Harvard’s Kelly Yenn Successfully Defends Singles Title and Adds Doubles

By Michael Reff
Press Committee Chair

The 2026 NCTTA Championships in Rockford, IL successfully delivered on the excitement and passion of our elite college table tennis players.

The Women’s and Men’s singles finals, though, were the icing on the cake for fans and players alike. Both matches went the distance, with a 7th game deciding it all.

This writer got a chance to interview Harvard University’s Kelly Yenn, a freshly minted 2-time NCTTA Women’s Singles Champion, and 2026 Women’s Doubles Champion alongside teammate Hannah Song.

Yenn was ecstatic and reflective in her performances both individually, in doubles, and as a whole team.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the Harvard team, for the sport, and for all the support that made winning the Women’s Singles title at Nationals again possible,” she remarked. “This experience means so much to me, and I’m truly thankful to be part of a team where everyone lifts each other up and we’ve grown so close together.”

Yenn was very honest about the difficulty level of the intense table tennis she experienced throughout the three-day crown jewel event of the NCTTA Champs.

“These were tough matches, especially the final, and I’m grateful for that challenge. I’m deeply thankful for what table tennis has given me,” she reflected.

Yenn further elaborated by saying she has tracked her progress in the sport, and that the Championships demonstrated the culmination of that improvement.

“Through this experience, I’ve seen growth in myself across many areas, in my mentality and mental game, becoming more analytical, more adaptable, and more present. Those are qualities I will carry with me far beyond the sport.”

Furthermore, in the double’s event with Song, Yenn noted how well she and Song work together on the table and know each other's games:

For doubles, Hannah and I have built such a strong sense of chemistry. We trust each other, communicate naturally, and really stay aligned tactically. We’re constantly supporting and grounding one another, and at the core, I believe it's our shared faith in ourselves and in God that carried us through.

When asked about her takeaway of NCTTA Champs, Yenn was positive and looking forward to the future iterations.

“Nationals was truly special, from the matches to the energy and the moments shared with the team. It’s an experience I’ll always value and carry with me, and I’m really excited for what lies ahead.”

Congratulations to Kelly, Hannah, and the rest of the Harvard team on their strong finishes!

Featured in pic are Kelly, Hannah, and the Harvard team