Li Meng is a new addition to our 2023 roster, and she has been making a name for herself over here in the States. Originally from China, Li Meng is playing for the Washington Mystics this summer following a breakout FIBA season with the Chinese National Team..  

During games, you can find Li Meng shooting beyond the arc and giving energy to her teammates when she is on the bench. But one part of her game that people are taking more notice of is her routine to write motivational quotes on her game shoes. Meng started doing this during the Covid-19 Pandemic with her Chinese National teammates.  

Li Meng tells us “The first time I started writing quotes on my shoes were during Covid lockdowns and it was our first game on the Chinese National Team to qualify for the Olympics.” 

The team came together and supported their country and cities in the country affected by Covid-19. Li Meng explains “Because the first outbreak (in China) was in Wuhan; we all wrote Wuhan and ‘come on Wuhan’ to try and lift the city up on our shoes.” 

Meng showed strengthen and support for her home country by being creative and spreading awareness of the city of Wuhan.  

Li Meng has continued to play the game and allow her sneakers to speak life into her game. You can always find some creative drawings or encouraging messages close by. Her family fuels her and is also a monumental reason for her playing. Meng says, “My energy and motivation come from my family.” 

Meng on the detail designs of her sneakers she's wearing tonight 👟#BallOnOurTerms | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/mqiOTkaukL

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 9, 2023

Meng says, “So that started to become a habit and now I will write quotes on my shoes, like “Keep Going.” And I also mention my family on my shoes.” 

All season long, Li Meng has continued to be a great spirit on the court. Her energy on the floor and on the bench is something that helps drive the team during games.  

Meng gives us something to look forward to and tells us “I might have a surprise shoe or something coming out that I can’t tell you right now.” 

Audiences and fans are going to have to wait to see what Meng has in store next for her sneakers. In the meantime, tune into Mystics games to see all the inspirational quotes and drawings on her shoes.