Your coach:
Hichem Yacoubi
How old were you when you started to play tennis, when did you join the Academy?
9
What is next for you?
Colgate University (New York) - Division 1
Please share your academic or tennis related awards or achievements with us.
U16 provincials singles champ, U16 provincial doubles champ x2, U18 doubles champ, J30 doubles champ, J30 doubles finalist, J60 doubles finalist x2.
How old you were when you started to take tennis seriously, what or who inspired or motivated you to do so?
I began to take tennis seriously at age 12, as that was when I played my first competitive tournament. I was heavily inspired by my parents, who played lots of competitive sports growing up and saw tennis as an intriguing, yet challenging sport.
What was your biggest challenge in obtaining your tennis goals?
My biggest challenge was overcoming a lack of competitive confidence. I started playing much later than many of my peers, which meant I was playing catch-up against opponents who already had hundreds of matches under their belts. However, I knew that if I displayed a growth mindset and an improvement-oriented attitude, I would be able to use my mental strength to my advantage. Tennis is definitely a mental sport, so when the mind is confident in the preparation you've put in, you can compete with anyone, regardless of how many matches they've played.
Please share your fondest memories from your training or competition with Aforza?
My favourite memory from Aforza would be the Halloween parties from when I was in U12. Aforza would do a murder mystery theme for the younger kids, and we would use clues to determine who the murderer was (nice one Garcia). I also loved going on the Florida trip in December. I learned so much more about everyone who went, and it was always lots of fun
Other comments or memories you’d like to share.
Aforza has truly been my home for my entire tennis career. Growing up alongside the same group of players has turned us into a family. While I’ll really miss the daily vibes of the club, I’m so grateful for how Aforza has prepared me, both mentally and physically, for Division 1 tennis. I’m so excited for the next chapter, but I will also miss the times at training when I was together with all my friends.
Do you have any advice for other young players?
My biggest piece of advice is to always prioritize respect, whether that be for your opponents, coaches, parents, or training partners. In a competitive environment, it’s easy to focus solely on the score, but the way you carry yourself and the impression you leave behind will truly matter. Tennis is a small community, and being known for your character as much as your game will open doors for you long after you leave the court.
