@ATACollegePrep – Page 3 – AUSTIN TENNIS ACADEMY

Chinese Immersion Students Visit ATA College Prep

A group of five middle school students from Taizhou, China recently visited ATA College Prep. Arriving in the United States for a cultural and language exchange program, they first toured San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Stanford University, and the Google and Facebook offices. They then toured Hollywood, La Jolla Beach, and Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the Grand Canyon before making their way to Austin, Texas.

Excited students arrived in Austin and joined with their American host families. (A big thank you to the Malyshev family for hosting one of the students during their stay). Students shadowed in local elementary and middle schools, including a day at ATA College Prep. They interacted with CP students while learning in classes, playing American board games, and hitting tennis balls. CP students embraced this experience as an opportunity to learn about a new culture and share pieces of their own. And CP Chinese language students had an opportunity to put their language skills to the test.

This young and growing cultural and language exchange program is championed by ATCP instructor and owner of Westlake Chinese Academy, Mrs. Yang Wang, who expressed that it has been an eye-opening experience for all the students, as well as the Chinese teacher who led their group. Not only have they been exposed to U.S. history, geology, religion, daily American life and food, but also they had the opportunity to put into practice the English they have studied for many years. Mrs. Wang explained that most of the students come from only-child families and had never been away from home. “During this trip, I have seen the kids growing quickly – learning how to take care of themselves, organize their things, and share with others,” said Mrs. Wang. In the future, these children hope to attend a U.S. high school or college. By shadowing American students, they have a firm grasp of the differences (and the similarities) between American prep schools and Chinese prep schools, as well as how to prepare for admissions.

Two of the visiting students were a part of ATACP Director Carol Hagar’s English class last summer as part of this program in Taizhou, China. Linda and Amy were so excited to be reunited with Carol for the day!

“Studying abroad is an ideal opportunity to open the mind and the heart to cultural diversity and to broaden deeper understandings of humanity. ATACP is honored to be a part of this exchange program – connecting people across the world through heartful education. We look forward to many more shared adventures.”, says Carol Hagar.

ATA College Prep : Did You Know?

Did you know?

ATACP is an independent private school, the youngest and smallest program fully accredited by Advanc-Ed (the largest accrediting body in the world), the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, and TEPSAC (Texas).

Our 2015-2018 graduates’ SAT score ranges are far above the national average and rank number two of all surveyed private and public schools in Austin.

Reading/Writing: 600-780 Math: 600-800.

ATACP curriculum and pedagogy does not teach to standardized tests, but our students perform well.

Recent graduates have been admitted to University of Chicago, Pomona, Princeton, Amherst, Notre Dame, Us Air Force and US Naval Academies.

CP has an online communication system for assignments, grades and messaging between students, teachers, parents, and coaches. Staff members collaborate weekly to discuss and best serve each student. The average class size is 8.

Students participate in a Leadership program to practice self-awareness, goal setting, and intrinsic motivation that includes neuro-targeted learning and metacognitive skills through daily inspirational reading, written reflection, and Socratic dialog.

Students lead a Mentor-Mentee program and peer tutoring in math labs and study halls enhance collaboration skills and increase understanding of previously learned skills.

We host monthly Field Trips and Guest Speakers.

Students read an average of 8 novels per year and analyze, annotate, discuss, and write research papers and reflections on numerous supplementary poems and short stories each year.

Students use day planners and follow a college schedule, which encourages time management and organization as they learn to manage their study hall times and lessen after school homework.

We foster a Growth Mindset. We teach students that learning is a life-long process and grows with time and effort. We focus on effort, attitude, and work ethic.

If you would like to learn more about ATA College Prep, visit our classes, or arrange a shadow day for your child, please contact Carol.Hagar@AustinTennisAcademy.com.

Happy Learning!

