Site Products

Seemiller – The American: Grand Rapids

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

Be Part of the MLTT Rally Crew

August 29, 2025
(by: Major League Table Tennis) Bring your energy and love for the game Major League Table Tennis kicks… Read More

When Do Most Errors Happen?

August 29, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Backhand, Jhon Backhand push to long Backhand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More

Back Up a Little Bit More

August 27, 2025
Robot plays short backspin ball to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin… Read More

My Road To The 2025 US National Champion by Sally Moyland

August 26, 2025
(by Sally Moyland) I was leading 3:1 in sets in the women’s single final at the US National… Read More

Take the Ball Off the Bounce

August 25, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More

Eleven Tips For Playing Against a Quicker Opponent

August 25, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) We’ve all had those matches where the opponent was just quicker, and we felt rushed… Read More

Jessie Xu – Valuable Learning Experience at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Bowmar Sports) Jessie Xu recently returned from representing Canada at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in… Read More

Americans Shine at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The 2025 Junior Pan American Games wrapped up last week in Asunción, Paraguay, with solid… 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.