UCF Table Tennis Club Ends Semester Unbeaten, Prepares for Regionals
Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida (UCF) Table Tennis Club held its last practice of the semester on November 26, 2023, at the UCF Recreation and Wellness Center. Both the men’s and women’s teams wrapped up a successful fall season, finishing undefeated against other schools in Florida. This achievement has earned them a spot in the upcoming regional tournament scheduled for February 22 and 23 in Texas.
Understanding the Club Structure
Jack Steinberg, a senior majoring in hospitality management and a key player in the club, explained how the club operates. The UCF Table Tennis Club is part of the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association and competes in two main divisions each academic year—a fall division and a spring division. This semester, the club faced and defeated all five Florida teams, demonstrating their strong skills and teamwork.
Upcoming Regional Challenge
As they gear up for the regional tournament, players from the club are excited about the competition that lies ahead. The tournament will see them face some of the best colleges in the Southern region, including teams from states like Texas, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Selecting the Best Talent
Players are chosen to compete in the fall season based on a rigorous tryout process at the beginning of the semester. Only varsity players can travel to compete against other colleges. This requires candidates to go through three tryouts, after which the top players are selected and divided into Team A (varsity) and Team B (junior varsity).
Hope for Nationals
Junior Jake Weber, the club’s vice president, expressed confidence in their chances at regionals. “We have a good chance at making regionals, like number two or three in the region to hopefully make it to nationals,” Weber stated. Aleksandar Zivkovic, a sophomore in computer engineering, added that a successful outing in Texas could lead to a national tournament in Chicago in April—an exciting goal for the club, as this would be their first attempt at competing at nationals.
The Skill Level of Table Tennis
Weber also addressed common misconceptions around table tennis, noting that it is often viewed as a casual sport. “The skill ceiling to table tennis is like chess,” he explained, mentioning the rating system where players strive for higher rankings that require years of practice.
Fundraising and Community Engagement
The UCF Table Tennis Club practices three to four times a week. While UCF allocates some funding to the club, they also rely on fundraising, sponsorships, and hosting tournaments. Last year, they raised nearly $4,000, while this semester they brought in $2,000. To boost community outreach, the club now employs two new board members focused on promoting events and engaging the UCF community.
Supportive Coaches and Team Environment
Bliss Plummer, a sophomore majoring in emerging media, shared her experience with the club, stating that the coaches and leaders are very hands-on with player development. The women’s team, which has also gone undefeated in Florida, has had limited competition. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm and commitment to training ensure that every player has opportunities to improve their skills.
Looking to the Future
As the team prepares for the spring division and the challenges of regional and national competition, one of their top players, senior Hasan Dugan, will not be able to participate in the upcoming tournaments due to graduation. To fill this gap, a tournament will be held among the junior varsity players to decide who will step up in Dugan’s absence.
The UCF Table Tennis Club is on an upward trajectory, showcasing talent, hard work, and passion for the sport as they aim for new heights in competitive table tennis.
