At LOOPS Table Tennis, our legacy speaks volumes, and our success echoes through the achievements of our athletes. Since our inception in 1999, we have been more than a coaching organization; we are the architects of champions. No other coach or organization in Australia can rival our rich and successful record. Our roster of athletes stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence. From World Championship Medalists to Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games medalists, our athletes have soared to incredible heights under the guidance of LOOPS Table Tennis. We take pride in not just training players but sculpting champions.

What sets LOOPS apart is not just the victories on the table but the care and perfection we instill in every athlete. Our approach goes beyond the game; it encompasses mentorship, support, and a holistic development that transcends the confines of a training hall.

For over two decades, LOOPS Table Tennis has been at the forefront of creating champions, and our journey continues. As we look back on our storied history, we stand poised to shape the future of table tennis in Australia, one champion at a time. Join us on this remarkable journey where passion meets perfection, and champions are born.

First paragraph of text beforJoão Neves is the Head Coach at LOOPS Table Tennis. A former National Youth Coach in Portugal with extensive international experience, he now leads our team in nurturing Australia’s next generation of table tennis champions with innovative coaching methods and a passion for excellence.e 'Learn More'

João Neves brings a wealth of international coaching experience and a fresh perspective to LOOPS Table Tennis. Formerly serving as the National Youth Coach in Portugal, João has a proven track record in identifying and developing young talent on the global stage. His dynamic coaching style and commitment to continuous improvement are at the heart of our high-performance training programs.

At LOOPS Table Tennis, João is dedicated to fostering a supportive and competitive environment where athletes can thrive. His innovative approach integrates modern training techniques, evidence-based practices, and a focus on holistic development—ensuring that every athlete is equipped not only to excel on the table but also to develop the mental and technical skills essential for success.

With a passion for excellence and a vision to elevate the sport across Australia, João Neves is committed to inspiring and guiding our athletes towards achieving their full potential. His leadership is a driving force behind our mission to nurture the next generation of champions in Australian table tennis.

Meet Joe, our General Manager. Joe has 40 years of experience in table tennis! He loves working with everyone seeking to improve their game. Joe's proven methods consists of hard work, discipline and playing the game in good spirit. "I'll teach you to play and provide you with the techniques to reach your full potential”

Joe has worked with children for 20+ years and has coached State, National and International level players.

Whether you’re a Little Champ, Senior Cannonball, or looking to become the next Australian champion, Joe provides professional coaching specifically curated for your skill level and stage of development.

Melissa Tapper brings her experience and knowledge of an elite athlete to the LOOPS coaching team. As Australia's first ever dual Paralympian and Olympian and a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Melissa's passion and drive is a unique addition to the LOOPS training environment, giving athletes a different perspective and positively challenges their way of thinking.

Melissa won Australia’s first ever table tennis gold medal in front of an home crowd at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, 16 years after the e the sport was introduced in 2002

While it was arguably the biggest achievement in her career, Melissa is no stranger to making break-throughs. Despite suffering from a brachial plexus injury at birth, which resulted in Erb's Palsy, Melissa started playing table tennis at the age of 8, made a state team at 12 and the national junior team two years after that. At 18, she was Australia's No. 1 female junior, the Under-18 Oceania Champion and the U-21 National Champion. Melissa’s success was fueled by a dream of making the Olympics – very inspirational!

Melissa became the first para-athlete to compete for an able-bodied Australian team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, clinching a bronze in the women's team event. Two years later, she made Australian history by qualifying for both the Paralympics and Olympics!

Hannah & Olivia are great examples of the LOOPS community – part of the setup from the age of 7 when they started training with Joe Gerada, the Green girls rapidly moved up in National ranks winning Oceania and National Titles before representing Australia at International Level. Both were National Squad members for several years under the watchful eye of Joao Neves and Joe Gerada where they balanced their academic studies and High Performance aspirations.

During the past 12 months, Hannah and Olivia have transitioned to coaching and mentoring, working with the LOOPS Squad daily whilst working towards their goal of becoming physiotherapists.

The Green sisters love table tennis and are diligently learning the art of coaching. They openly share their experiences and expertise in strength and conditioning with younger members of the LOOPS squad.

Phil brings years of experience in Business Management, Phil has overseen and built business' from the ground up including Cossack Pearls in Western Australia implementing administration, HR and Accounting Systems.

Phil is a Division 4 LOOPS Pennant player, enjoys hacking around the golf course with a 9 handicap, plays squash and now in his later years, enjoys a work/life balance helping business like LOOPS grow and spending more time with his wife who's a keen tap dancer.

Welcome to the profile of Brett Clarke, a most esteemed Table Tennis Coach dedicated to shaping the future of our athletes. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, Brett stands as a beacon of guidance and mentorship in the world of table tennis. A former National Coach of India and Australia, Brett brings over 30+ years of coaching experience, marked by a passion for the sport and a commitment to nurturing talent. His journey in table tennis coaching has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, both in technique and in fostering a winning mindset.

