Junior Spotlight: Erica Wu

By Tawny Banh

Erica Wu, born in 1996, is the only child of Peter Wu and Johan Pao. She is ranked third in girls under 12 and 14 in America, sporting a remarkable rating of 1821. Her most current achievements include winning the Girls’ Under 18, 16, and 13 at the NATT Western Open, and first in Under 12 (boys and girls) and second in Under 18 Girls’ at the John Schneider Memorial Open. Erica started playing at age eight, spending only one hour a week in her first year. From ages 9-10, she developed greater interest in the sport. Her style of play is a close-to-the-table, aggressive forehand loop and backhand hit and block.

Erica’s parents, both actuaries, have given a lot to her formal training. So much so that her mom took an early retirement in order to drive Erica to and from practices (she primarily plays at the Los Angeles Table Tennis Club, but she is sometimes at Northridge). Erica plays three days during the week, for just one hour per day. On weekend days, however, she spends two hours. Though neither of Erica’s parents are table tennis players, her mom is there to pick up balls at every practice, and has also taken her to Taiwan for training. Her dad, despite frequent travels, is supportive and readily gives advice concerning play. Erica has had many player-coaches: Crystal Huang, Tawny Banh, Rhihong Huang, Yuanyuan Li, Dinh Nguyen, and Grace Lin.

Over the last couple of years, Erica has evolved from rubber on both sides of her bat, to medium pips on the backhand, then to short pips. Though changing was a challenge for her, it was necessary due to evolving sponsorships. With a current sponsorship from Butterfly, Erica is playing with Bryce on her forehand and Challenger Attack short pips on her backhand. She uses a Schlager Light blade. With this set-up, the ball goes deep on her loop and is very easy to control.
Erica says it’s pretty cool being the only young girl at many tournaments. It makes her feel rather special because people notice kids more easily than adults. (She especially likes it when there is a crowd watching and cheering for her.) Future plans include being a U.S. Cadet Team member by age 12, and she hopes to earn a spot on the U.S. Junior Team by 15. Ultimately, she hopes to be an Olympian, playing doubles with Gao Jun.

Table Tennis isn’t the only item on this young girl’s horizon. She is an excellent student whose primary scholastic interest is writing, but she also enjoys nature and animals. Erica is a wonderful athlete; she enjoys soccer, basketball and volleyball. She also plays the piano and flute. One caveat: Erica doesn’t like piano, but her mom says if she quits piano, she has to quit table tennis too.
Play, Erica, Play.

ERICA WU
Age: 11
Hometown: Arcadia, CA
Highest Rating: 1907