Introduction Speech by Trevor Runyan
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow table tennis enthusiasts…
Today, we are here to celebrate and honor an exceptional individual whose name has become synonymous with excellence in the world of table tennis. It is my distinct privilege to introduce to you the one and only Dennis Davis, as we commemorate his induction into the United States Table Tennis Hall of Fame.
As we have just watched, Dennis Davis is not just a player, coach, mentor, and visionary; he is a force of nature both on and off the table, a true titan of the sport. For over four decades, he has been a pillar of strength and motivation, inspiring generations of athletes with his unparalleled vision, unwavering determination, and humble demeanor. And he’s not just one to hang his hat on his past accomplishments. His tireless love for the game and people is the same reason he’s been in the convention hall all day today coaching and developing the next generation of players.
Throughout his table tennis career, Dennis has achieved more than most can imagine, never limiting himself to just one aspect of the sport. He began his table tennis career first as a player, diving in head first when he moved to Sweden to train in the late 1980s after serving 4 years in the US Air Force abroad…being in his late 20s, he was little bit of a late bloomer in my opinion. But classic Dennis, as we all know, probably asked himself and told others with confidence ‘why not’ with a lot of hand gestures and a piercing stare that we all familiar with and then made a plan and executed it. Some could probably call a ping pong Eurotrip at that age maybe midlife crisis but for Dennis it was just the beginning of his table tennis journey. But he followed through, grinding his way into the top 30 men’s singles ranking in the US.
After returning to the US, in 1990 he founded the successful Palo Alto Table Tennis Club in and was the head Coach there for over 30 years, coaching thousands of players, future junior and national team members, mens and womens national champions as well as multiple Olympians.
During this time, Dennis was the 1997- 99 USATT National Coaching Chairman, the 2003 – 2004 US Junior National Team Coach. And in 2004 and 2007, Dennis was named the Table Tennis Developmental Coach of the Year by the US Olympic Committee.
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Dennis has been a driving force in the growth and development of table tennis across the US. His dedication to the sport goes far beyond his own achievements, as he has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of table tennis in this country.
But what truly sets Dennis apart is his character, his humility, and his sportsmanship. Dennis has always remained grounded and ready to extend a helping hand and offer words of encouragement to his students, their parents, fellow coaches and peers. He exemplifies the values of fair play, respect, and integrity that lie at the core of his beliefs.
And somehow, Dennis made all of these incredible impacts while raising a beautiful family with wife Kirsten, son Lincoln and daughter Sabina, all while working a full time career as a successful Silicon Valley recruiter.
It is truly incredible how selfless Dennis has been with his time, energy and passion. As I start to get to the same age where Dennis began his devotion to table tennis, I begin to appreciate the time and energy he sacrificed.
In my own life, as a young teenager lacking direction, Dennis found a way to connect with me, knowing when to challenge me and when to listen. My dad used to drive 3 hours roundtrip 2-3 times a week down to Palo Alto just to be a part of Dennis’s junior program. I remember every time after the evening junior training our 1 hour private lesson would turn into a 3-4 hour marathon lasting until 11 at night. But he has done this time and time again for me and others outside of table tennis, attending my graduation as a US Air Force Pararescueman and attending my wedding.
Today, as we gather to honor Dennis Davis, we acknowledge his unwavering dedication and the immense impact he has had on the sport of table tennis. His induction into the USATT Hall of Fame is a testament to his remarkable achievements, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his lasting legacy.
His vision and leadership have helped foster a vibrant table tennis community, encouraging participation at all levels and providing a platform for players to showcase their potential. Whether as a mentor, advisor, or ambassador, Dennis’s contributions to USATT have played a crucial role in shaping the success and future of table tennis in this country.
On the international stage, Dennis’s involvement with ITTF has further solidified his impact. Through his work with tthe ITTF, he has been a champion of unity, collaboration, and global camaraderie in the world of table tennis. His insights and contributions have shaped policies and initiatives, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sport on a global scale.
Dennis, as we welcome you into the Hall of Fame, we applaud you not only for your incredible achievements but also for the inspiration you have provided to thousands of players around the world. Your passion, your skill, and your unwavering commitment serve as a shining example to us all.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a resounding round of applause to the one and only Dennis Davis, a true legend and now a proud member of the US Table Tennis Hall of Fame.