ATA Community To Celebrate Five Seniors This Week

The ATA community will celebrate five seniors this week, as each signs letters of intent to pursue their academic and athletic careers at the universities of their choice.

On Monday, Elena Seifert will commit to attend Claremont McKenna College in California.

“What set CMC apart from the other colleges I applied to was the small college feel within the 5 college consortium in Claremont. With Pomona, Scripps, Pitzer, and Harvey Mudd just across the street, there is an infinite amount of resources available to all students. The Cali sun, the 7 different (and amazingly good) dining halls, and being close to my brother Oliver were just a little added bonus.”

Elena is a five-year veteran of ATA who came through the Junior Academy program.

“I know that I’ve come pretty close to mastering the skill of time management thanks to ATA and my busy schedule, and I feel ready to take on my first college classes,” Elena said.

On Tuesday, the community will celebrate three seniors: Spencer Chiu will commit to Pomona College, Jordyn Kanak will commit to Millsaps College, and Tyler Wilkie will commit to Southwestern University.

Jordyn Kanak has been at ATA for five years. She was also considering Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.

“My time here has prepared me by showing me what it’s like to have a team, and how it rocks to have a second family you can go to when you need help.”

Spencer will graduate from ATA College Prep this year before heading to Pomona. He also considered Amherst, Wesleyan, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins and Tulane.

“I’m looking forward to surrounding myself with driven people who want to succeed in all aspects of life,” Spencer said. “I look forward to becoming independent and taking on the challenge of growing into a man. I look forward to leading my team to hopefully a national championship. I look forward to the weather of southern California. I look forward to meeting many new people and making many friends.”

Spencer will finish his fourth year at ATA full time before moving on in the fall.

“ATA has helped me mature and helped me understand how lessons I learn on the tennis court can help me in life too.”

Tyler Wilkie will commit to Southwestern University as well on Tuesday.

“I’m excited for college of course for all of the obvious reasons…. It’s college,” Tyler said. “But as well as pushing myself to get the best grades possible to get the job I want after college. Athletically I am looking to be All-American eventually. Also I would like to start top 3 as a freshman.”

Closing out his 6^th year at ATA, Wilkie is a veteran around Academy practice.

“ATA has not only helped me grow as a tennis player but as a person as a whole,” Tyler said. “It has helped build character and respect for adults, which will help me later in life, as well as the work ethic and habits that need to be created to become a successful individual.”

On Thursday, the community will come together once again to celebrate Camilla Trapness, as she signs on to attend Amherst.

“I was initially drawn to Amherst for its great reputation, both academically and athletically,” Camilla said. “When I visited, I really liked the coach and the team was very fun and welcoming. When I walked around campus, I could really picture myself going there.”

Camilla also considered Yale, Dartmouth, Williams and Middlebury, before landing on Amherst.

“I am looking forward to being challenged both academically and athletically,” Camilla said. “It will certainly be a change and will require lots of hard work, but I always enjoy being in new situations. Even though Amherst is considered a small college, I am looking forward to being in a larger environment than I have been in at ATACP and at my prior ski academy.”

While she has only been at ATA for just under two years, Camilla has made the most of her time here.

“This short time has certainly helped prepare me for college life,” Camilla said. “I have learned how to balance my school work and practice schedule, as well as developed important leadership and work ethic skills. Additionally, I really appreciate Coach Newman’s emphasis on having respect for the sport, my coaches, and my teammates.”

Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate with these wonderful seniors!