Zach Johnston President
Male / 5'7" / 131 lbs / USA/Phillipines/Japan
Hometown: Hinesville, GA
Class Status: Senior, Speech Pathology
Birthday: January 12, 1991 (22)
USATT Rating: 1666
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Pryde 40 by Yasaka
Backhand: Pryde 40 by Yasaka
Blade: Epox Offensive Control by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Other sports I play are tennis, cross country, golf, and swimming.
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing for about 2 years now.
Have you ever played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in a few tournaments and each one was a new experience. It was filled with fun and challenges. I currently only have one trophy for getting first place in 1100u rating.
What is the best part about being in the club?
The best part in being in the club is the amount of friendly people in the club that provide support in assistance to table tennis and the many friendships that are made by everyone enjoying a great game.
What should we work on next fall?
Next fall I think we should work on expanding our club and hopefully getting sponsorships for team so we can get more money to get newer tables and more equipment to help us get better in out sport. And hopefully get a coach that can teach us everything we are missing out on.
Why do you play table tennis?
I play table tennis because I love the challenge and I also love the sport. Nothing better than hitting your stress away at a tiny ball.
Male / 5'7" / 131 lbs / USA/Phillipines/Japan
Hometown: Hinesville, GA
Class Status: Senior, Speech Pathology
Birthday: January 12, 1991 (22)
USATT Rating: 1666
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Pryde 40 by Yasaka
Backhand: Pryde 40 by Yasaka
Blade: Epox Offensive Control by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Other sports I play are tennis, cross country, golf, and swimming.
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing for about 2 years now.
Have you ever played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in a few tournaments and each one was a new experience. It was filled with fun and challenges. I currently only have one trophy for getting first place in 1100u rating.
What is the best part about being in the club?
The best part in being in the club is the amount of friendly people in the club that provide support in assistance to table tennis and the many friendships that are made by everyone enjoying a great game.
What should we work on next fall?
Next fall I think we should work on expanding our club and hopefully getting sponsorships for team so we can get more money to get newer tables and more equipment to help us get better in out sport. And hopefully get a coach that can teach us everything we are missing out on.
Why do you play table tennis?
I play table tennis because I love the challenge and I also love the sport. Nothing better than hitting your stress away at a tiny ball.
Kyle Smith Vice President
Male / 6'0" / 150 lbs / USA
Hometown: Mt. Holly, New Jersey
Class Status: Junior - Exercise Physiology
Birthday: July 3, 1993 (20)
USATT Rating: 1473
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Coppa by Donic
Backhand: Coppa by Donic
Blade: Waldner AR Exclusive by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Volleyball, Golf.
How long have you been playing?
Two years.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in a few tournaments and the best I have done is 2nd place so far.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Just being able to play table tennis all the time with other people who love it. Also seeing people grow and improve their skills.
What should we work on next fall?
Getting more members and winning tournaments!
Why do you play table tennis?
I'm addicted.
Male / 6'0" / 150 lbs / USA
Hometown: Mt. Holly, New Jersey
Class Status: Junior - Exercise Physiology
Birthday: July 3, 1993 (20)
USATT Rating: 1473
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Coppa by Donic
Backhand: Coppa by Donic
Blade: Waldner AR Exclusive by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Volleyball, Golf.
How long have you been playing?
Two years.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in a few tournaments and the best I have done is 2nd place so far.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Just being able to play table tennis all the time with other people who love it. Also seeing people grow and improve their skills.
What should we work on next fall?
Getting more members and winning tournaments!
Why do you play table tennis?
I'm addicted.
Chris Willett Treasurer
Male / 5'8" / 140 lbs / USA
Hometown: Cumming, Georgia
Class Status: Sophomore, Nursing
Birthday: April 6, 1994 (19)
USATT Rating: None
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Butterfly Tenergy 25
Backhand: Nittaku Renanos
Blade: 729 6030 Penhold
What other sports do you play?
Wrestling, Ultimate Frisbee.
How long have you been playing?
1 year.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
Tournaments are a lot of fun and I have yet to win something.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Slamming on fools, having fun, making friends, and getting better.
What should we work on next fall?
Skill improvements and practice more seriously.
Why do you play table tennis?
It's addicting.
Male / 5'8" / 140 lbs / USA
Hometown: Cumming, Georgia
Class Status: Sophomore, Nursing
Birthday: April 6, 1994 (19)
USATT Rating: None
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Butterfly Tenergy 25
Backhand: Nittaku Renanos
Blade: 729 6030 Penhold
What other sports do you play?
Wrestling, Ultimate Frisbee.
