Dulwich College Beijing held the athletic scholarship signing ceremony for an incredible student athlete, James Zhao, who signed the National Letter of Intent to the University of California, Berkeley. James’ parents, teachers, university counsellors and DCB leadership team gathered with James to celebrate his selection.

DCB University Counsellor, Kaersten Deeds said: 'We are very proud to have our first “Signing Day” for a terrific athlete, here at Dulwich College Beijing. Being recruited for a top team at a top US university is a big deal and we are glad that James was able to have the same type of celebratory experience for this accomplishment as his counterparts in the US. He is going to make a great Cal Bear and we are proud to call him our own. Good luck, James!'

James commented on his achievement, plans for future and passion for basketball, "For me, basketball has always been something driven by passion - my place of sanctuary. From the start my plan was to take small and steady steps, setting gradual aims which would later lead to my grand goal: becoming the best player I could be. I realised that it was not about the destination at hand but about the journey. And what a journey it has been. From my first goal of becoming a varsity player in DCB back in Year 9 to winning an ACAMIS title and repeating the next year to being selected into the Chinese Junior National Team and then the Men's Olympic National Team. And now, receiving and signing an offer from a NCAA Division 1 school to play basketball in the PAC 12, becoming the first to do so from a high school located in China. It has been a journey indeed. However, I am still far from finished. My journey has just begun. I am excited for what my future has in store for me, thankful to all those who have helped and believed in me along the way and determined that I will achieve my ultimate goal.’

Congratulations, James - all your hard work and dedication has paid off! We wish you all the best luck in the continuation of your journey!