Site Products

Seemiller – The American: Grand Rapids

Posted on

Seemiller: The American

(by Steve Hopkins)

One of the most storied players in American table tennis history, Dan Seemiller.  He first qualified for the US Team in 1972, was the top ranked player in the country by 1974, won five US National Championships, and logged an amazing international record that at one point included completing two consecutive World Team Championships without losing a match.  Later in his career, he became a highly decorated and successful coach, a tournament promoter and director, an author, and he also served as President of USTTA.

The signature grip and style that bears his name is still referred to by many internationally as “the American grip”.  Seemiller is the quintessential “American” player – with emotion and grit and heart.

In February, as Dan was training for the Olympic Trials, he began posting memories to his Facebook page.  Over the next few weeks, we are going to share some of those photos and quotes in this series “Seemiller – The American”:

________________________________________________________

When I was at the 1972 US Open at Long Island Dell Sweeris invited me to Grand Rapids,Mi. to train with him for the summer.

He had coached me in a trip to England the previous year.
Dell became my coach for the next 5 years or so from the age of 18-23. Dell’s coaching and being able to play at his new full time TT club was critical in my development. Having a knowledgeable coach is a vital ingredient in becoming the best one can be. Thank you Dell and Connie. I stayed at their home the 1st couple of years until Todd was born. We even played on a summer softball team together.Great memories.
Photo: CNE Men’s Singles Final Awards

 

Latest News

Rogelio Castro – Defense of the middle position

March 28, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rogelio Castro is working on defending the middle position while… Read More

The Beauty of the Wait Function

March 27, 2026
Logan Backhand side backspin serve from middle of the table to short Forehand, robot plays long backspin to… Read More

Laurent Jutras Vigneault – Backhand Smash with “Buggler”

March 27, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Laurent Jutras Vigneault is working on his Backhand Smash with… Read More

WTT Youth Event in Houston Showcase for Young Stars

March 25, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo USATT) Houston was host of the WTT Youth Contender Series event that wrapped up… Read More

Should Adults Train the Same Way as Children When Starting Table Tennis?

March 24, 2026
(By Coach Bob Chen) Many adults who begin learning table tennis ask: “Should I train the same way… Read More

Side Stepping Helps Balance

March 23, 2026
Logan Forehand short backspin serve from Backhand to Backhand, robot plays backspin short in Backhand, Logan plays Backhand… Read More

Reverse Serves

March 23, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame Many players have at least one strong… Read More

Strong Start for Americans at WTT Youth Contender Houston

March 22, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Houston is host of the WTT Youth Contender Series event this week and… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.