Tennis Champions of Tomorrow Study Online

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a sports pro while still at school?

Evelyn Bacea-Anton is an ACC ODE student who also happens to be a tennis champ! Beginning her sport at the age of 7, Evelyn plays and trains alongside her younger sister Sophie and together have entered numerous competitions and tournaments together in their local area. Recently, the pair entered the 2021 Mount Lawley Spring JDS Tournament 1 & 2, Evelyn taking out 1st place in both 1 & 2, and younger sister Sophie winning first place in 1. This is the latest victory of many for the girls, and Evelyn hopes it won’t be the last.

“We’re hoping to play professionally in the future, so we’re taking training seriously. We practice almost every day, and it can get exhausting...but definitely worth it! Tennis is so much fun, and it’s all about giving it your very best, being encouraging, and having fun along the way!”

According to Evelyn, encouragement is a key part of the sport. ‘We were taken along to a beginning session by mum and dad, who encouraged us to just give it a go, and we loved it!... Whenever we go to a competition, the best parts are encouraging other players and making good memories...building up others to do their best is a really cool part of tennis.’ Encouraging others is an important part of any sport, whether you are a professional or beginner, and it not only builds your confidence as a player but also grows you as a person. Having people around you who support you, even in an individual sport, is vital to success - without encouragement from others, we may never give something a go, discover new talents, or persist to achieve our best! Wherever we are, whatever sport, school, workplace, or home we are in, we can make a huge difference to those around us by choosing to be an encouragement to them, and no doubt that Evelyn and Sophie are making a big difference to their fellow tennis players!

Despite their aspirations for professional sport, Evelyn still says that her schoolwork is a priority, and sees it as very important for her future. Both girls manage to train hard every day, while also focusing and studying hard. ‘It can be exhausting...but school is super important, and tennis is a fun way to keep healthy and active.’ Evelyn said she would definitely recommend tennis to other kids who are at school and encourage them to give it a go. ‘It’s not too hard to do both...it’s just about giving it a go, and having fun no matter how good you are.’

No doubt we will see these two amazing players continue to excel through the future!