At the last leg of the inaugural Sino-Foreign University Cup last weekend, NYU Shanghai’s Qilins went up against University of Nottingham Ningbo China and Duke Kunshan University, competing in six sports.
Although the Qilins were unable to maintain their 2nd place ranking they earned in the first two rounds of competition, NYU Shanghai came in close with 50 points behind UNNC (52) and DKU (60). Nevertheless everyone came away with a huge sense of accomplishment and pride at the close of competition.
NYU Shanghai Athletics Program Administrator Nicole Wu, who worked for over months to establish the tournament with her cohorts at UNNC and DKU, said that overall the tournament had been a huge success. “With the dedication from all three institutions and the support of all staff, coaches, and student-athletes, this newly founded sports tournament became a great opportunity for student-athletes to compete and connect, to showcase athletic skills and school spirit,” she said. “I’m so proud of all the participants.”
The NYU Shanghai women’s soccer team finished ahead with a total of 10 points and with only one loss throughout the three legs of competition, bringing home the trophy at the end of the competition.
Soccer player Hennessey Carolina Gau Saunders ’28 said the games were a test of determination, strength, and unity as a team. “The sisterhood we've built over the last year has made me confident in not only representing NYUSH, but taking home victory with my amazing teammates."
The team lost the first game against UNNC by penalty kicks, but quickly adjusted themselves and made a strong comeback, winning the second game, and eventually securing the championship. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer team tied on the overall points with UNNC behind DKU.
The co-ed Qilin tennis team also prevailed over UNNC and DKU, coming in first. Both the men’s and women’s volleyball team also put in a valiant effort, coming in second place overall. The women’s basketball team placed third, but steadily improved over the tournament, narrowing the point gap with each successive leg and demonstrating grit and persistence. Meanwhile, the co-ed badminton team gave it their all, but in the end placed third.
Volleyball and basketball player Rachel Te ’27 added that the spirit of the fans added to the experience. “When people are cheering us on, I feel like their energy motivates us to play better,” she said. “I want to give them an entertaining game to watch while giving our all to represent our university.”
Her favorite moment of the SFUC Cup was being a fan herself. “Watching the final minutes of the NYUSH men’s soccer game against DKU, the score was tied 2-2 and everyone was screaming and cheering. It’s unfortunate we lost but that’s the loudest I’ve ever heard our school be.”
The men’s basketball team rose up to the challenge, bringing home a first place win. The competition initially came out to a total point 8 point tie-breaker between NYU Shanghai and UNNC. But in all three legs, NYU Shanghai Qilins prevailed against UNNC 2-1, making the Qilin men’s basketball team number one in the end. The Qilins had to claw their way to first place though, and had to put even more effort to make up for the loss of a starting player who left the court with a dislocated shoulder during the final game. “The rest of the team carried on his spirit and fought till the last minute,” said Wu.
Seraphin Devallet NYU ’26 said he’s walking away from SFUC with a great sense of community and pride: “I was able to play the sport that I love, whilst being surrounded by an international and like-minded community,” he said. “The Cup highlighted the importance of athletics for students who are busy studying all week. I’m glad I was able to experience this.”
Four-year table tennis team veteran Wu Wenluetao ’25 said that the team’s spirit was as meaningful as their second place finish at SFUC. It has become more than just a team—it’s a family,” he said. “We support and encourage one another, and I can feel how we are connected tightly with each other. As I approach graduation and prepare to step into the real world, this sense of connection is something I truly cherish.”
Volleyball player and study away student Emma Pongrácová NYUAD ’26 said participating in the SFUC allowed her and her teammates to deepen their connection with one another. “I think this tournament made us much closer than before,” she said. “Spending time together before, during, and after the game allowed us to get to know each other even outside the court.”
After the success of the first Sino-Foreign University Cup, the three universities have agreed to continue the tradition. The second annual SFUC will be held in three rounds, with preliminary rounds at DKU and UNNC in October and November, with NYU Shanghai slated to host the final round of competition in spring of 2026.