Personal Statement
Tennis is my passion and has been since I was 6 years old. I was drawn to the game when I watched Dad win the American Club Championships back in Hong Kong when I was 5yo. That next morning Dad woke up to find me in front of him, holding a tennis racket and saying “I want to play’’ …that’s when I caught the ‘Tennis bug’ !!
As an international kid born in NYC, growing up in Hong Kong & now a Junior at Boarding School in Melbourne, Australia I have moved between countries and cultures and loved it. Whilst switching to a new school, country and Boarding House environment wasn’t easy, I can honestly say it did the world for me in a mental aspect but also socially in making friends from all over the world, as well as maturing into a young man. You learn to be versatile and open to new people, places and experiences.
This translates on court. My personality is very beneficial to a team - I bring a positive energy and strong work ethic, can be funny, or have a laugh when the time is right. But when things get serious I am able to focus on that next task whether that be winning the next point, game, completing the drill or motivating my team mates. When I am a part of the team I have full trust of my teammates like they are my brothers. We all have one thing in common, we have a strong passion for Tennis. Personally, I find that having strong bonds with my teammates benefits me greatly not only on the court but also off as well.
From my Junior years in HK training in one of the HKTA’s top Elite Junior Development Squads, to making it into my current High school’s 1st Senior Varsity Tennis team since Freshman year, playing in Tennis Australia's Development Squads plus playing Tournaments, I have learned alot about myself through my love for Tennis… perseverance and never giving up. My sporting idol, a fellow ‘lefty’, Rafael Nadal arguably one of the most durable and mentally tough players ever, has instilled that winning mentality inside of me and how you respond to pressure. My personal goals in tennis are to be the best I can be and always be improving my game. I practice how I play in matches, maximum effort, every time. As a LH powerplayer, with a 'never give up' attitude and competitive energy, I have a controlling, heavy forehand, yet like to serve/volley and attack the net making me a powerful asset to my team.
As I recently recovered from an injury that sidelined me for 3 months, I was able to realize how much I love tennis and that without being able to play the sport I love dearly is hard. But as the saying goes ‘’turn every setback into a comeback’’ and I have done that and come back stronger & a better player…and always being at every school tennis match while I was out to support my teammates from the sidelines.
As a multi sport athlete, I transitioned from playing 8 years of School/Varsity Soccer in Hong Kong, to making the First A Team for Australian Rules (AFL) Football when I came to Melbourne, all while keeping up my tennis. I love being part of a team.
My academic goals are plain and simple, study and work hard to fulfil my potential. As it is in life, the more work you put in the more you get out of it. I may have to work harder in some subjects, but I know what I am capable of and am 150% confident in myself to do my best and will never give up. I’m not entirely sure what I want to do ultimately career wise, but what I do know is that I’ve loved studying Chinese since age 5 living in Hong Kong, Humanities are my strengths, I love history and am interested into aspects related to Sports in Business.
It goes without saying that I would be honored for the opportunity to be considered for a College program and would embrace it with commitment and passion, as I have done so far with all key chapters of my life to date.
