0
UNI-MAGAZINE
- Home
- UNI-MAGAZINE
- Sports Culture
- Passing Power and Female Strength! “Never Give Up Until the Last Second”｜Interview with National Softball Player & Shilin Vocational Softball Coach Pan Tzu-Hui
Passing Power and Female Strength! “Never Give Up Until the Last Second”｜Interview with National Softball Player & Shilin Vocational Softball Coach Pan Tzu-Hui
The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team in Taipei has been a staple of Taiwan’s softball legacy for over six decades. Known for its competitive edge, the team boasts two championship titles in the national high school league. Behind their success is a powerhouse coaching duo: Olympic veterans Han Hsing-Lin as head coach and Pan Tzu-Hui as assistant coach.Uni-magazinesat down with Coach Pan to explore her journey from the international stage to the classroom diamond.
.jpg "The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team")
Coach Pan (third from left, bottom row)
The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Head Coach Han Hsing-Lin, Coaches Pan Tzu-huei and Lee Yu-Ling.
(Photo credit: The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Facebook))
Pan Tzu-Hui, a former national player in both the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics, continues to inspire on and off the field. Named MVP in the 2011 National Women’s Baseball Championship, she now serves as both a coach and right fielder for theCaesars Warriorsin Taiwan’s corporate women’s softball league.
(Photo credit: TPWSL Facebook))
Despite being a seasoned veteran, Pan still trains alongside her much younger teammates.
Uni-magazineThis level of discipline is common among elite athletes. When asked if she shares this “athlete’s mindset,” Pan laughs, “I have it bad!”
(Photo credit: Pan's Facebook))
At the 2021 National Games, a wild bounce struck Pan in the jaw. Though unable to speak from the pain, she stayed in the game. It wasn’t until a week later that a hospital visit revealed a fractured jaw requiring four screws. “I couldn’t speak, so I had to use a student as my voice,” she jokes. “But hey, at least they were more considerate when I was injured!”
110th National Games Women's Team Softball Competition, Taipei City, 3rd Place
(Photo credit: Pan's Facebook))
Team synergy is critical in softball, but during Taiwan’s COVID-19 Level 3 alert in 2021, schools were shut, and group training was banned. Instead of taking a break, Coach Pan launched virtual training sessions. “Imagine watching 20 athletes move on screen at once. It made my eyes spin!”
CollarPan works closely with high school and junior high athletes.Teenagers are still learning to manage both emotions and pressure. “It’s not uncommon to see a player crying mid-game,” she says. Emotional dynamics within the team also require careful guidance. Parents often approach her with concerns about their children’s stress or fatigue, and Pan takes it all in stride. “Coaching means more than technical training. You also have to guide their mindset and growth.”
Pan coaching students on the field (Photo credit: The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Facebook))
Her bond with students is so strong that some even request her as a counselor despite never having been coached by her. “They say I’m funny,” she laughs. “But I always refer them to professional counseling—still, it means a lot.”
Han Hsing-Lin and Pan Tzu-Hui interacted with students at the competition, showing the bond between teachers and students.
(Photo credit: The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Facebook))
At the 2021 U18 Women’s Softball World Cup, Taiwan claimed a historic silver medal. It's best-ever result. One standout player, SLHS student Chiu Yi-Hsuan, even video-called Coach Pan from overseas to discuss game strategies. When Chiu was quarantined back in Taiwan, Coach Pan sent her a barbell and weight plates to keep training. “She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,” Pan chuckles.
Shihlin High Commercial Girls' Softball Team member Chiu Yi-Xuan is participating in the 2021 U18 Girls' Softball World Cup (Photo Source: Shihlin High Commercial Girls' Softball Team Facebook)
In Taiwan, women in sports face a steep uphill climb. Fewer than 4% of youth players make it to the professional level, and the path is even narrower for female softball players. Despite these challenges, Pan wears many hats, like high school coach, national team coach, scout, and mentor, pushing herself to go beyond the field.
She acknowledges societal stereotypes still dissuade many parents from letting daughters pursue softball. “There aren’t enough opportunities after high school,” she notes, “and even fewer at the university level.”
Pan encourages her players to reflect on what they want and explore all possible futures.
Balancing sports and academics is tough. But Pan believes the lessons learned—grit, resilience, teamwork—carry far beyond the diamond. “Every drop of sweat becomes part of your growth,” she says. “Even if you leave softball, your experiences stay with you.”
As someone who continues to train, coach, and grow in her own profession, Pan Tzu-Hui proves that leadership, grit, and passion don’t fade—they evolve.She is, without question, the perfect role model for the next generation of female athletes.
.jpg "Softball Coach C.H. Poon")
(Photo credit: Pan)
To learn more, please see the links below:
SLHS Softball Team
TPWSL Women's Softball League
Coach Pan (third from left, bottom row)
The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Head Coach Han Hsing-Lin, Coaches Pan Tzu-huei and Lee Yu-Ling.
