Former Polish Player returns to Table Tennis
(by Ayan K. Bagchi)
MDTTC player Joanna Kubler-Kielb, mother of two boys, returned to competitive table tennis after more than 30 years and won the Bronze Medal in Women’s Doubles at the 2018 World Veteran’s Championship in Las Vegas last month.
When did you start playing table tennis?
I started in elementary school as part of an after-school program. My coach thought I had natural ability and got me to join a more competitive team where I did well until I entered high school and then I started playing on the basketball and volleyball teams.
What is your Proudest Win?
I won a silver medal in doubles at the 1985 Poland Cadet Nationals. It was back when the famous Polish player, Andrzej Grubba, was winning his World Cup titles. Of course, now, my proudest win is the recent bronze medal with my lifelong friend, Dorota Bilska-Borowska from Poland, in Over 45 Women’s Doubles at the recent World Veterans Games in Las Vegas.
How often do you play?
Initially, I started playing one time per week at Maryland Table Tennis Center with Coach Larry Hodges, but that quickly increased to two times per week, and now I often play three times per week with Coach Yinghua Cheng and with some club members.
What do you like about MDTTC?
I likes the facility, location, friendly nature of players, coaches, and staff, and a mix of competitors amongst players, from as young as 5 years old till 90+.
What Butterfly equipment do you use and why?
Nittaku Acoustic / Tenergy 05 / Tenergy 64 (BH). But I am thinking about transitioning to the Zhang Jike ZLC!!
Who are your favorite male and female professional players?
I don’t have a favorite player, but I enjoy watching highlights of official ITTF events that showcase of all types of world-class players.
What style game do you have?
Offensive, attacking, third ball attack; however, I want to be more intelligent about the game.
What are your other hobbies and any other sports?
I have been busy being a ‘wrestling mom’ to my 16-year-old son, and to my 20 year-old son who’s in college. In my spare time, between work, kids and training, I practice yoga and dance with with a group based in College Park, Maryland called Soulful Hips.