Upcoming Schedule, Events Around ATA

The school year is winding down, the weather is heating up, and Texas Sectionals ‘Summer Grand Slam’ is only a few short weeks away. Students at ATA College Prep and elsewhere are busy taking exams, giving final presentations, and putting finishing touches on papers. At the same time, they are logging crucial practice hours in preparation for the biggest junior tournament in Texas tennis.

While a rich and varied time of year for parents, student-athletes, and staff alike, it is also very full! So, here is some information to help keep track of what is happening around ATA.

MAY 28 – Memorial Day – NO CLASSES AT ATA COLLEGE PREP

MAY 29-31 – FINALS WEEK AT ATA COLLEGE PREP

JUNE 4 – ATA COLLEGE PREP GRADUATION – Check the ATA website for more details soon!

JUNE 7 – ATA END-OF-YEAR ACADEMY AWARDS PARTY (5-9pm) – RSVP to Liss Weinhold at lisa.weinhold@austintennisacademy.com

JUNE 4-8 – SUMMER GRAND SLAM TENNIS CAMP (superchamp only)

JUNE 11 – THE FIRST OF 9 WEEKS OF TENNIS CAMPS BEGIN AT ATA – Camps for all ages and levels begin this week. Click the link above to learn more!

See you at the courts!

Meet ATA College Prep’s Math and Science Lead Bryan Rutherford

“…teaches us with engagement and love…”

“…ensures that we understand the knowledge…”

“…makes his classes accessible and fun…”

“…has a genuine passion for the classes he teaches.”

“…an amazing science teacher…”

“…will always make time to explain things to you…”

Bryan Rutherford, ATA College Prep’s Math and Science Lead, has spent his life learning and helping others learn. From west Texas to Rice University, to Oakland and Austin, Bryan tirelessly soaks up what he can about the world and shares it with those around him.

“I have always been curious, and I’ve always really liked for things to make sense and be comprehensible,” Bryan said. “Galileo said something to the effect that “Nature is an open book, written by God, in the language of mathematics,” and that’s what appeals about the sciences to me: rigorous observation and mathematical description make the workings of the world around us understandable.”

Bryan grew up reading novels and history while playing competitive tennis as an only child in Odessa, Texas. After competing on the varsity team for his high school and reaching USTA SuperChamps, Bryan put down the racquet indefinitely and focused on school.

He graduated from his 6A high school as valedictorian, while taking fourteen AP tests along the way: English Language, English Literature, US History, European History, US Government, Microeconomics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics B, Physics C (Mechanics), Physics C (E&M), Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Computer Science A.

“I’ve always been interested in science and engineering, but I’ve also always been interested in literature and history and lots of other things,” Bryan said. “I’d say I got the most encouragement in studying science growing up, and that sort of directed me toward college studies in scientific fields.”

For his college studies, Bryan chose Rice University in Houston. Beyond wanting to stay in Texas, Bryan liked that Rice offers the most academically rigorous undergraduate program in Texas and has a strong tradition of multiple majors.

“The most outstanding part of college in retrospect might be the community of other engaged, curious people who want to have conversations about ideas and pursue their interests deeply.”

Bryan graduated with a B.S in physics and chemistry and a B.A. in literature. He quickly transitioned into a role with Teach For America, teaching math in a public charter secondary school in Oakland, California.

“[Those two years] forced me to learn to manage a classroom and develop curriculum, and it was a good way to learn about the challenges of educating kids from backgrounds very different from my own. In my school in Oakland I got some really good professional guidance from my department head that helped me to develop my manner and attitude as a teacher, and I found that it could be a very rewarding profession.”

In 2010 the state of California’s budget was collapsing, and Bryan’s school needed to lay off some faculty. He’d always intended to eventually move back to Texas, and he had recently gotten into a long-distance relationship with the woman he’s now married to (who was still in Texas).

“So, I made the staff cuts a little easier for my school by resigning and moving to Austin, where Shaela [his now wife] was enrolling in UT to pursue her Master’s in art education,” Bryan said.

