He opened a ping pong clubin a basement. The statepassed a resolution about it.

Columbia native represents US in China table tennis exchange

Beijing. Peking University. Dinner with the president of the ITTF. He is twenty-one.

S.C. State Table Tennis Championships return to Columbia

“Table tennis was our passion, and we both had a desire to make it relevant here in Columbia and build it from the ground up. I realized there hasn't been a sanctioned state tournament in over three decades and wanted to change that. So we brought it back.”

First sanctioned state championship in South Carolina in over thirty years.

Table tennis takeover: How a college student hopes to spike ping pong popularity in SC

“I started a neighborhood league, got really good, beat everyone. Walked into my first club, got beat by everyone, little kids (and) older adults. It was very embarrassing. I just thought I was like the man because I could win in the neighborhood.”

Players from fifteen to seventy-two, in one room, on a Monday night.

Beloved festival returning to Columbia after more than a decade-long hiatus

The Italian Festival, revived with his brother Donovan. Last held in 2015.

New ping pong social club opens in Columbia, strives to be 'Main Street's living room'

“I want to be kind of a figurehead to show people you can be a young person and thrive here. Like that's doable, it's not impossible.”

The piece that named the place. The phrase was his, not a headline writer's.

Tripp Roche is putting a spotlight on Columbia

“It's too late to turn back now and stop. People will ask me if I get discouraged because I've had so few people commit and light up, but I don't think about that. Every time I ride past the city at night, I think about how cool it's gonna look lit up.”

This 20-year-old is on a mission to light up Columbia's skyline

“I don't think this is ever going to be a completed project. If buildings keep coming up, it's going to keep adding to it.”

Columbia student's vision aims to illuminate skyline with vibrant LED display

“This is more than just lights. It's more than just putting lights on top of buildings for good looks. This is for civic pride and I think it will bring people together through community and through unity.”

The other thing he's building: Columbia City Lights.

H. 3820 — declaring April 23, 2025 'Table Tennis Day in South Carolina'

“anyone can play table tennis, including children as young as four”— H. 3820, as passed

The resolution names Carolina Pong. The State House passed it. He was twenty.

Community Highlights: Meet Tripp Roche of Carolina Pong

“We are an all-inclusive club that's open to all players of all levels. We take a growth mindset approach to things at Carolina Pong, always thinking of things we can do to grow and move forward. I'm most proud about how all of our players are bought into this organization.”

The longest interview he's given, and the one he typed himself.

Hidden table tennis training room is one of Columbia's best kept secrets

“I really do love this game; I came from tennis, and I found this sport. I really fell in love with it right off the bat and I've really played every single day, two years ago since I started.”

Upstairs at Villa Tronco — the room where he learned.

Villa Tronco, Columbia's oldest restaurant, celebrates 85 years

The family restaurant. Five generations. It's where the ping pong table was.

How a Midlands Tech student started a 'ping pong revolution' in Columbia

“Racket sports here are really hot now, and table tennis doesn't really get that much attention as other sports. We want to bring something that's enticing and that the average person could have some fun to watch and play.”

College student's new ping pong club to host inaugural Carolina Clash tournament

“It's probably the busiest time of my life between working at Villa Tronco, my family's restaurant, being in my freshman year at Midlands Technical College, and starting Carolina Pong.”

A new spin on tradition: Villa Tronco and Carolina Pong

“Carolina Pong isn't just about playing ping pong; it's about building a community.”