Today we’d like to introduce you to Dora Kurimay
Hi Dora, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A Journey of Passion and Gratitude
Today, I am lucky and privileged to have found my passion—a stage in life where I can blend my love for Table Tennis with the joy of coaching others toward life wellness. I have been surrounded by family, friends, and mentors who have profoundly shaped my journey from a young age. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me recognize my abilities and pursue my dreams. I am deeply thankful for these remarkable individuals who shared their invaluable experiences and wisdom, guiding me to where I stand today. In this role, I aspire not only to nurture the potential in others but also to pay forward the kindness I’ve received, empowering them through the sport of Table Tennis to chase their own goals, passions, and life wellness with the same fervor that has fueled my journey.
My passion as a life wellness coach is to help people make meaningful social connections, enjoy life, and maintain a healthy lifestyle that promotes physical and mental wellness. I am deeply passionate about sharing my experiences with the world and empowering others to enhance their well-being and longevity through the sport of Table Tennis and mindset coaching.
I am grateful for my childhood experiences, as they have shaped who I am today. Growing up in Budapest, Hungary, playing games, participating in sports, and engaging in social activities were all part of our family’s DNA. I have fond memories of spending summers with my sister at my grandparents’ house in the countryside and enjoyed trips to Lake Balaton, where I spent much time in nature connecting with family.
I remember the first time I played table tennis as a little girl on a cement table in a playground with my family. Those moments playing in the park are very special to me. Being active, having fun, and socializing were essential elements of my childhood.
At age eight, my cousin, a professional table tennis player, introduced me to the Statisztika Petőfi Sport Club (now known as the Dr. László Ormai Table Tennis Club). I had the privilege of learning about table tennis’s different aspects from great coaches. I started practicing twice weekly, quickly advanced to a more competitive group, and eventually began attending the club daily.
I started competing at age 9, and by age 14, I felt like I had embarked upon a professional career in table tennis as I became a member of the Hungarian national team for 6 years. I even became a European champion in my age group for team events. Additionally, I ranked in the top seven in Europe for players under eighteen. I traveled extensively with my club and the national team across Europe and had the opportunity to compete in China and train in South Korea. My family provided tremendous support, helping me balance training, travel, and school. My coaches were also invaluable; they offered expertise and were always available whenever I needed assistance. I also got peer coaching from the best players of my club, and my teachers were supportive by providing a flexible schedule while traveling.
During my tour as a competitive athlete, I consulted with a sports psychologist. I quickly recognized the immense value of mental strategies. Techniques like visualization helped me overcome injuries and significantly improved my performance. Additionally, the book “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was essential in fully shaping my understanding of engaging in table tennis. This experience and exposure profoundly influenced my understanding of sports and psychology, ultimately influencing my decision to pursue a higher education.
After 11 years of a serious table tennis career, I pursued higher education to further my knowledge in psychology, encouraged by my family. This allowed me to take a five-year break from sports to dedicate myself fully to my studies. I earned a master’s degree in psychology from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. As a reward for my hard work, I received an academic scholarship to study sports psychology at John F. Kennedy University in sunny California, where I achieved my second master’s degree.
My love for the game was rekindled through my research and studies in sport psychology, leading to a second table tennis career in America. After returning to the sport, I delved deeper into this field through my studies, competing in table tennis tournaments to apply the skills I had learned in sport psychology. I was thrilled to achieve success once again while enjoying the game, eventually earning a spot among the top ten rankings in the U.S. and obtaining my green card as a professional athlete.
I had the opportunity to transition into leadership roles following this second table tennis career. I conducted workshops and training sessions for athletes, particularly in table tennis, through the Game Face Program in collaboration with Game Face LLC and Kathy Toon. I partnered with the ITTF Sports Science Committee and the Hungarian Table Tennis Association, giving numerous presentations and workshops for teams, clubs, universities, and big corporations. In addition to working with professional athletes, I also engaged in corporate settings, where I learned to organize and manage team-building and social events and played at Dirty Dozen tournaments at SPiN New York for three years.
