USATT Volunteer of the Year Awards 2024

Colorado Springs, CO – February 17, 2025 – USA Table Tennis is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Volunteers of the Year Awards. We wish to recognize and congratulate Jim Wilson, Sargent Kolteryahn, and Tim Crowley for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport of table tennis in the United States.

In addition to making a difference on the USATT side, it is so satisfying to make the tournaments enjoyable for players and patrons. I love helping to put the smiles on their faces. — Jim Wilson

Jim Wilson volunteered as an umpire at events held in Corpus Christi, including the 2024 Para U.S. Open Championships, WTT Feeder Corpus Christi, and the 2024 ITTF Pan American Cup. Later in the year, Jim volunteered at the control desk for the 2024 U.S. Nationals and U.S. Open Championships.

Wilson finds joy in making a positive difference through volunteering. Inspired by his mother's advice to do things worth doing well, he has always aimed to make a significant impact. Focusing on his responsibilities as a single father, he stepped back from competitive play and volunteering. Still, he returned with renewed passion during the World Table Tennis Championships in Houston, finding satisfaction in making tournaments enjoyable for players and patrons.

Sargent Kolteryahn was instrumental in the assembly and disassembly of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and the U.S. National and Open Championships in 2024.

Kolteryahn played a key role in setting up and breaking down these major events. He assisted in all aspects of operations and worked passionately behind the scenes to create a high-quality playing environment at each event.

Tim Crowley volunteered as a Team Leader for the U.S. Junior National teams during their travels to the Pan American Youth Championship in Peru and the ITTF World Youth Championships in Sweden in 2024. While attending these international events, he directly assisted USATT National Team Coaches on these successful trips overseas.

USATT’s National Coaches have significant responsibilities other than actual coaching. To the extent that I can take on administrative duties and free up the coaches’ time, that is my greatest contribution to them. — Tim Crowley

While serving on the USATT Foundation Board and attending tournaments a few years ago, Coach Gao Jun suggested that Crowley take on a Team Leader role rather than just being a spectator. Tim has found it a pleasure to assist the coaches and hopes to continue offering his outstanding support.

We extend our deepest gratitude to these extraordinary volunteers for their dedication and hard work towards some of the many different areas in which USA Table Tennis volunteers commit their time.

Their contributions have made our events successful and inspired others to get involved and share their passion for table tennis. Thank you to our award winners and all volunteers for making the year truly special.