Once back in Texas, he did some freelance teaching and tutoring for a year, working at Austin Community College and with a homeschool co-op, where he worked with Marlene Yousef, who taught at ATA College Prep for a number of years.

“Marlene introduced me and Carol, and I started tutoring here in the spring of 2011 and teaching classes that fall,” Bryan said.

Bryan didn’t always know he’d want to be a teacher professionally, but he’s always tutored his classmates and peers. As an upperclassman in college he worked for Rice’s Office of Academic Advising as a Peer Academic Advisor, giving content tutoring and study and scheduling advice to underclassmen (he also occupied a similar role at his residential college), and he worked for three years as a teaching assistant in the Japanese department tutoring first- and second-year students.

“I presume that Teach For America headhunted me based on those experiences because they recruited me during my senior year. I had found that I really enjoyed working with other students as a tutor, and I was already interested in the Peace Corps and Americorps, so I gave Teach For America a try.”

These days, Bryan is midway through his 7th year with ATA College Prep leading the Math and Science departments. He lives in South Austin with his wife, Shaela, who teaches Art at ATACP, and his two daughters, Ena and Naomi.

While he has made a profession out of passing along what he has learned and how to learn it, he, too, is still exploring.

“One of my main hobbies in recent years is writing and improving articles for Wikipedia; I’ve mostly worked on scientific and historical topics and Austin landmarks. I might spend a free afternoon researching and writing an encyclopedia article on an interesting topic that doesn’t have good coverage yet. I also enjoy reading novels and taking long walks by Town Lake, when I can.”

Chinese Language, Arts and Cooking Summer Camps at ATACP

ATA College Prep will host Chinese Language, Arts and Cooking Summer Camps this June and July, provided by Westlake Chinese Academy. The purpose of these camps is to provide an immersive Chinese learning environment for students ages 4-16.

Sessions:

June 18 – June 22

June 25 – June 29

July 9 – July 13

Schedule:

Full-day camp: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Morning camp: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Afternoon camp: 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Late pick-up available from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at additional cost: $20 per person per day

Tuition: * (including art supplies and cooking materials)

Full Day Camp: $345/week

Morning/Afternoon Camp: $195/week

More Information: http://westlakechineseacademy.org/camp/

Registration: http://westlakechineseacademy.org/camp/

Pictures From Around ATA College Prep Recently

While the ATA College Prep students follow rigorous academic and athletic schedules, there is a constant effort to maintain a balance between work and play, strain and rest, focus and relaxation. The last few weeks have been no different.

The group worked to wrap up first semester classes while hitting the group running in the Spring. They’ve also made space for fun-filled trips off campus or lively morning practices before school. Here are a few pictures. To see more, head over to the ATA College Prep Facebook page!

Emerson, Sophia, and Sklar focus on an annotation assignment during Reading Lab.

The English I/II students take down a few notes before a creative writing activity.

Juan explores online academic research databases during a field trip to the new Austin Central Library.

Sophia and Emerson are mesmerized by the yawning lion at the Austin Zoo.

Sasha and her team enjoy a fun, yet competitive game to finish morning practice on Friday before classes. Don’t forget to see more photos of the CP group at our Facebook page!

Alumni Updates: Abigail Chiu Checks in From Dartmouth College

Hi Coach Newman and the ATA community!

I just ended my first quarter at Dartmouth College which was filled with many ups and downs, but overall, a very successful first term. Going to college, I had to settle into many new changes that I faced when I first stepped foot on the Dartmouth campus. These changes consisted of constantly meeting new people, adjusting to a newly decorated dorm room, becoming comfortable with my team and coaches, and learning to live on my own for the first time. It was definitely a culture shock and at times extremely hard for me to adjust to. Being so far from my friends and family is hard, but I am glad to say that I am now really happy and enjoying every moment here. While there are similarities with ATA, there are definitely major differences that have surprised me in both good and bad ways. The first thing I will tell you about college tennis is that once you join the team, you are not so special anymore. The special attention that is given to you at ATA no longer exists. You are now part of a group and everything is divided among a dozen other people so with that being said, be a team player.