How long have you been playing?
1 year.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
Tournaments are a lot of fun and I have yet to win something.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Slamming on fools, having fun, making friends, and getting better.
What should we work on next fall?
Skill improvements and practice more seriously.
Why do you play table tennis?
It's addicting.
Brandon Gresham-Geiger
Male / 6'0" / 175 lbs / USA
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Class Status: Freshman, Electrical Engineering
Birthday: April 12, 1995 (18)
USATT Rating: 1920
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Butterfly Tenergy 80
Backhand: Butterfly Tenergy 64
Blade: Butterfly Timo Boll T500
What other sports do you play?
Lacrosse.
How long have you been playing?
Eight years.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in many. I have won medals in GA Games, AAU, and Joola Teams.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Meeting and making new friends and also playing with people who care.
What should we work on next fall?
Training and getting a table tennis robot.
Why do you play table tennis?
I have been playing since I was 10. I eat, sleep, pong.
Male / 6'0" / 175 lbs / USA
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Class Status: Freshman, Electrical Engineering
Birthday: April 12, 1995 (18)
USATT Rating: 1920
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Butterfly Tenergy 80
Backhand: Butterfly Tenergy 64
Blade: Butterfly Timo Boll T500
What other sports do you play?
Lacrosse.
How long have you been playing?
Eight years.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in many. I have won medals in GA Games, AAU, and Joola Teams.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Meeting and making new friends and also playing with people who care.
What should we work on next fall?
Training and getting a table tennis robot.
Why do you play table tennis?
I have been playing since I was 10. I eat, sleep, pong.
Joo Hyunwoong
Male / 5'10" / 130lbs / Republic of Korea
Hometown: Busan, South Korea
Class Status: Junior, Business Management
Birthday: September 1st, 1992 (21)
USATT Rating: Unrated
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Donic Coppa
Backhand: Yasaka Rakza 7
Blade: Yasaka Mark V
What other sports do you play?
Just Table Tennis.
How long have you been playing?
Six months.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I played in one USATT tournament. I did not win but it was a good experience.
What is the best part about being in the club?
I can play with others who are serious and have various play styles.
What should we work on next fall?
Training.
Why do you play table tennis?
I love it.
Male / 5'10" / 130lbs / Republic of Korea
Hometown: Busan, South Korea
Class Status: Junior, Business Management
Birthday: September 1st, 1992 (21)
USATT Rating: Unrated
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Donic Coppa
Backhand: Yasaka Rakza 7
Blade: Yasaka Mark V
What other sports do you play?
Just Table Tennis.
How long have you been playing?
Six months.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I played in one USATT tournament. I did not win but it was a good experience.
What is the best part about being in the club?
I can play with others who are serious and have various play styles.
What should we work on next fall?
Training.
Why do you play table tennis?
I love it.
VSU ALUMNI
Jacob Miller
Male / 6'1" / 180 lbs / USA
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Class Status: Graduate- Business
Birthday: February 7, 1990 (23)
USATT Rating: 1576
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Coppa Gold by Donic
Backhand: Nianmor by Tibhar
Blade: Epox PowerAllround by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Baseball, Football, Volleyball, Tennis
How long have you been playing?
Three years
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
Been to some tourneys in 2010 and 2011, and I have won some round robin divisions.
What is the best part about being in the club?
The best part is the growing member size, and number of people interested.
What should we work on next fall?
Getting more members and finding a coach.
Why do you play table tennis?
It's fun and a good way to make friends.
Male / 6'1" / 180 lbs / USA
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Class Status: Graduate- Business
Birthday: February 7, 1990 (23)
USATT Rating: 1576
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Coppa Gold by Donic
Backhand: Nianmor by Tibhar
Blade: Epox PowerAllround by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Baseball, Football, Volleyball, Tennis
How long have you been playing?
Three years
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
Been to some tourneys in 2010 and 2011, and I have won some round robin divisions.
What is the best part about being in the club?
The best part is the growing member size, and number of people interested.
What should we work on next fall?
Getting more members and finding a coach.
Why do you play table tennis?
It's fun and a good way to make friends.
Harrison Pratt
Male / 6'4" / 200 lbs / USA
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Class Status: Graduate - Political Science
Birthday: October 19, 1990 (22)
USATT Rating: 1448
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Renanos Bright by Nittaku
Backhand: Renanos Spiral by Nittaku
Blade: Black Widow by Hunter
What other sports do you play?
I play basketball, flag football, and reigning dodgeball champ at VSU
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing table tennis competitively for 2 years now. I started playing as a freshman In Patterson Hall, and a love for the game stuck with me.
