By Michelle Lim, Staff Writer
PHOTO COURTESY/ Emma Panova
“Anyone can become a table tennis player—practice makes perfect,” Panova said. “And every table
tennis coach will welcome you with open arms and help you hone your skills for future competitions.”
Arms up in anticipation, Junior Emma Panova analyzes her opponent’s stance to predict their next move. As the ball hurtles in her direction, Panova quickly moves to return the ball, skillfully twisting her paddle to redirect it to the corner of the table. She sighs in relief as she wins the game point.
“It is hard to remain calm sometimes, especially when playing against strong opponents, but it is one step to becoming a better player,” Panova said. “When I play against strong opponents I feel like I have someone to look up to. It is always a good motivation for me to improve.”
Panova’s father introduced her to table tennis at age six. She started her competitive career at age eight in Ukraine, before she moved to the U.S.
After two years as an amateur player, Panova began playing in Ukraine as a junior trainee, and went on to travel across the country to participate in tournaments. Now, she has a total of 26 medals and three cups from past competitions.
“One of my most memorable experiences I had when competing back in Ukraine was when I traveled to Spain and Latvia for a training camp,” Panova said. “I had a lot of fun playing and also had the chance to train with Galya Dvorak where she taught me better footwork and more consistent spins.”
Once Panova moved to the U.S. she joined Grace Lin Table Tennis Club and has been a member for four years. Her coach, Grace Lin, recognized Panova’s abilities and recommended her for a brand sponsorship. On Feb. 6, Panova was officially sponsored by the well-known table tennis brand “Joola.”
“I am very honored to be sponsored by Joola,” Panova said. “Unfortunately, I don’t play as often because I have more work from school, especially now during my junior and incoming senior years, but I still enjoy practicing with the other members.”
There are fewer opportunities for Panova and her club members to participate in tournaments due to the pandemic. Despite this, she continues to stop by GLTTC on Tuesdays, Fridays and the weekend.
The center follows social distancing guidelines set by the International Table Tennis Federation. These guidelines enforce wearing masks when not in play, limiting physical contact and washing hands regularly.
“It will take a lot of practice, time and dedication to be a professional player on a national level, or just to get to the Olympics,” Panova said. “I love playing table tennis, and I am planning to join a table tennis team in college and hopefully become a part-time coach in the future.”