¡Vamos! Puerto Rico joins NCTTA

University of Puerto Rico Arecibo (UPRA) is the first school from Puerto Rico to join NCTTA since 2012

The National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) is proud to announce that the University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo (UPRA) has officially joined the organization, becoming the first Puerto Rican institution to do so since the University of Puerto Rico–Río Piedras competed in 2007-2012. UPRA’s addition is a historic moment for NCTTA and College Table Tennis.

“We are thrilled to welcome the University of Puerto Rico–Arecibo to NCTTA,” said Willy Leparulo, the NCTTA President. “UPRA’s enrollment represents more than just a new team; it opens the door for a resurgence of Puerto Rican programs across the league. The island has always had a strong table tennis culture, and we’re excited to see that tradition return to the NCTTA stage.”

Puerto Rico holds a meaningful place in NCTTA history. Dr. Walter Alomar, a longtime advocate for the sport and current NCTTA Medical Director, was a member of the influential UPR–Río Piedras squad in the 2000s. His teammate from that era, José Pagán, also played a key role in facilitating UPRA’s joining of NCTTA this year. Their continued involvement and passion for Collegiate table tennis helped rebuild the bridge between NCTTA and Puerto Rican institutions—making UPRA’s entry (to NCTTA) symbolic and significant.

To better understand their goals and expectations, NCTTA interviewed UPRA Director of Athletics Christian Tellado Badillo, who spoke enthusiastically about the school’s vision for the sport. The interview was conducted in Spanish and translated here.

“We’ve had a collegiate table tennis program since the early 2000s and have collected many titles within Puerto Rico’s intercollegiate league, La Liga,” said Tellado Badillo. “Our athletes are eager to bring that same competitive spirit to NCTTA. Joining this association allows us to showcase our talent on a larger stage while promoting the growth of table tennis across Puerto Rico.”

La Liga is Puerto Rico’s version of competitive sports within the University structure that includes a total of 17 schools on the island (10 public and 7 private), and includes all sports, not just table tennis. Universidad de Puerto Rico–Arecibo is a public university founded in 1967 and is located in the northern part of Puerto Rico with approximately 3000 students.

With a long-standing program, a strong athletic culture, and a core of experienced players, UPRA is well-positioned to make an immediate impact within NCTTA competition. Their participation also lays the groundwork for more Puerto Rican universities to join in the years to come. Leparulo states further, “Internationalizing the league and expanding opportunities for student-athletes, whether they are in North America or elsewhere, is our primary goal.”

Look out for UPRA as they begin their journey and compete alongside collegiate programs from across the United States and Canada.

About NCTTA
The National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting competitive collegiate table tennis in the United States and Canada. NCTTA organizes regional and national competitions, supports student-athletes, and works to grow the sport across North America.

Media Contact:
National Collegiate Table Tennis Association
Email: press@nctta.org
Website: www.nctta.org