Sports have always been much more than an activity for Ben Bai.
“It’s just a really fun way to get away from all the academic stuff,” he said. “I’m just having fun here, playing with my friends. And it’s really — it’s really awesome.
What You Need To Know
- Ben Bai is a senior at East-West School of International Studies and captain of the varsity boys volleyball team
- Bai came to the United States from New Zealand, by way of Australia, in the middle of his high school career
- The Flushing, Queens teen also plays on his school’s basketball team
The Flushing, Queens teen started with soccer in his native New Zealand. Then he tacked on rugby and turf hockey.
“I’ve always found many sports like an enjoyment, you know? There’s not really one that I don’t like to play,” he said.
Bai’s family moved from New Zealand to Australia and then to the United States — all within seven months. When he got to the East-West School School of International Studies, sports found him.
“I quickly saw how athletic he was in physical education class,” said Andrew Crimi, Bai’s gym teacher and volleyball and basketball coach. “So it was my goal to get him on the basketball and volleyball team.”
“I accepted volleyball because I found it kind of interesting, because it differed from all the sports I played back in New Zealand,” Bai said.
Bai went into volleyball with zero experience, and quickly rose to the challenge.
In his first season, the outside hitter notched 31 kills, and is now captain of the team.
“He’s determined,” Crimi said. “He’s motivated. He’s always gives 110% every game, every practice.”
And another sport? Why not?
Bai also plays on the basketball team.
“There’s not really too many tall people at the school so they were just using what they got,” he said.
All this while acing his studies. Despite struggling in his Australian school and then transferring to a new school system in the States, Bai boasts a 94 grade point average.
“I promised myself I’d never fall behind again,” he said. “And so I’ve kept up all throughout my junior year and this year. Because I’ve done so, I’m taking a few AP classes.”
Bai hopes to eventually study medicine.
“Being able to help others, I guess, achieve the same goals they want about their health would be pretty accomplishing,” he said.
And if his college schedule allows, he’ll also continue to play sports.
