USA Table Tennis Unveils 2025 National Team Selection Procedures

New Dynamic System Designed to Elevate U.S. Table Tennis International Performance Ahead of LA2028 Olympic Games

USA Table Tennis (USATT) announces meaningful changes to the selection process for the U.S. National Adult and Junior Teams for 2025. The new system has been introduced to provide a dynamic and merit-based process, with the goal of nominating the players with the best chance for success to represent US in international competitions.

Selection Procedure Overview

Athletes will be selected to the U.S. National Adult and Junior teams in 2025 based on their National Team Ranking as determined by points earned from their world ranking and placement in ranking events in the U.S. These ranking events are the U.S. Open, U.S. Nationals, up to two ranking events and the best result from any one of the Regional Championships (for Junior National Team only). The point values earned for world ranking and each ranking event finish can be found at www.usatt.org/selection-procedures.

Players ranked in the top eight during any published update will retain their status as National Team members for a minimum of 6 months following the date of the release of the update. The current number of National Team members will be dynamic depending on the performance of eligible players in world ranking and U.S. ranking events throughout the year.

Nomination to international events will be determined by the highest ranked players at the week prior to the closing entry date for the event.

The U15, U17 and U19 Junior National Teams will be selected according to points earned through:

• World Ranking (within top 100)
• Junior National Team Trials #1 Placement
• Junior National Team Trials #2 Placement
• U.S. Nationals Performance in Age Group
• U.S. Open Performance in Age Group
• Best Single Regional Championship Performance in Age Group

The U13 and U11 Junior National Teams will be selected according to points earned through:

• Junior National Team Trials #1 Placement
• Junior National Team Trials #2 Placement
• U.S. Nationals Performance in Age Group
• Best Single Regional Championship Performance in Age Group

_{(If there are fewer rounds in the Single Elimination stage, points will be awarded to players in the group stage. The final points calculation method will be specified in the event prospectus.)}

Why The Change?

In the past, players may be selected for international events months or even a year before the event was scheduled to take place. Changes in player’s levels is expected across a calendar year. Therefore, this dynamic system ensures the most tournament ready and best performing team will represent USA on the international stage.

• Dynamic: The new system creates a fluid ranking that updates weekly, giving every player the opportunity to improve their standing throughout the year. It ensures that continuous participation and performance is rewarded, rather than relying on results from isolated events.
• Competition Experience: The new process encourages players to continuously compete internationally and domestically. The goal is to increase competition experience among U.S. athletes to prepare for major international events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
• Junior Development Focus: For Junior National Team members, the new system recognizes that athletes can develop rapidly over a year, making it essential to allow ongoing opportunities to qualify.

Moving forward, USATT will continue to evaluate the selection procedure and refine the system over the next three years, giving ample time to ensure it is fully optimized ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“The goal of the new system is not just to select a team, but to prepare athletes to be medal contenders at international competitions.” – Pieke Franssen, High Performance Committee USA

For more information on the 2025 National Team selection procedures and to follow the latest rankings, visit www.usatt.org/selection-procedures.