Table tennis: The Leipzig-Leutzsch Foxes have strengthened their squad with the signing of Clio Barcenas from Mexico + Video

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The glory days for the women’s first team of the Leipzig table tennis club Leutzscher Füchse 1990 e.V. – which played in the first Bundesliga from 2012 to 2017 and in the 2nd Bundesliga South until 2023 – seemed to be over. Following their relegation to the Third Bundesliga South at the end of the 2022/23 season, things went quiet in the Leipzig local press. The last article in the LVZ on 14 June 2023 sounded like a swan song.

In the 2025/26 season, the women’s team finished 8th in the table, narrowly avoiding a relegation spot. That is set to change this season, not least thanks to the signing of Clio Barcenas, who made her debut on 26 September in the away match against last season’s third-placed side, TuS Fürstenfeldbruck II.

With the new line-up of Clio Barcenas, Leonie Hildebrandt, Kira Kölling, Marlene Scheibe and Katharina Bondarenko-Getz, things can start looking up again. Avoiding relegation shouldn’t be a pipe dream. We’ll see at the end of the season whether the goal of a return to the Second Bundesliga is achievable.

We met Clio on 30 September at the Füchse’s table tennis hall for a short interview. The interview was a bit of a struggle – the interviewer doesn’t speak Spanish – so our friend Sebastian Glas Montecino stepped in to help. Here’s a brief summary; the full version is available in the video.

The conversation

Hello Clio, first a few words about yourself. Who are you, where are you from, and why are you in Leipzig?

Hello, my name is Clio Barcenas. I’ve been a sportswoman for 15 years, and I’m 24 years old. I came to Leipzig to improve my game.

What do you do apart from playing table tennis?

It’s my first week here since I arrived from Mexico. Before that, I was studying, and now, in these first few weeks, it’s really just a time to settle in and see what I’ll do next.

What did you study, and what would you like to do here in Leipzig?

I studied catering in Mexico with the aim of becoming a head chef. I’m here in Leipzig purely for table tennis, to play professionally in the third Bundesliga. I don’t actually live in Leipzig yet; I’m living and training in the Czech Republic and come here for the league matches and a few events.

You’ve already played in Mexico – in which league, in which division?

In Mexico, there isn’t this system of leagues. There’s a national ranking, and I’m number one. I play in international tournaments and for a team. There are four of us in the team: Arantxa Cossio, myself and two other women.

That’s my last question. So you want to become a professional table tennis player, or are you already one? Do you also want to compete in World Championships, European Championships, or whatever?

My main goal is the 2028 Olympic Games in LA; that’s why I’m here too – to train more, improve my standard and gain experience.

Well then, I wish you every success, all the best, and thank you for the interview.

We’ve edited Clio’s answers slightly for readability.

We’ll be reporting on the Leutzscher Füchse women’s team’s matches – at least the home games.