(Photo credit: The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Facebook))
Pan Tzu-Hui, a former national player in both the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics, continues to inspire on and off the field. Named MVP in the 2011 National Women’s Baseball Championship, she now serves as both a coach and right fielder for theCaesars Warriorsin Taiwan’s corporate women’s softball league.
(Photo credit: TPWSL Facebook))
Despite being a seasoned veteran, Pan still trains alongside her much younger teammates.
“I do the same workouts they do,” she says. “Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I get to slack off—I want to prove that age doesn’t define ability.”
Uni-magazineThis level of discipline is common among elite athletes. When asked if she shares this “athlete’s mindset,” Pan laughs, “I have it bad!”
(Photo credit: Pan's Facebook))
At the 2021 National Games, a wild bounce struck Pan in the jaw. Though unable to speak from the pain, she stayed in the game. It wasn’t until a week later that a hospital visit revealed a fractured jaw requiring four screws. “I couldn’t speak, so I had to use a student as my voice,” she jokes. “But hey, at least they were more considerate when I was injured!”
110th National Games Women's Team Softball Competition, Taipei City, 3rd Place
(Photo credit: Pan's Facebook))
Team synergy is critical in softball, but during Taiwan’s COVID-19 Level 3 alert in 2021, schools were shut, and group training was banned. Instead of taking a break, Coach Pan launched virtual training sessions. “Imagine watching 20 athletes move on screen at once. It made my eyes spin!”
She stresses that athletes should practice independently for at least 30 minutes to an hour daily. “Too much rest hurts your conditioning. You’ll lose your edge and risk injury.”
CollarPan works closely with high school and junior high athletes.Teenagers are still learning to manage both emotions and pressure. “It’s not uncommon to see a player crying mid-game,” she says. Emotional dynamics within the team also require careful guidance. Parents often approach her with concerns about their children’s stress or fatigue, and Pan takes it all in stride. “Coaching means more than technical training. You also have to guide their mindset and growth.”
Pan coaching students on the field (Photo credit: The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Facebook))
Her bond with students is so strong that some even request her as a counselor despite never having been coached by her. “They say I’m funny,” she laughs. “But I always refer them to professional counseling—still, it means a lot.”
Han Hsing-Lin and Pan Tzu-Hui interacted with students at the competition, showing the bond between teachers and students.
(Photo credit: The Shilin High School of Commerce (SLHS) Girls Softball Team Facebook))
At the 2021 U18 Women’s Softball World Cup, Taiwan claimed a historic silver medal. It's best-ever result. One standout player, SLHS student Chiu Yi-Hsuan, even video-called Coach Pan from overseas to discuss game strategies. When Chiu was quarantined back in Taiwan, Coach Pan sent her a barbell and weight plates to keep training. “She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,” Pan chuckles.
Shihlin High Commercial Girls' Softball Team member Chiu Yi-Xuan is participating in the 2021 U18 Girls' Softball World Cup (Photo Source: Shihlin High Commercial Girls' Softball Team Facebook)
In Taiwan, women in sports face a steep uphill climb. Fewer than 4% of youth players make it to the professional level, and the path is even narrower for female softball players. Despite these challenges, Pan wears many hats, like high school coach, national team coach, scout, and mentor, pushing herself to go beyond the field.
She acknowledges societal stereotypes still dissuade many parents from letting daughters pursue softball. “There aren’t enough opportunities after high school,” she notes, “and even fewer at the university level.”
Pan encourages her players to reflect on what they want and explore all possible futures.
“You don’t always have to be on the field to succeed.Just don’t give up too easily when things don’t feel rewarding right away."
Balancing sports and academics is tough. But Pan believes the lessons learned—grit, resilience, teamwork—carry far beyond the diamond. “Every drop of sweat becomes part of your growth,” she says. “Even if you leave softball, your experiences stay with you.”
As someone who continues to train, coach, and grow in her own profession, Pan Tzu-Hui proves that leadership, grit, and passion don’t fade—they evolve.She is, without question, the perfect role model for the next generation of female athletes.
(Photo credit: Pan)
To learn more, please see the links below:
SLHS Softball Team
TPWSL Women's Softball League
Unistar
Unistar is a premier specialist in dye-sublimation jerseys and custom teamwear in Asia. With over a decade of apparel manufacturing expertise, we specialize in high-end Japanese EPSON digital printing technology and performance fabric R&D. From school club kits and corporate apparel to professional league uniforms, we are committed to providing "one-stop" professional design and in-house production services, ensuring every garment delivers vibrant colors and peak moisture-wicking performance.
Article Classification
Recent Articles
- andball History & Rules: From European Roots to TW/HK Developments | Unistar
- The Ultimate Football Guide: From Standard 11-a-side to Futsal – A Complete Format & Rules Analysis
- Introduction to the sport of Pickleball｜Rules, Play, Tips and Venues at a Glance
- What is Round Tennis? A fast-paced game that makes you fall in love with sports!
- Volleyball’s Thrilling Six-Man Battle: Rules, Tactics, and the Secrets Behind the Game