Lang bids farewell to Stars and Stripes

Lang Ping is unlikely to return to China to head up its women's volleyball team despite turning down an offer to extend her contract with the US squad on Tuesday after leading it to a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Instead, the "Iron Hammer," as she was known in her playing days, wants to return to club volleyball to allow her more quality time at home.

"At this moment in my life, family comes first and I wish for more flexibility to spend time with them," the 47-year-old Hall of Famer was quoted as saying on the official website of USA Volleyball. "I prefer a club volleyball season that lasts five months so that I can spend the other seven months of the year with them."