Team Newfoundland & Labrador has officially named its Table Tennis team for the upcoming Canada Winter Games, and for head coach Jeremy, this group represents an exciting moment for the future of the sport in the province.

For Jeremy, the opportunity to lead the team is deeply personal. “I am very proud to represent Team NL at the Canada Games and to be the head coach for the Table Tennis team,” he says. “It means a lot that the NL Table Tennis Association and team members have put their trust in me to do a good job with this task.”

Jeremy’s journey in table tennis began at a young age. After competing throughout his junior years and representing Newfoundland & Labrador as an athlete at the 2015 Canada Games, he stepped away from the sport before returning through coaching. Over the past four years, he has played a key role in developing athletes across the province and served as head coach during the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

A Young Team with a Bright Future

Jeremy describes the team in three words: youthful, energetic, and passionate. It is also one of the youngest teams the province has ever sent to the Games.

One third of the athletes will still be eligible for the 2031 Canada Winter Games, and half of the team members are currently in junior high school or younger. Among them is ten-year-old Peishan from St. John’s, who will be one of the youngest competitors at the Games. “That’s exciting for the future of junior table tennis in our province,” Jeremy says. “It also gives some of our older players the opportunity to take on leadership roles.”

Assistant coach and manager Divine shares that same perspective. “I would describe our team as fun, young, and dedicated,” she says. “We have many young players, and some are eligible for the next Games. That makes this team really special.”

Overcoming Geography

Newfoundland & Labrador’s geography adds another layer to the team’s story. Athletes come from communities spread across the province, often requiring long travel distances just to train together.

Some players travel three to four hours to attend sessions in St. John’s, while one athlete comes from Hopedale on the north coast of Labrador, a community accessible only by boat or small plane.

Because of these challenges, the coaching staff selected the team nearly a year in advance. “We wanted to create more opportunities for team practices and team bonding,” Divine explains. “With athletes living so far apart, that early selection really helped us build connections.”

A Strong and Connected Community

Despite the distances, the Table Tennis community in Newfoundland & Labrador remains close-knit. “We are a relatively small province, so everyone knows each other pretty well,” Jeremy says. “We are all friendly towards one another.”

For Divine, that sense of community has been central to her own journey. “Being in a small province, we have a strong and supportive Table Tennis community,” she says. “We travel far for competitions, and events like the Canada Games give athletes the chance to meet new people, learn from others, and see the best players in the country.”

Both coaches emphasized the many people behind the scenes who make this journey possible. “There are so many people who contribute,” Divine adds. “The athletes for their hard work, the parents for their support, schools for providing space, coaches who helped along the way, and Jeremy for everything he has done to prepare this team.”

A New Generation of Coaching

At just 20 years old, Divine represents a new generation of coaches in the sport. “I am very happy and grateful to represent Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canada Winter Games,” she says. “It means a lot to me, as a female coach, to be trusted in this role.”

Her journey reflects both resilience and growth. After starting table tennis in elementary school, she stepped away from the sport for several years before returning four years ago. She went on to represent Team NL as an athlete at the 2023 Canada Winter Games and has since transitioned into coaching.

She is now part of a national Women’s Mentorship Program, continuing to grow while supporting the next generation of athletes.

Goals Beyond Medals

Heading into the Games, both Jeremy and Divine understand the challenges ahead. Larger provinces often have deeper player pools and more resources.

But for Team NL, success is about more than podium finishes. “To even make Team NL is already a huge accomplishment,” Jeremy says. “You have to be among the top junior players in the province.”

Divine shares a similar perspective. “My goal is to make sure the athletes are having fun and enjoying the experience,” she says. “Of course we want to perform well, but what matters most is that they grow, build memories, and represent Newfoundland and Labrador with pride.”

The Canada Winter Games offer more than competition, they offer connection, learning, and unforgettable experiences. “Meeting new friends, seeing top players, experiencing the opening ceremonies, and trading pins, that’s what makes the Games special,” Divine adds.

Ready to Represent

With a young, determined group of athletes and a coaching team that blends experience and new leadership, Team Newfoundland & Labrador is ready. “We are representing our province,” Jeremy says. “And I know this group will represent Team NL proudly.”

Team Newfoundland & Labrador – Table Tennis

Boys

  • Evan (15) – Traytown
  • Daniel (16) – St. John’s
  • Alex (13) – St. John’s
  • Ben (14) – Conception Harbour, Alternate

Girls

  • Peishan (10) – St. John’s
  • Amy (16) – Gambo
  • Bianca (14) – Hopedale
  • Courtney (17) – St. John’s, Alternate

Coaching Staff

  • Jeremy (27) – Head Coach, St. John’s
  • Divine (20) – Assistant Coach/Manager, St. John’s