The Rice University Table Tennis Club’s women’s team has advanced to the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) National Championships for the third consecutive year after performing well at the South Regionals. Club president Daniela Hikari Yano said the achievement comes at a time when table tennis is growing globally.
“There are only 16 teams in the U.S. that qualify for it, so it’s very competitive to be able to be there,” Yano said.
In addition, club member Yun-Ying Tsai qualified for the NCTTA women’s singles competition.
Created just five years ago, Rice’s club started off as a provisional group but recently was upgraded to a recreational club. Members say they are now looking to become the highest level of club sport at Rice: competitive.
“It’s a very new club, and we’re really growing a lot, so it’s been very exciting to be part of it,” Yano said.
Junichiro Kono, director of the Smalley-Curl Institute, is the club’s faculty adviser, and Yano says Kono’s dedication and commitment to the club has been instrumental to its growth.
“He works very hard,” Yano said. “He’s always helping us and motivating and supporting us, and I think it helps with growing the community.”
While competition is the ultimate fulcrum for the club, Yano says the team prioritizes a level of community in hopes that the club continues to expand and flourish as the years go on.
“It makes me so happy to see so many girls on our team and everyone coming and playing and the community growing,” she said. “I think what’s most important is the community that we’re forming here.”
The club will compete in the national tournament in Rockford, Illinois, April 10-12.
If you’re interested in joining the club, join Rice Club Sports on OwlNest and complete the club sports waiver.
