Eyes sharp, hand at the ready. Bang. One swift flick of the paddle sends the bright orange plastic ball flying across the net with a fast-moving top spin. Ping pong, also known as table tennis, is a sport rooted in style, technique and timing, requiring quick reflexes for split-second decisions as well as persistence in longer rallies. It’s also a long-standing pastime at the blue and white tables outside Nichols Hall.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school originally purchased two ping pong tables, complete with paddles and balls to provide recreational items for students to use in their free time.  Since then, the tables have undergone regular repair and replacement and also changed locations several times over the years, journeying across campus while making stops in the Quad, the center of Nichols and even among the lunch tables outside Manzanita. Wherever they go, students follow.

“Students used to bring [the ping pong tables] in front of Manzanita, and there would be very epic two hour long King of the Hill games that would go on,” Director of Student Organizations Eric Kallbrier said. “You’d have lines of 20 students lined up, trying to become the leader of the pack.”

In the past, groups on campus have also hosted campus-wide ping pong tournaments. One competition held a few years ago had students play for top spots in single-elimination brackets. Then the final two contestants faced off in the championship match at the tables during school meeting, paired with funny introduction videos to add to the hype.

“Every year, we always have some students on campus who are nationally ranked or really good table tennis players, so it’s fun to see them go to battle against each other on the table,” Kallbrier said.

Beyond school-wide events, the ping pong tables also serve as a hangout spot for friend groups on campus. Students gather around and chat away as they exchange shots and engage in rallies. Table Tennis Club President Siddhartha Biswas (11), who plays at the tables daily, reflects on how the sport brings people together.

“The first person I played against destroyed me 11-0, and he’s now one of my closest friends,” Siddhartha said. “By playing, I’ve met a lot of new people, and that’s what I like the most about it.”

Currently, Table Tennis Club is responsible for looking after the tables. On top of equipment provided by the school, club officers also recently donated several of their own paddles and balls to ensure that there’s always gear available to play with. he club plans on reviving the ping pong tradition on campus by hosting a tournament in the winter as well as a tournament of champions in the spring. 

Table Tennis club member Jessica Chen (10) looks forward to experimenting with technique while bonding with friends and classmates over the game.

“I’m excited to try new things, like putting spins on the ball,” Jessica said. “I also love the community aspect: playing against other people, watching other people, and cheering people on.”