My leadership experience opened opportunities for organizing, leading, and managing coaching clinics, workshops, and online sessions and supervising students. I transitioned to coaching children and mentoring students, collaborating with the American Youth Table Tennis Organization (AYTTO) to coach and manage over a hundred kids in public schools throughout New York City. I was the head coach for table tennis at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School. I organized and managed many coaching sessions at the PingPod table tennis facilities. I was an adjunct faculty member at JFK University (National University) for seven years, overseeing master’s students in sport psychology. Additionally, I served as the chair of the USA Table Tennis Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
My diverse experiences surrounding table tennis inspired me to pursue creative work and publish books on mental toughness; “Get Your Game Face On” and “Get Your Game Face On Like The Pros!” I also released “My Stories of Mental Toughness On and Off the Table,” where I share valuable life lessons, a video series, and a workbook. I also created a YouTube channel and hosted the “Game, Set, Match” podcast, where I discuss my journey and share my insights. In 2018, I established my own business in the United States.
As a life and wellness coach (mindset coach), I am now dedicated to helping others achieve their personal and wellness goals with Table Tennis as the foundation. I believe in the importance of a growth mindset and that learning and giving are continuous journeys.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has required grit but has provided me with many valuable learning experiences.
Language and cultural learning challenges had to be overcome when I moved from Budapest to the Bay Area in California in 2006 to pursue my MA in Sport Psychology. I had to adapt to a new culture, improve my language skills, build a support system, and embrace a growth mindset.
As a female player and coach, I was often valued for my rarity; however, working in a male-dominated environment meant working harder to prove my worth and gain acceptance.
Balancing femininity with leadership while maintaining a healthy work-life balance was essential for a well-rounded life. The long hours, extensive travel associated with coaching, and complicated efforts to sustain this balance were challenging. These challenges were, however, motivating as I learned to face increased scrutiny as a female athlete.
Pursuing my passion at a high level was sometimes lonely. Challenges included facing uncertainty and making sacrifices along the way. However, engaging in work I loved was incredibly fulfilling, especially because it aligned with my values, mission, and purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business today offers a comprehensive wellness program that integrates physical and mental training through table tennis and other sports. Table tennis is recognized as the number one brain sport, and it provides significant cognitive benefits. Playing requires quick decision-making, strategic thinking, and visual attention, stimulating various brain regions and enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and problem-solving. These unique qualities make Table Tennis an ideal foundation for our holistic life wellness program.
Our approach is to create a wellness system that brings together groups of individuals to enjoy table tennis’s physical and social aspects, fostering community and enhancing overall well-being. Participants engage in fun and interactive sessions promoting social connections, a natural outcome of table tennis.
Additionally, our program includes monitoring participants’ progress regarding physical health, mental wellness, and overall condition. We aim to prevent neurodegenerative diseases, supporting overall wellness goals. We supplement the physical and mental training with wellness lectures and discussions on nutrition, hydration, sleep, and building social connections – both within the group and beyond. This multifaceted approach aims to support individuals with a tailored plan to achieve balanced and fulfilling lives through the power of sport and community.
General services include:
– Wellness Coaching (table tennis, fitness, nutrition, and health planning)
– Table Tennis Coaching for all levels and age groups
– Mental Toughness Coaching (sports and life)
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor can be a transformative experience, but it takes intention and effort. I advise defining your values and focusing on your mindset, dedication, and willingness to learn. A mentor will find you if you cultivate these qualities. Explore your field to identify role models, participate in events and networks that align with your values, goals, and interests, and find mentors with the qualities and expertise you desire to develop. A strong support system is one of the most essential life success factors.
I am truly grateful and feel privileged to have had mentors who have positively shaped my journey, believed in my abilities, and provided me with opportunities to learn from them and for the invaluable insights, wisdom, and inspiration they shared. A mentor chooses to guide you based on your dedication, eagerness to learn, work ethic, and talent. Throughout my upbringing and university studies, I have been fortunate to have mentors among my family, coaches, teachers, and professors. Later, I was humbled to receive guidance from various experts in my field.
A good mentor guides and empowers you to grow into the best version of yourself. The mentor-mentee relationship is a partnership that fosters mutual learning and development, serving as a cornerstone of both personal and professional success.
I want to express my gratitude to all of my mentors for their guidance. I hope to give back to others one day by helping further their journeys, just as they have helped me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dorakurimay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorakurimay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachDoraKurimay/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorakurimay/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dorakurimay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoraKurimay
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dora-kurimay-new-york-5
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dora-Kurimay/author/B009ZVFB4U?
Image Credits
Joola USA
Carlos Estrada, Miami
