In its first appearance in the NCTTA national championship competition, the GSU women’s table tennis team made its presence known both on and off the court. Among the 14 women’s teams in the competition, GSU had the lowest skill rating at the beginning of the competition, but that rating did not indicate how well the team would perform.In the consolation round of matches, the GSU women’s team beat 11th ranked Drexel University in intense singles and doubles competition. Coach T.J. Wang and his players followed a strategy that accented their strengths and disrupted the opposing team’s confidence. While the GSU women had never played doubles table tennis, they rose to the occasion, ultimately beating Drexel three games to two. As one observer noted, the cheers of joy and excitement form the GSU women filled gymnasium where the competitions were held. When not competing themselves, GSU team members served as volunteers assisting the NCTTA wherever they were needed. “I am very proud of what our women players have achieved at the 2010 NCTTA Championships,” said Dr. Wang. “Their conduct and services have been commended by the NCTTA President as being leaders and role models to students from other schools. As the coach of our women players, I am very proud of their courage, spirit, self-discipline, and remarkable representation for the University.”
