Tennis Testimonials
LAUREN JOHN-BAPTISTE
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
Being a part of the tennis academy and attending Talbot Heath school was a great experience. I liked the diversity of coming in and out of school; it gave me a different perspective as it was something I hadn’t experienced before. The way the programme was organised and maintained was very effective, and really helped me to enjoy going to and from tennis practice and school.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
The highlight for me was when we travelled to Qatar to play the World School Finals, as a result of winning the Aberdare Cup. The fact that we were not only representing Talbot Heath and West Hants, but also representing England, made it even more special. It was, and still is, one my favourite trips and something I will never forget. Being able to travel with my teammates and staff to such an amazing destination, I realised how lucky I was to be a part of the TH Tennis academy.
How was life in the boarding house?
I boarded for the whole five years I attended Talbot Heath. The staff were able to make the boarding house feel like a family environment, by eating together, celebrating cultural traditions, celebrating holidays and birthdays, as well as providing unconditional care. I really enjoyed boarding because I was around a lot of people who were my peers and close friends.
How did you find the challenge of tennis v studies?
Being a tennis player meant travelling and missing school. Despite this being a challenging aspect to obtaining good grades and competing at high levels, the teachers and staff members at Talbot Heath really helped to provide the resources that we needed. They were quick to answer questions and make sure we were aware of important dates we would possibly miss and how to make up for missed work. They consistently focused on every student’s ability to succeed and really helped me individually to attain my full potential, regardless of whether I was in class, another county or another country competing.
What are you doing now? What’s your greatest tennis achievement to date?
Currently, I attend Arizona State University in America. I recently started my second year and I’m really excited to continue playing at a high level as well as continuing to pursue an education and expand my knowledge as an individual, athlete, and student. Within the college tennis system, I have an individual ranking of 46 in the nation and a doubles ranking of 8 in the nation with my partner here at ASU. One of my greatest achievements was winning the National under 18s singles and doubles tournament.
I would just like to thank Talbot Heath and the academy for their support during my time with them and the continuous support they still show me. Both Talbot Heath and West Hants really gave me the best chance to practice amongst great players and coaches, and obtain an education at a top school. My experience is something that I am thankful for and I am exceedingly proud to have been a part of something so memorable.
ESTHER ADESHINA
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
I love the friendships that you make as well as the support received by not only friends but coaches and teachers, it’s great knowing that you have a whole support team behind you, not just your parents. The tennis girls all get on well and always support each other as well as wanting the best for each other, which I think is great as it really shows in the team events that we compete in.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight was definitely being part of the team that won the Aberdare Cup for the school to qualify to play for England in my first year, I was so excited but wasn’t happy when I found out I was too young to travel to Qatar with the team! My other highlight was playing Junior Wimbledon for the first time last year, it was amazing.
How was life in the boarding house?
I absolutely loved boarding, especially when I first started. The boarding house staff were extremely nice and welcoming and I had a few older girls to look up to and they were always there for me. I also enjoyed the social side to boarding as there were lots of different activities to do every day after school.
How did you find the challenge of tennis v studies?
I think I coped well with balancing the studies and tennis. There were times when it was tough because I had travelled to tournaments and hadn’t been at school for 2-3 weeks straight and coming back I was behind. The teachers always offered to give me extra help during free times and lunchtimes and they gave me catch up work before I left. My tennis revolved around school so if I felt like I needed more time to catch up on work then I would miss a couple of training sessions as school work would take priority.
Everyone has their individual programme which consists of tennis, strength and conditioning. On average I play 2-3 hours a day with an hour of fitness incorporated into the day as well. It’s a flexible programme which fits perfectly with my school work.
DR & MRS ADESHINA, ESTHER’S PARENTS
Esther has thrived in Talbot Heath, the support and encouragement that she has received from the school has been invaluable. She has made tremendous progress in her tennis and academic studies and it has been value for money.
ABBIE, YEAR 10
What do you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
I love combining a great education whilst playing tennis. I love fitness sessions and my individual sessions with Rob, they are fab and I can see my improvements.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight was winning the National Schools final in Bolton.
How was life in the boarding house?
I boarded last year, I had an amazing time with my friends. I’m good friends with girls in my year and particularly close to the other academy players. We do individual strength and conditioning sessions targeted around what we each need to work on, for example endurance, strength, speed and agility.
ERIN, YEAR 13
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
What I love about the academy is that I get to play and improve at the sport I love whilst still not missing out on getting a great education at school. I’ve made some great friendships with the girls in the academy as we’re all in the same position and see each other so often that we all naturally become quite close.
What was your highlight regarding tennis whilst at TH?
My highlight individually has been getting to play in the main draw of Junior Wimbledon and winning first round of doubles. But my team highlight would be being part of the team that won the Aberdare Cup in 2017.
How did you find the challenge of tennis v studies?
Balancing tennis and my studies can definitely be demanding, especially doing A-levels and with the amount I go away, but the school is really understanding of the position I’m in, so are really good at helping me keep on top of everything and catching up with all the missed work. I truly appreciate the support we are given in this respect.
POPPY, YEAR 7
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
Playing tennis and getting to know everyone
Please state your current ranking or recent tennis achievements.
23rd for 12U.
How do you find the balance of school lessons & tennis?
Good!
Advice for anyone thinking about applying for a tennis scholarship?
Just try your best and don’t stress!
What else do you love about Talbot Heath not related to tennis?
I like all the teachers.
What is your dream for the future?
To be a teacher.
SOPHIA, YEAR 10
What did you enjoy about being a tennis academy pupil at Talbot Heath?
Being part of a lovely team and the support from everyone around.
Advice for anyone thinking about applying for a tennis scholarship?
Don’t stress about missing lessons as the teachers are really helpful with helping you catch up!
What is your dream for the future?
To take my tennis career really far and make the school proud!
LOLA, YEAR 11
Please state your current ranking or recent tennis achievements.
Ranked 50 16u – competed in the recent grade 1 16u British junior championships.
What do you love about being in the Tennis Academy?
The friendships you make, the opportunities you get and the balance it gives you.
Advice for anyone thinking about applying for a tennis scholarship?
If you have any doubts within your first week they will all disappear and the friends you make with solve any problems
What else do you love about Talbot Heath not related to tennis?
The positive attitude towards everything.
What is your dream for the future?
To get a scholarship to a university in America.
SOPHIE, YEAR 7
Please state your current ranking or recent tennis achievements.
74
What do you love about being in the Tennis Academy?
That I get to go out to play tennis during the day.
Advice for anyone thinking about applying for a tennis scholarship?
Enjoy it
What else do you love about Talbot Heath not related to tennis?
My friends.
What is your dream for the future?
To be a tennis professional.