The first day of practice I learned the hard way. I was playing a point against a senior, missed a shot and told myself not to miss it again. Later that practice, my coach came up to me and told me that next time, I must tell my teammate that she hit a good shot, and I can honestly tell you that it was an extremely embarrassing, and humiliating feeling. After that practice, I cried walking home because I missed my coaches, my friends, and my family. I did not adjust to this new coaching as well as I had hoped, and I had a hard time balancing my success with my team’s success. But at the same moment, I realized that regardless of whether or not I think I am better than the person across the net, I am going to have to put my head down and work to earn my position on the team. The coaches at your college are not going to care if you’re winning every practice match; they care about you being open-minded to their coaching and most importantly, that you’re supporting each and every teammate including the one you’re competing against.

My advice to you is to start now, and every day leading up to your first college practice. This means constantly cheering on your teammates, high fiving them when they do something good, or pumping them up when they need the encouragement. It doesn’t matter if you had a bad day at school, or there’s something on your mind; your coaches and your teammates chose you to be on that team, so you better be the best teammate you can be. College tennis is a whole new sport because now you’re playing for more than just yourself. You are now playing for an entire team, for the pride of your school, and for the many college tennis teams that came before you. Luckily, I learned quickly the importance of team and was able to apply that to my tennis.

Overall, I had a pretty successful first term, winning my region in doubles and being able to compete at nationals in California. It was a big honor for me to represent Dartmouth at the national level, and a feeling I will never forget. College tennis is something amazing but it’s just one component of your college experience. As far as school is concerned, I would advise you to take classes that you’re interested in because when you’re passionate about the class, school is so enjoyable.

Something that really shocked me about school is that doing homework is one of my favorite things. That sounds extremely nerdy but I promise that if you choose classes that really interest you, those late nights in the library are so fun and worth it. In terms of school work, I also suggest you completing your assignments the day they’re assigned because being a student-athlete, sleep is extremely important. It is also a huge relief to know you’re ahead in school when you have upcoming tournaments or dual matches.

My piece of advice when it comes to the social aspect of college is to be willing to meet all types of people, especially outside of the tennis team. When you go to school, you are surrounded by people with all different types of ethnicities, beliefs, experiences etc. I have only been to college for ten weeks but have already met some of the most interesting people who I know will add great value to my life.

The last thing I can tell you is to really appreciate the relationships you have at home and at ATA. With that being said, try your hardest to strengthen those as best you can before you leave. I went through some terrible days extremely homesick and I promise there’s nothing more you want than to be able to call your friends, coaches, and family. I was struggling on the tennis court because I wasn’t playing the way I wanted to be playing, but luckily Coach Doug and Coach Dio were two people who really helped me get back to where I needed to be. Another thing that may be helpful is to ask your private coach at ATA to develop a good relationship with your future college coach. Your ATA coach knows your tennis game, and you as a person better than your college coach so with that help, you will really benefit yourself well when you’re struggling. That very thing is what makes the Austin Tennis Academy special and if you take advantage of the special people around you, you will always have them when you need them the most.

Good luck to everyone in the upcoming tournaments and in the college search!

Abigail

ATACP’s Annika Pandey Named National Merit Commended Student

ATA College Prep senior Annika Pandey has been named a Commended Student in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing her in the top 5{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9} of more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition.

“This recognition is a tribute to Annika’s long-term dedication to her studies, work ethic, and perseverance,” said ATACP Director Carol Hagar.

Around 50,000 Commended Students are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise, all of whom entered the competition by taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“I think the biggest factors that contributed to my success were my parents because they always push me to do my best and set high goals and academics have always been really important to us,” Annika said. “I also think Carol and College Prep have helped me keep up with the material a lot. Mr. Rutherford and Coach Tommy have also kept me really challenged in the classroom so that has definitely helped.”

