The 2015-2016 competitive season was filled with many firsts for UCLA's Club Table Tennis. Southern California Divisional's proved to be a victorious event for the Bruins, where they achieved a historic win against their rival Trojans. However this tournament was just the beginning. Following their battle with USC, the Bruins landed their first ever entry into Table Tennis Nationals.
 
Nationals Placement:
 
Women's Team:  5th Place
Co-Ed Team: 9th Place
 
Regionals Placement:
 
Women's Team:  2nd Place
Co-Ed Team: 3rd Place


 
All of these achievements did not come easily. Every team member whether they be a part of the Junior Varsity or Varsity team, put in their hard work for the love of the game.
 
One player who performed exceptionally well was Quince Ko. Quince was mentioned by many of his teammates as being " a consistent player, always playing and having a good time." His efforts, encouragement, and spirit led the team on a record-breaking season.  
 


This year the club will have five graduating seniors: Xiao Jin, Leslie Chiang, Quince Ko, Chris Dong, Nick Pfizer, and Taiyu Guo.
 
I got the chance to catch up with Leslie Chiang and she filled me in on what it meant to be a part of Club Table Tennis to her. "Table Tennis has definitely been a big part of my college experience. It is like my second family… our camaraderie continues off the court and lasts for a lifetime," says Leslie. Having been on the team for four years, Leslie noted that a lot has changed. The biggest change to her is the growing strength and number of the team.
 
As she embarks on her road to graduation, Leslie hopes that the team will continue its fruitful recruitment so that more students could have the experience of playing a competitive sport all the while developing lasting friendships in college. Her one piece of advice for anyone considering playing the sport "if you are passionate about it, then you should go for it!"
 
Looking forward, team captains Young Yang and Heng Wah Zeng have a few of their own goals for the team. Every year brings new challenges, whether it be growing competition from other schools or as Heng Wah Zeng puts it trying to change the perception of Table Tennis from being "a recreational garage activity" to its actual Olympic Status.
 
We wish you luck on your future endeavors Bruins!
Congratulations on a great year!