From January 24-26, 2025, five of our six women mentees gathered at the Ottawa Table Tennis Club for an inspiring and educational Women Coach Mentorship Weekend. Led by the esteemed Mariann Domonkos, this event provided a unique opportunity for these emerging coaches to connect, learn, and grow together in a supportive environment.
“It has been an absolute privilege, not to mention also fun and energizing, to work with such an impressive group of young (and one young at heart) female coaches!” said mentor Mariann Domonkos, reflecting on the weekend’s activities.
The mentees spent countless hours in the gym, diving deep into various Table Tennis techniques and tactics. They learned how to organize multi-ball training sessions, create effective schedules, and much more. Beyond the technical skills, the weekend was filled with camaraderie and fun, including a memorable bucket list item: skating on the iconic Rideau Canal. Sharing meals and simply enjoying each other’s company further strengthened their bonds.
“We learned, we shared, and we sang. What a wonderful group of female coaches to grow together and support each other in our coaching journeys!” expressed Rose Huang from British Columbia.
Iryna Shevchenko (Ontario) echoed these sentiments, stating, “Participating in the Women’s Table Tennis Mentorship Program last weekend was an incredible experience that not only enhanced my coaching skills but also inspired me as a player and mentor. Connecting with other passionate women in the sport was truly empowering, and the program fostered a supportive and inclusive environment that elevated the entire experience. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the development of women’s Table Tennis.”
A significant focus of the session was discussing the next steps in the mentorship program. The group engaged in open sharing circles to identify obstacles and strategize ways to overcome them. Celebrating successes, having fun, and empowering one another were central themes, all aimed at creating a vibrant culture and community for Table Tennis in Canada.
“We learned, and we connected. It was a great experience to meet and be part of a fantastic group of female coaches who support each other and thrive together in this coaching journey,” said Divine Asao (Newfoundland & Labrador)
“We had the privilege of meeting each other in person for our Mentorship Program this past weekend. We came together to learn, share, and laugh. We were able to flourish in such a supportive environment, which brought out our spark for the sport and a growth of friendship. I have never laughed, felt so much joy, and felt so supported in my life. It was truly inspiring and I now understand what girlhood is all about. There were so many takeaways from this camp, and I know we will all be better coaches and people from it. A special thanks to our amazing mentor Mariann Domonkos, our wonderful organizer and chef Karine Dumontier, and our super photographer/supporter Thorsten Gohl. Thank you so much for making this camp possible. Phuong Nguyen (Manitoba)
A heartfelt thank you goes to Karine Dumontier, who orchestrated the entire event. Her countless hours of preparation—booking accommodations, organizing meals, and planning fun activities, ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. Her ever-present smile and enthusiasm were invaluable, not to mention her talent for capturing the moments through photography.
“Mission accomplished! The women’s coaches mentorship program launched last July created the initial spark this weekend that will allow it to hit its cruising speed as the group met in Ottawa with mentor Mariann Domonkos. These talented coaches quickly forged close relationships essential to achieving their goals through their collaborative spirit, high motivation, and unwavering enthusiasm. We are firmly committed to fueling the fire to lead them to success and, thereby, to the vitality and development of table tennis in the country,” stated Karine Dumontier.
Looking ahead, the mentees are excited about the upcoming monthly meetings, deadlines for assignments, and their next gathering at the Canadian Championships in British Columbia. They will also participate in the Competition Development Coach workshop and support the National Girls Training Camp in July. With so many amazing opportunities on the horizon, we eagerly anticipate the successes that will emerge from this program.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Table Tennis in Canada, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