Have you ever played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in 5 tournaments with the Valdosta Team and one tournament on my own. I haven't won any tournaments yet but placed 2nd in Savannah's Table Tennis tournament 2010. I also placed 2nd in my division at Pensacola.
What is the best part about being in the club?
I love having people better than me locally that I can just call up and play. The group is pretty close; we don't just need ping pong to have a reason to hang out. Always good to gain more friends!
What should we work on next fall?
We should definitely work on doing more fundraiser events (like car washes or raffle tickets) to raise money so that all of our players can come to tournaments.
Why do you play table tennis?
I play table tennis because my best friend Wesley Herr beat me all the time prior to college, so I wanted to get good enough to beat him when i came home from breaks. The competitive nature stuck with me and I enjoyed increasing my skill level and beating kids at school. I did go back home and beat my friend but that didn't stop me from trying o get better. I hope to teach my son to play table tennis better than me and gain a love for the game that I have.
Male / 6'4" / 200 lbs / USA
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Class Status: Graduate - Political Science
Birthday: October 19, 1990 (22)
USATT Rating: 1448
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Renanos Bright by Nittaku
Backhand: Renanos Spiral by Nittaku
Blade: Black Widow by Hunter
What other sports do you play?
I play basketball, flag football, and reigning dodgeball champ at VSU
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing table tennis competitively for 2 years now. I started playing as a freshman In Patterson Hall, and a love for the game stuck with me.
Have you ever played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in 5 tournaments with the Valdosta Team and one tournament on my own. I haven't won any tournaments yet but placed 2nd in Savannah's Table Tennis tournament 2010. I also placed 2nd in my division at Pensacola.
What is the best part about being in the club?
I love having people better than me locally that I can just call up and play. The group is pretty close; we don't just need ping pong to have a reason to hang out. Always good to gain more friends!
What should we work on next fall?
We should definitely work on doing more fundraiser events (like car washes or raffle tickets) to raise money so that all of our players can come to tournaments.
Why do you play table tennis?
I play table tennis because my best friend Wesley Herr beat me all the time prior to college, so I wanted to get good enough to beat him when i came home from breaks. The competitive nature stuck with me and I enjoyed increasing my skill level and beating kids at school. I did go back home and beat my friend but that didn't stop me from trying o get better. I hope to teach my son to play table tennis better than me and gain a love for the game that I have.
Josias Valdez
Male / 5'7" / 160 lbs / Dominican Republic/USA
Hometown: New York, NY
Class Status: Graduate - Mass Media (Sports Broadcasting)
Birthday: October 5, 1989 (23)
USATT Rating: 919
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Nianmor by Tibhar
Backhand: Acuda S1 by Donic
Blade: Waldner Senso Ultra Carbon by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Men's slowpitch softball, basketball, baseball, football, and soccer.
How long have you been playing?
I've been playing ping pong seriously since January 2011, but I've been playing for fun for as long as I can remember.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in one college amateur tournament, one USATT tournament, and one AAU tournament. They were all great experiences and a lot of fun. I won first place and my first table tennis trophy at the college amateur tournament.
What is the best part of being in the club?
Not only do you gain teammates, but you also gain friends. I have all different types of friends at VSU, but being a part of this club is special. It's a closer group of guys that I can have a good time with in other aspects, not only ping pong.
What should we work on next fall?
I need to seriously work on play better under pressure. And my backhand needs serious work!
Why do you play table tennis?
I play table tennis because it is incredibly fun and easy to become addicted to. Many play at VSU so there's always someone new to challenge!
Male / 5'7" / 160 lbs / Dominican Republic/USA
Hometown: New York, NY
Class Status: Graduate - Mass Media (Sports Broadcasting)
Birthday: October 5, 1989 (23)
USATT Rating: 919
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Nianmor by Tibhar
Backhand: Acuda S1 by Donic
Blade: Waldner Senso Ultra Carbon by Donic
What other sports do you play?
Men's slowpitch softball, basketball, baseball, football, and soccer.
How long have you been playing?
I've been playing ping pong seriously since January 2011, but I've been playing for fun for as long as I can remember.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have played in one college amateur tournament, one USATT tournament, and one AAU tournament. They were all great experiences and a lot of fun. I won first place and my first table tennis trophy at the college amateur tournament.
What is the best part of being in the club?
Not only do you gain teammates, but you also gain friends. I have all different types of friends at VSU, but being a part of this club is special. It's a closer group of guys that I can have a good time with in other aspects, not only ping pong.
What should we work on next fall?
I need to seriously work on play better under pressure. And my backhand needs serious work!
