2025 U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame Dinner Recap

The 2025 U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame Dinner at LATTA brought together generations of players, coaches, and supporters to celebrate the sport’s most dedicated contributors. The evening’s themes—family, club roots, volunteerism, and lifelong commitment—echoed through every speech and story.

Major League Table Tennis served as the Title Sponsor, with Senoda Inc. providing the printed program and the Mark Matthews Award trophy. Butterfly and LATTA hosted the evening, helping create an atmosphere of warmth and respect for the game’s history.

This year’s inductees were Betty Henry (Player), David Del Vecchio (Contributor), and Stellan Bengtsson (Contributor), with Connie Sweeris receiving the Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award. Each honoree’s journey captured the spirit of dedication that continues to shape American table tennis.

Emceed by Derek May, the night featured heartfelt introductions and lively tributes. The Henry family’s multigenerational passion, Del Vecchio’s decades of service, Bengtsson’s global coaching influence, and Sweeris’s unmatched legacy gave the audience a full view of how community, mentorship, and excellence intertwine.

Special thanks to Tawny and Kerri Banh, Brad Balmer, Christian Lillieroos, Joe Wells, and Donna Sakai for helping make the event memorable. And to the many Hall of Famers in attendance—Angie Bengtsson, Dell Sweeris, Insook & Shaker Bhushan, Patty and Jimmie Kahn, Wendy Hicks, Diego Schaaf, Wei Wang, Pete May and Larry Hodges —thank you for keeping the flame alive.

The night reminded everyone that table tennis is more than competition—it’s a lifelong connection built through shared values, effort, and love of the game.

Paddle Palace proudly supports the Hall of Fame and those who dedicate their lives to the sport we all cherish.