Our Team
Our Team
LOOPS founders and directors are a cohesive TEAM, with a community minded, family-like feel and a fun-filled atmosphere. LOOPS is led by a team of industry-leading table tennis professionals!
Joe Gerada
General Manager
Joe Gerada has 40 years of experience in table tennis! He loves working with everyone seeking to mprove 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”
Read MoreMelissa Tapper
Founder & Partner
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.
Read MoreHannah & Olivia Green
Assistant Coaches
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 Simon Gerada (LOOPS Director & National Coach) where they balanced their academic studies and High Performance aspirations.
Read MorePhil Tsamados
Accounts Manager
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.
Read MoreSui Deng
Lead Trainer
Sui is the current Head Junior Coach, of Chinese decent. His Chinese approach to the game is sure to help everyone improve and enjoy the game he loves.
Read MoreSimon Gerada
Director & Founder
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.
Read MoreRaj Datta
Strategic Consultant
Raj Datta is a strategic advisor, assisting business development and drives LOOPS’ communication. We are excited to have him on the team as we chart out the next phase of growth and development.
Read MoreChermaine Quah
Assistant Coach
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.
Read MoreNathan Pellissier
World Class Athlete
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.
Read MoreFinn Luu
World Class Athlete
"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.
Read MoreSanaya Buddhadasa
World Class Athlete
“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.
Read MoreXavier Dixon
World Class Athlete
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.
Read MoreCherry Le
World Class Athlete
"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.
Read More