Why do you play table tennis?
I play table tennis because it is incredibly fun and easy to become addicted to. Many play at VSU so there's always someone new to challenge!
Jake Pierce
Male / 6'2" / 275 lbs / USA
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Class Status: Graduate - General Studies
Birthday: July 11, 1990 (23)
USATT Rating: None
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Torrent by LKT
Backhand: Torrent by LKT
Blade: Bomb by 729
What other sports do you play?
Football, basketball, and golf
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing ping pong since my senior year in high school so about four years.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have never played in a tourney but I'm going to play in my first one this weekend (4/30/2011) and hopefully gain some good experience.
What is the best part of being in the club?
The best part of being in the club is being a part of team and playing people with higher skill levels and different styles of play.
What should we work on next fall?
I think we need to promote a little bit more and get more peeps involved with ping pong.
Why do you play table tennis?
I play because it's fun and you meet a lot of cool people and it's a good way to relax.
Male / 6'2" / 275 lbs / USA
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Class Status: Graduate - General Studies
Birthday: July 11, 1990 (23)
USATT Rating: None
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: Torrent by LKT
Backhand: Torrent by LKT
Blade: Bomb by 729
What other sports do you play?
Football, basketball, and golf
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing ping pong since my senior year in high school so about four years.
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
I have never played in a tourney but I'm going to play in my first one this weekend (4/30/2011) and hopefully gain some good experience.
What is the best part of being in the club?
The best part of being in the club is being a part of team and playing people with higher skill levels and different styles of play.
What should we work on next fall?
I think we need to promote a little bit more and get more peeps involved with ping pong.
Why do you play table tennis?
I play because it's fun and you meet a lot of cool people and it's a good way to relax.
Brittany Butler
Female / 5'7" / 125 lbs / USA
Hometown: San Angelo, TX
Class Status: Graduate - Biology Major & Chemistry Minor
Birthday: June 25, 1991 (22)
USATT Rating: None
ABOUT ME
What sports do you play?
Tennis
How long have you been playing?
2 years
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
No, I have not. I have only gone to tournaments to cheer on other teammates!
What is the best part about being in the club?
The camaraderie and good times we have all had together whether it be at a tournament or just at VSU.
What should we work on next fall?
Getting our name out there so that we can get sponsored, complete community service, raise more funds for the club, and gain more members.
Why did you join the VSU Table Tennis Club?
I joined because of the friends I've made and the fun I've had!
Female / 5'7" / 125 lbs / USA
Hometown: San Angelo, TX
Class Status: Graduate - Biology Major & Chemistry Minor
Birthday: June 25, 1991 (22)
USATT Rating: None
ABOUT ME
What sports do you play?
Tennis
How long have you been playing?
2 years
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
No, I have not. I have only gone to tournaments to cheer on other teammates!
What is the best part about being in the club?
The camaraderie and good times we have all had together whether it be at a tournament or just at VSU.
What should we work on next fall?
Getting our name out there so that we can get sponsored, complete community service, raise more funds for the club, and gain more members.
Why did you join the VSU Table Tennis Club?
I joined because of the friends I've made and the fun I've had!
Nicole Hernandez
Female / 5'7" / 130 lbs / Cuba/USA
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Class Status: Graduate - Nursing
Birthday: April 2, 1991 (22)
USATT Rating: 877
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: 802 Short Pips by Friendship
Backhand: 802 Short Pips by Friendship
Blade: 729 by Friendship
What other sports do you play?
Varsity tennis for VSU
How long have you been playing?
2 years
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
Yes, I did not win a single match, but it was really fun and the other members were really supportive! I won the Bottoms Up Award.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Getting to know the other members really well. We have all become really great friends.
What should we work on next year?
More tournaments and more community service!
Why do you play table tennis?
FOR FUN!
Female / 5'7" / 130 lbs / Cuba/USA
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Class Status: Graduate - Nursing
Birthday: April 2, 1991 (22)
USATT Rating: 877
ABOUT ME
Rubber/Paddle:
Forehand: 802 Short Pips by Friendship
Backhand: 802 Short Pips by Friendship
Blade: 729 by Friendship
What other sports do you play?
Varsity tennis for VSU
How long have you been playing?
2 years
Have you played in a tournament and how was that? Have you won anything?
Yes, I did not win a single match, but it was really fun and the other members were really supportive! I won the Bottoms Up Award.
What is the best part about being in the club?
Getting to know the other members really well. We have all become really great friends.
What should we work on next year?
More tournaments and more community service!
Why do you play table tennis?
FOR FUN!