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A Week in the Life
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Isabella and George talk about their leadership role as Tennis Captains, their achievements, the activities they enjoy at the College and their passion for the sport.
I’ve always loved playing a variety of sports. When I was 12, I decided to concentrate more on tennis and have represented Sussex ever since. I am currently in 18U and Women’s Open and I have been ranked Sussex number 1 in 14U, 16U and 18U.
My top achievements so far have been receiving a sponsorship from a major sports brand after a season of winning several regional tours, and being awarded the Sheppard Cup for Sportsmanship at the Sussex awards. My favourite Lancing tennis events this year include winning the Sussex Shield Tournament and the Fair Play Award at the U18 Sussex Cup Tournament. I also enjoy fun events like House Tennis and the annual (fancy dress) Manor Cup.
Lancing offers coaching and hitting practice plus pre-season training, as well as strength and conditioning programmes and access to the College Gym. I also enjoy playing hockey and netball for Lancing’s first teams, and football and cricket in the annual House events. I really enjoy competing as part of a team in sociable sport events when boys and girls can play together.
I’m also part of the Lancing Geographer editorial board and I am a Charity Rep. My favourite A Level subject is English Literature.
As a Tennis Captain I’ve really enjoyed the chance to work with girls of all ages and abilities. Being the captain also requires making decisions, such as choosing the most successful doubles combinations. The team should feel united and relaxed, as people always play better when they’re comfortable.
It’s important that everyone feels supported as tennis is a tough sport, especially when playing singles. My advice to others is to be prepared to put the time in, and really love the sport; sometimes I am on court till 8pm, in the rain and cold, persevering for the development of my game.
Isabella Hope, Lower Sixth
My favourite tennis player is Ashleigh Barty. I admire her sportsmanship “
and tactical game style.
I have been playing tennis for 13 years since age 4. Currently, I have a world tennis number of 17.7. My highest ranking has been 4th in Sussex. My biggest achievement has been playing for the 18U County team. One of the highlights of this season for me was winning the Sussex League tournament against some strong opposition.
The College’s Tennis Club is an enjoyable group to be a part of, with plenty of pupils getting involved in the sport at every level. The school has been great at providing support for my tennis, offering on-court sessions alongside a specific fitness regime. I have been involved over the past few years in the strength and conditioning programme that the school offers alongside all other sports. The College also supports me when I need to train outside of school, whilst helping gauge a balance between work and tennis.
One key thing for me about playing tennis at a high level is finding the balance between competitiveness and enjoyment of the sport. I think without the initial passion for the sport there will be less desire to continue trying to improve and become the best player you could be.
My role as Tennis Captain includes leading the team during fixtures and acting as a middle person between the team and the coach, which can help as we see the team dynamic from a different perspective. George Naunton, Upper Sixth My favourite academic subject is Maths, and I love completing the Problem of the Week set by the Maths Department. “
