Table tennis is not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle for Isabel Chu.
The recent UCLA graduate first picked up the racket when she was only eight years old. To her, table tennis was more than just a sport, but also a representation of her family's heritage.
"Table tennis is actually the international sport of China, which is where my parents are from," Isabel said. "In China it's very well known and people play it all day and all night. So for me, it was just natural to pick up on it."
What began as a natural inclination developed into a strong passion and love for the sport.
After competing more and more with her family members, Isabel decided to take her game to the next level. At twelve years old, Isabel started competing professionally. Two years later, she made the national team.
Isabel's competitive nature and passion for the sport eventually lead her to become one of the top tennis players in the United States. Her impressive top-4 ranking landed her a spot at the World University Games this past summer, representing team U.S.A.
"When you walk in, it's just amazing to see how many countries are there and how many sports competed at the World University Games," Isabel said. "And the fact that everyone competing was an athlete and in school, doing well in academics and athletics, was such a big shock to me. It was super encouraging that we could pursue our sports and academics and achieve at a high level in both - that really inspired me."
Isabel competed for the women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions. Despite going winless in the tournament, Isabel was happy to bring more awareness to the sport and plans to continue her passion in other ways going forward.
"Table tennis is a nice sport because it is a lifelong sport, so people of all ages can play, Isabel said. "I hope to coach a little bit here and there and maybe helping out to coach at UCLA so I can help improve the program there."
Even though her time playing at the collegiate level has ended, playing table tennis at UCLA has allowed her to learn the importance of teamwork, and has instilled values in her that are now a part of her character.
"Table tennis is normally a very individual sport. But in collegiate table tennis that changes, because it is the first time that we have a team that we can compete with," Isabel said. "I think it developed my character a lot. Perseverance and endurance, and learning to come back after setbacks."
Now that she has graduated, the former Bruin plans to apply to physical therapy school to continue to give back to athletes and the sport she loves.
