Two of Austin Tennis Academy’s alumni are basking in the afterglow from playing on one of the biggest stages in collegiate tennis. Bailey Forgus and Annika Pandey attend the University of Chicago, and this year, both the university’s mens and women’s tennis teams made it to the finals on the road to the 2022 NCAA Division III national title. The mens team made history – earning the school’s first NCAA Division III national championship – while for the second time in 10 years, the women’s team finished as NCAA runners-up.

Annika Pandey, a senior and ATA alumna, was one of the captains on the women’s team. “Playing for a national championship as a senior was nearly an indescribable feeling because it meant that all our hard work over the past 4 years was finally paying off in a tangible way,” said Pandey. “Competing towards such a goal with my teammates and best friends was an immense privilege.”

Photo by Manuela Davies/USTA

Head Coach Jay Tee credits what he calls ‘unbelievable leadership from Pandey and the other seniors’ for keeping the team focused, determined, and together.  Just like any proud mentor or leader, it’s not surprising to hear what Pandey calls her biggest highlight. “My favorite memory from the tournament was watching our freshmen lead the way and battle to clinch our quarterfinal and semifinal matches,” said Pandey. “They have come so far since the beginning of the season; and it’s been an honor to witness their growth. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the coming years, and I know a national championship is on the way for them.”

Meanwhile rising senior and ATA alumnus Baily Forgus is getting to experience what it feels like to win a national championship. Forgus was one of the captains on mens team that made not only team history, but also school history. “What made playing for a national championship so special was seeing our team come so far from the beginning of the year,” said Forgus. “After having two seasons cut short because of Covid, we didn’t have a clear identity at the start of the season. With every up and down of the year it became a little more defined. I don’t think we came fully together as a team until the NCAA tournament, where everyone knew their role and did everything they could to help the team win. It was amazing to see us come out on top after having to make huge improvements during the year.”

Photo by Manuela Davies/USTA

Coach Jack Newman, just like Coach Tee, is reveling in the growth and leadership of his players. He’s watched Forgus and Pandey spread their wings over the past few years at the University of Chicago after leaving Austin Tennis Academy. “Both Annika and Bailey played key roles in building the team culture at the University of Chicago,” said Coach Newman. “They did the extra, different things that set them apart from their peers.” Anyone who’s spent any time at all around Coach Newman’s junior tennis academy knows those are lessons he wants and hopes every player takes with them when it’s time to move on from ATA.

Congratulations Annika and Bailey, as well as Coach Tee and each of the players on the 2022 men and women’s teams at the University of Chicago.