Two teams from the University of Stuttgart achieved success at the German University Championships: The women’s fencing team (foil) and the women’s table tennis team each won first place in their respective disciplines.
Taking team spirit to the international table tennis championships
The German University Table Tennis Championships took place in Darmstadt in early June. The University of Stuttgart team, consisting of Antonia Bernhard, Miriam Kuhnle, and Annika Müller, took first place in the women's team category.
"Participating in the German University Table Tennis Championships was a great experience for me. I’ve participated three times before, but always on my own. It was even more special to compete as part of a team this time – and to win the team event right away. The tournament was extremely well organized, the accompanying events were great, and it was also a good opportunity to chat with other students outside of the games,” Miriam Kuhnle says, describing her experience.
The women's team faced the host team from TU Darmstadt in the final and emerged victorious with a decisive 3-1 win. "As a team, we gelled quickly, supported one another, and played well together. Of course, what's especially cool is that we have qualified for the 2027 European University Championships in Portugal. We are very proud of this and are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the University of Stuttgart on the international stage there. All in all, it was a really great tournament and, from a competitive standpoint, of course, a perfect way to wrap things up for us,” says Kuhnle.
Foil fencers dominate in their discipline
Just a few days later, another women’s team from the University of Stuttgart celebrated a title win in Darmstadt: foil fencers Greta Vogel, Mahnaz Shahriyari, and Mirjam Kieckbusch won the women’s team foil competition at the German University Championships. “Winning the championship with this team while also completing my Master’s study makes me incredibly grateful,” says Mahnaz Shahriyari.
The team came out on top among a total of 13 participating teams. After some very decisive preliminary-round matches, they qualified for the first knockout round and advanced directly to the quarterfinals, which they navigated with ease, as they did the semifinals. In the final, they faced WG Mainz and clinched the championship title with a decisive 45–28 victory.
If possible, the athletes would like to represent the University of Stuttgart again next year at the German Collegiate Championships, both individually and as a team.