Brett believes in the transformative power of coaching to unlock the full potential of every athlete. His coaching philosophy revolves around a holistic approach, addressing technical skills, mental resilience, and strategic gameplay. The aim is not just to produce skilled players but to mould individuals with a profound love for the game and a winning attitude.

As a coach, Brett has played a pivotal role in the success stories of numerous athletes and teams including the Indian National Team who have excelled at international levels. His coaching prowess has been instrumental in shaping champions, and his athletes consistently achieve podium positions in prestigious competitions.

Simon Gerada is a former Olympian, Australian Champion and played professional for over a decade. Recently, he has coached a number of National Squad and team members including Olympians, Paralympians, Commonwealth Games and World Championship medalists.

Simon Gerada, lived and learnt the game in China in the 1990’s, played professionally for ten years and studied the art of coaching from World Champions.

Simon has worked extensively in various capacities in table tennis – a professional athlete, high performance coach, management and administration - all at the highest level with global experience.

His table tennis methodology is developed around not only his Chinese table tennis training and understanding but also Eastern and Central European as well as Scandanavian table tennis ideologies. This is complemented by being immersed in an Australian table tennis environment.

Meet Chermaine, our lovely Little Champs assistant coach. Chermaine has been with Loops since she was a Little Champs player herself, and has won everyone over with her charming personality. Don’t be fooled by her tenderness, Chermaine is a fierce player on the table, having represented Australia in multiple occasions, and being the Oceania champions. Charmaine is currently a Melbourne Uni student, whilst coaching part-time at Loops to walk beside other Little Champs players along the path she has taken. Chermaine is part of the LOOPS DNA, starting as a 8 y.o. playing in the Little Champs program and progressed to representing Australia at World Junior level.

Chermaine is now assisting the team on a part-time basis as an assistant coach, working with the head coaches, delivering Little Champs programs as well as providing individual training for members. Chermaine brings technical knowledge and is an authentic person with a caring personality.

Chermaine Quah is a former National and Oceania Champions, National Team representative, understand alternative rubber play, works hard and is an inspirational for all LOOPS members.

Nathan Pellissier is a Para-athlete with incredible drive. In a four-year period late last decade, Nathan had two hip surgeries and bone grafts, a necessary procedure as his cerebral palsy means his bones and muscles grow painfully at separate rates. He has completed his Bachelor of Business degree and also started a Master of Professional Accounting while preparing to compete at his first Paralympic Games.

Nathan has trained and competed extensively overseas and won a Team silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 with his Aussie teammates finishing behind the strong Chinese team.

"If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win" Introducing Finn Luu a 2021 WTT contender Italy Bronze medal, Australian junior champion, current 'With the future in mind' scholarship holder at the Victorian Institute of Sports.

And a Junior boys doubles bronze medal at 2020 Czech open, 6th place at 2020 Olympic trials, Cadet boys doubles bronze medal at 2019 Czech open, 2019 Oceania cadet champion, 14th place at world cadet challenge 2019 and proudly homgrown LOOPS Champion.

“When I came to Australia I wanted to become a national champion here and my dream is to represent Australia in the Olympics. I am happy to be the number one ranked player in the Under-17 and 19 categories at the moment,” says Sanaya.

She is currently the number one ranked player in the Under-17 and 19 age groups in Australia and ninth in the Open category and is presently a student at the Virtual School Victoria.

Xavier is currently ranked 93rd in the World and is a National and Oceania Champion who competes internationally for Australia in Europe. In 2022/2023 he was based in Germany playing league in Switzerland and England.

Xavier is originally from Tasmania, and relocated to Melbourne to learn and improve at LOOPS in 2015. Xavier returns to Australia twice yearly to compete in the National and Oceania Championships as well as Christmas to spend time with family.

"It has been over seven years since the day I started playing table tennis, I was six at that time. To come to this day, I have overcome a barrage of challenges" says Cherry. Cherry currently trains and lives table tennis seven day a week, attends Virtual School Victoria and in on the fast track to international level says coach Simon Gerada.

Cherry originally from Vietnam now lives in Melbourne, Australia, and thankfully has enhanced her table tennis dream and skills with so many skilful players in the LOOPS team since 2017 which has included a career highlight result in Europe placing 9th at the World Tour in Linz, Austria in 2022.

LOOPS TT welcome Yangzi Liu, a Commonwealth Games Singles Bronze Medalist, World Ranked 27th, Oceania Cup and Oceania Championships Champion. 2 x National Singles Champion who lives in Germany training Dusseldorf, playing in Pro "A" France in 2024/2025. In 2023/2024 Yangzi Liu was the Leading Player - MVP in both the Indian League and in the German Bundas League.

Yangzi Liu's stellar performance in 2021 solidified her status as a rising star in table tennis. She achieved an impressive feat by securing victory in 28 consecutive matches, clinching under-21 titles in Lignano (Italy), Senec (Slovakia), and Szombathely (Hungary). The pinnacle of her year was marked by a significant triumph over 2016 Olympic silver medallist Shan Xiaona of Germany in a World Contender event in Slovenia.

