Table Tennis Australia Announces New Para Hub Coaches to Support Para Athletes

Table Tennis Australia (TTA) is proud to announce the appointment of five (5) new coaches to lead the development of para-athletes across the country. These coaches will play a pivotal role in the establishment of TTA’s Para Hubs, in collaboration with five states, as part of their commitment to growing and nurturing the next generation of Australian para table tennis athletes. 

The initiative aims to provide expert coaching and structured training environments for athletes with disabilities, helping them unlock their full potential. The Para Hubs will serve as a key platform for aspiring para table tennis athletes to train, develop, and ultimately represent Australia on the international stage. 

“We are thrilled to be expanding our national paralympic program through the establishment of these Para Hubs,” said Nicole Adamson, CEO of Table Tennis Australia. “By working closely with state associations and providing our athletes with access to high-quality coaching, we are paving the way for greater success at all levels. Our goal is to ensure that para-athletes have the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to achieve excellence in the sport of table tennis and life.” 

The initial Para Hubs, located in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA and WA, will see dedicated coaches working closely with up-and-coming para-athletes. These hubs are designed to provide specialised training, guidance, and a community for up-and-coming para-athletes of all skill levels. 

Meet the appointed coaches for each state hub:  

Mateo Dvorani (QLD) 
With 7 years of experience coaching athletes in state and national programs, Mateo has worked as a full-time private coach and coached at Para Opens in Taiwan, Italy, and Spain. As a player, Mateo earned multiple titles, including National Champion, AUS Youth Olympic qualification winner, and had been ranked #1 in Australia for both U15 and U18.  

Mateo has developed strong coaching skills over the years and through the para-hub program is seeking to transition into a new field where he can drive success and support team growth. 

Jacqueline Budiarto (WA)
Assistant Coach and family co-owner of Hot Shot Table Tennis Club, Jacqueline’s passion for Table Tennis began at the tender age of 8. Jacqueline has represented Western Australia in multiple national championships, securing several gold, silver, and bronze medals, and was ranked as high as number 1 in Junior Girls and number 2 in Women's in WA.  

Additionally, she has been recognised with multiple awards, including "Junior Girl of the Year" and "Women of the Year," and has been selected to represent Australia at the 2025 World University Games in Germany. 

Tien Quach (NSW) 
Tien is a Nuclear Medicine Technician with a passion for coaching table tennis which began in 1999. She has been heavily involved in state and national table tennis, serving as the Junior Director and Team Manager/Coach for TTNSW from 2000 to 2011, turning her focus to Para Table Tennis in 2012. Internationally, Tien has coached and been team manager for teams at various prestigious events, including the Oceania Championships and the Commonwealth Youth Games in India, and in 2013 was a Para Team Coach at the Oceania Para Championship in Canberra ACT.  

An Phan (SA) 
An started playing table tennis at the age of 6 and has been involved in competitive table tennis for over 35 years and has represented South Australia at both Open and Veterans levels. In 2020 An discovered his passion for coaching Table Tennis and since that time has been dedicated to developing players’ skills in the sport.  

An’s extensive experience in the sport, both as a player and coach, drives his commitment to helping others improve their skills. 

Jenny Langridge (VIC) 
With family members forming a local club when she was only 3 years old, Jenny has been part of the table tennis community her whole life. A past VIS Scholarship holder and National Squad member, Jenny represented Australia at the 1991 Commonwealth Championships and 1993 World Championships.  

A current level 2 coach, Jenny, has been coaching for over 40 years. She was the Australian National Junior Girl’s Coach in 2017-18 and Assistant National Coach at the 2018 World Para Championships. Jenny is also one of the Victorian State Team coaches who attended the National Junior Championships each year. 

"Having witnessed the amazing skill level para-athletes perform at, I am super thrilled to be granted the opportunity to be the Victorian State Para Hub Coach in 2025 so that I can not only work with these fine athletes but also work alongside the amazing Australian Para Table Tennis Coaching team to help grow Para-table tennis in Victoria and beyond." 

The coaches have been carefully selected for their experience, expertise in para-sport coaching, and their passion for empowering athletes. Each coach will work with para table tennis athletes to develop their skills, improve performance, and build a strong foundation for success in local, national, and international competitions. 

The Para-coaches will be supported and mentored by TTA’s National Athlete & Coach Development Manager, Alois Rosario. Rosario will work with each of the coaches to develop their individual coaching development plans and identify appropriate professional development opportunities. He will also work with the Para Hub Coaches on athlete recruitment and talent identification with the goal of increasing our Para-athlete talent pool across Australia.   

Rosario and the Para Hub Coaches will also work closely with the newly established SIS/SAS Para Units in the areas of athlete talent ID, recruitment, classification, talent transfer and coach development. 

“I am thrilled to be working alongside our five state para hub coaches, in the newly established hubs. Not only are they fantastic coaches, but impeccable people who embrace everything we stand for in para table tennis in Australia. These hubs provide an incredible opportunity to not only enhance the skill sets of our para-athletes but to grow our para-athlete base, and foster a stronger, more inclusive community of coaches and athletes,” said Mr Rosario. 

Rosario’s sentiments further echoed by TTA CEO Nicole Adamson who said, “By providing specialised support and resources, we aim to build a sustainable pipeline of talent, improve performance, and empower our para-athletes to achieve their full potential on the national and international stage. This initiative marks an exciting step forward in elevating para-table tennis and ensuring a future where all athletes have the opportunity to succeed.”  

TTA’s Para Hubs are part of an ongoing effort to increase opportunities and pathways for athletes with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the best possible resources and coaching. This initiative is a testament to Table Tennis Australia's dedication to inclusivity and the growth of para table tennis across the nation. 

For more information about the Para Hubs or to get involved in para table tennis, please contact Alois Rosario: alois@tabletennis.org.au 

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