News
We are very pleased to announce that Sean O'Neill has been named to succeed Daniel Rutenberg as Paralympic National Team Coach.
Sean served previously in this position from 2004-2008, coaching our Para Team through two Paralympics (2004 & 2008), three Para Pan Am Games (2003, 2005, 2007), and numerous international events. He brings proven coaching expertise, extensive knowledge of Para competition, and mastery of IT technology. We wish Sean and his Paralympic Team success this summer in London and in years to come.
The Selection Panel consisted of:
Attila Malek, USATT Board Clubs Director;
Jasna Rather, Para Program Manager and Olympic Medalist;
Richard McAfee, Chairman, Coaching Advisory Committee;
Ross Brown, Chairman, High Performance Committee;
Teodor Gheorghe, USATT COO and High Performance Director; and
Mike Cavanaugh, CEO, USA Table Tennis.
Ross M. Brown
Chairman, Selection Panel
Paralympic National Team Coach
"I am honored to be selected to coach our athletes in London this summer. I look forward to working closely with Jasna Rather our Para Program Manager to build a comprehensive national team plan to help us for Rio in 2016 and the future. Our Paralympians and Disabled player are key members of our High Performance efforts and I know our coaching division led by Richard McAfee has made their development a priority with our ITTF-PTT Courses and coaches. Additionally, I want to thank Daniel Rutenberg for his leadership over the past four years and helping our athletes qualify for the Paralympic Games. Our team with be at the US Open in Grand Rapids, so if you see one Pam, Tara, or Tahl make sure to wish them well in London!"
-Sean O'Neill
"I am very pleased with Sean’s selection as Head Coach for USA National Paralympic Team. With his experience and knowledge in Paralympic Games, USA is on the right track in developing great Para Team and reach the medal podium in the near future."
-Doru Teodor Gheorghe
Chief Operating Officer & High Performance Director
"I have known for some time that Sean was extensively deeply involved in the training and coaching of our disabled athletes. However, until the Selection Panel began its due diligence, I had not realized the depth and breadth of his insight, talents, and accomplishments. Daniel Rutenberg, Sean's predecessor, set the bar way up high. Sean will take it levels higher. I am truly pleased and proud to have taken part in his selection as Paralympic National Team Coach."
-Ross M. Brown, Chairman
Paralympic National Team Coach Selection Panel
"I am very pleased that Sean O'Neill came through the interview process to be selected as the USATT Paralympic National Team Coach. He has a wealth of competition experience, well developed preparation techniques, a keen eye for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of an opponent and will work with our athletes directly and remotely in setting goals and training programs individualized to see that are they are optimally prepared for the rigor of international competition on the world stage. He is well suited for drawing on his multiple experiences in Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to lead USATT in the development of our Para athletes as well as adding vision and direction to the overall program."
-Michael D. Cavanaugh
CEO – USA Table Tennis