As Yangzi Liu continues her ascent in the world of table tennis, her journey stands as a testament to resilience, skill, and a relentless pursuit of success. Watch out for this dynamic player, as she continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport.

Yi-Jen Hsu, a vital member of the National Team since 2019, has been an integral part of the LOOPS TT family since she was just 8 years old. Known for her dynamic and fast-paced playing style, Yi-Jen not only contributes to the team's success on the table but also embodies the spirit of LOOPS TT with her infectious smile and widespread friendships within the Table Tennis community.

Currently studying at McRobertson High School, Yi-Jen has aspirations beyond the table tennis arena. With a compassionate heart, she dreams of one day becoming a nurse, showcasing her dedication to both her academic and professional pursuits.

Yi-Jen's commitment to her sport is evident through her daily training regimen. As a Victorian Institute of Sports Scholarship Holder, she exemplifies the qualities of a true athlete, balancing excellence in academics and sports. Her achievements include not only being a National Team Member but also holding titles as a National and Oceania Champion.

Yi-Jen Hsu's journey is a remarkable blend of skill, determination, and a vibrant spirit that adds vibrancy to the LOOPS TT community. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to make her mark in the world of table tennis.

Meet Aaron Nguyen, a dedicated Year 7 student at Westbourne Grammar, whose passion for table tennis knows no bounds. Armed with the VS Unlimited Blade paired with K3 Rubber on both sides, Aaron is a formidable force on the table. His commitment to the sport is evident as he trains rigorously six days a week alongside the talented team at LOOPS. Currently holding the title of the best 14-year-old player in Victoria and proudly representing the National Squad, Aaron has set ambitious goals for his future in table tennis. His dream is to proudly don the Australian colors, clinch the National Championships, and participate in more prestigious WTT (World Table Tennis) events. The ultimate pinnacle for Aaron is to compete on the grand stage of the Olympic Games.

The 2023 Victorian Open witnessed Aaron's prowess as he claimed the title of the Under 13 Champion, showcasing his determination and skill on the table. In his relentless pursuit of excellence, Aaron focuses on enhancing all aspects of his game, including power, speed, control, and mental resilience.

A staunch advocate for Tibhar equipment, Aaron sees himself as a success story in the making, where Tibhar's contribution plays a pivotal role in nurturing world-class athletes. Keep an eye on Aaron Nguyen as he continues to ascend in the world of table tennis, driven by passion, ambition, and the love for the game.

Dhatri Tatikonda, a young and promising talent in the realm of table tennis, recently secured a notable victory as the Under 11 Girls Geelong Open Winner on February 19, 2024. Her triumph is a testament to her dedication and skill, setting the table tennis arena ablaze with her promising potential. Dhatri's training journey is characterized by an unwavering commitment to improvement. Focused on refining her technique, achieving consistent strokes, and mastering the art of topspin, she demonstrates a strong dedication to honing her skills on the table. As a proud Brand Ambassador for Tibhar, Dhatri actively contributes to the promotion of the brand within wider table tennis communities. Her association with Tibhar underscores a commitment to excellence and quality in equipment, showcasing her dedication to advancing the sport.

Beyond her achievements and brand affiliations, Dhatri expresses a deep fondness for LOOPS. More than just a training ground, LOOPS represents a community of great people, an exceptional training facility, and a hub of excellent coaching. The supportive environment at LOOPS has played a pivotal role in shaping Dhatri's journey in the world of table tennis.

Dhatri Tatikonda emerges not only as a skilled player but also as a testament to the potential that arises when talent meets dedication. Fueled by a supportive community like LOOPS, she continues to shine and make her mark in the competitive landscape of table tennis. Keep an eye on this rising star as she progresses in the sport!

Meet Samyukt Vinodhkumar, a dedicated table tennis enthusiast and a Year 6 student at Alamanda College. Samyukt is not just a player; he's a force to be reckoned with on the table. Training tirelessly for 5-6 days a week, he has earned his place as the 2nd best Under 13 player in Victoria. A highlight in Samyukt's burgeoning career was his remarkable victory at the Victorian Open Under 11s Championships in 2013, showcasing his early prowess and determination. Undoubtedly, Samyukt is carving his path to success in the world of table tennis.

Samyukt is not just a player; he is an ardent supporter of Tibhar, considering it one of the world's best companies for table tennis blades, rubbers, and shoes. His belief is backed by the fact that many of the world's top-ranked table tennis players, including Felix Lebrun, Alexis Lebrun, Vladimir Samsonov, and Darko Jorgic, choose Tibhar.

Looking ahead, Samyukt has ambitious plans to create a YouTube channel, a platform to not only showcase his skills and passion for table tennis but also to promote the brand he firmly believes in – Tibhar. Keep an eye on Samyukt Vinodhkumar as he continues to make waves in the table tennis community, fueled by dedication, talent, and a strong affinity for Tibhar.