FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2025
Contact:
Sean O’Neill
President, US Table Tennis Hall of Fame
Email: olympic88@me.com
Phone: 703-863-4429
US Table Tennis Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2025 Inductees
Betty Henry Link and David Del Vecchio Selected for Induction; Connie Sweeris Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Portland, OR – The US Table Tennis Hall of Fame proudly announces its Class of 2025 Inductees, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Betty Henry (Athlete Category) and David Del Vecchio (Contributor Category). Additionally, Connie Sweeris has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong dedication to table tennis.
The official Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in El Monte, California, at LATTA (Los Angeles Table Tennis Association), in association with the Si & Patty Wasserman Junior and Open Championships.
Class of 2025 Inductees
Betty Henry Link (Athlete Category)
A true pioneer in American table tennis, Betty Henry Link made history at the 1938 World Table Tennis Championships, winning a bronze medal in Women’s Singles at just 15 years and 10 months old—a record that still stands as the youngest singles medalist in World Championship history.
A native of South Bend, Indiana, Henry Link trained under the legendary John Varga, quickly rising to prominence as one of the most formidable players of her era. Her remarkable skill, competitive spirit, and trailblazing success on the world stage made her an inspiration for generations of American players. Tragically, her career and life were cut short when she passed away at the age of 22, but her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats continues to shine.
David Del Vecchio (Contributor Category)
For over a decade, David Del Vecchio has been the backbone of table tennis video broadcasting in the United States, revolutionizing how the sport is shared with players, fans, and the broader sports community. Single-handedly directing and streaming major events for USATT until the 2020 Olympic Trials, Del Vecchio’s work ensured that top-level competition reached a worldwide audience. His contributions include:
- Directed and streamed major events including US Nationals, US Open, US Olympic Trials, North American Olympic Trials, North American Cup, America’s Team Championship, North American Team Championships, NCTTA National Championships, California State Championships, and multiple USOC and USOPC events. Placed USATT and NCTTA at the forefront of video streaming among smaller Olympic sports, matching ITTF production quality at minimal cost.
- 2020 US Olympic Trials – Recorded every single match for entire tournament, with 8 cameras covering 8 tables for 4 days. Secured a $120,000-per-year Google Ad grant for USATT, enhancing visibility and engagement with table tennis nationally.
- Served as a former USATT Board Member and as Chairman of the USATT Leagues Advisory Committee. Served as NCTTA Treasurer and Board Member plus ran and organized for multiple major tournaments and initiatives. Currently spearheading and supporting LA Ping-Pong Schools League.
Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award: Connie Sweeris
This year’s Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award proudly honors Connie Sweeris, whose exceptional contributions to table tennis span nearly seven decades.
Sweeris has remained a dominant national and international player, winning open and age-group singles and doubles titles continuously from 1956 through 2024. She was one of the original members of the historic Ping-Pong Diplomacy Team that reshaped international sports relations. Sweeris has consistently supported and participated in annual Ping-Pong Diplomacy celebrations, upholding the sport’s legacy of international friendship.
Alongside her husband, Dell Sweeris, Connie was instrumental in hosting and organizing the 2010, 2012, and 2014 U.S. Open Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her lifetime commitment to playing, promoting, and supporting table tennis across generations embodies the essence of this prestigious award.
Special Recognition: Stellan Bengtsson
The Hall of Fame will also honor Class of 2024 inductee Stellan Bengtsson at the 2025 induction dinner, as he was unable to attend last year’s event due to travel issues. Bengtsson’s celebrated career and contributions will be formally recognized at this year’s ceremony.
Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
The 2025 US Table Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at LATTA (Los Angeles Table Tennis Association), in partnership with the Si & Patty Wasserman Junior and Open Championships.
This event will honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of American table tennis. Additional details on tickets and scheduling will be released soon.
About the US Table Tennis Hall of Fame
US Table Tennis Hall of Fame, established in 1979 courtesy of Steve Isaacson, is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization with the mission to honor the athlete and contributors of the sport of table tennis in the United States.
The United States Table Tennis Hall of Fame (“HOF”) is independent of United States of America Table Tennis (“USATT”). HOF does not represent USATT. HOF and USATT have separate management and separate finances.
For more information, contact Sean O’Neill at olympic88@me.com or visit USTTHOF‘s website.
