name in China, did not confirm the figure.

(China Daily February 4, 2005)