Annika is currently narrowing her college choice as she moves through her second to last high-school semester. Over the past month, she has visited Claremont McKenna College in California, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and MIT in Boston.

“I really liked all of them, but I found that campus atmosphere and student body were two things that were really important to me so I think I will be making my final decision based on those two criteria,” Annika said.

Wherever she lands, Annika is angling for a well-rounded experience in college. While medical school is the post-grad plan, a major in anything from International Studies to Business or Economics over biology or chemistry spikes her interest most at the moment.

“I want to be challenged in college of course and being in an area where there is a lot to do is important to me,” Annika said. “I’m really excited to be a little bit more independent and sort of gain my footing in the world while learning a lot and spending time with interesting and ambitious people.”

Congratulations, Annika!

ATA College Prep Hustles To Help With Harvey Relief

Over the first week of school, the ATA College Prep community combined their efforts to try to make a small positive impact amid a large and ongoing tragedy. After thousands upon of thousands were displaced from south east Texas following Hurricane Harvey, the CP community focused on families heading to Austin. Together with the Austin Disaster Relief Network, the group donated two packed van loads of essential supplies to those most in need.

In total, ATA College Prep gathered and compiled 30 full Welcome Kits (1 per family), 8 boxes of organized essential supplies, 10 cases of diapers, 14 bags of clothes, blankets and kids toys, 6 cases of baby food and 4 cases of water.

The group will continue to engage in opportunities to serve those affected by this disaster throughout the year. Check back here for updates, or feel free to reach out with any possible opportunities or interest to participate.

And, most of all, a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to those of you who donated and/or helped over the last week.

ATA College Prep Students Zip Through Orientation

The 2017-2018 school year at ATA College Prep kicked off late last week with two fun-filled days of orientation. Beyond the standard class schedules and syllabus discussions, the time together was packed with everything from Woosh. Bang. Pow., to tangled human knots, to zip-lining through the Texas hill-country. Here are a few pictures from the fun.

Carol introduces the students to the rules of Woosh. Bang. Pow.

After linking each left arm to a teammate’s right arm who was not immediately next to you, the groups worked to untangle the knot of arms.

Callie, Kristin, Sydney and Jordan smile for a picture while secured to the platform at the top of a tree between lines.

Mac and Alex race through the tree tops on the longest line of the day.

Mac, Jackson, Alex, Christian, Harrison and James casually lean off of the platform as they wait for the next line.

Sophia hangs on as she repels through the trees to the next landing.

The students and teachers enjoyed two action-packed days together and are primed and ready for an amazing start to the year. Check back here for regular updates on the action in the classroom and out as the ATA College Prep year kicks off.

The ATA College Prep Community Honors The Class of 2017

The ATA College Prep community came together last week to celebrate the graduating class of 2017.

Set in the serenity of the Spanish Oaks hills, a few hundred family members and friends of the graduates attended the commencement ceremony. Before Head Coach Doug Davis offered his customary invocation, Director of ATA College Prep Carol Hagar opened the evening and welcomed the guests. An excerpt:

“I hope that during your years at College Prep you have learned to be more mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions… and of their effects on yours and others’ well-being. …that you have learned to help yourself and be of service to others. … that you have learned to be compassionate and optimistic. …that you have learned to possess hope and to engender hope in others. … that you have learned to be grateful for the gifts you have been given and to honor them by continuing to develop them within you.

It is for your transformation that you are here to study and to learn. It has been an honor to witness and participate in a portion of the transformation within each of you. I know that you will choose to forever follow in this way.”

As the sun set behind the trees, the community personally honored and celebrated each graduate. Wilson Hamilton, Alejandro Rodriguez and Abigail Chiu were each recognized through commemorative video tributes, introduced by two loved ones who know them well and finished by addressing the audience with a few words of their own.

Continuing a CP tradition, each graduate selected a Senior Legacy Quote that will be installed as pavers in the campus garden. Their selections are below.

Wilson Hamilton will attend Trinity University in San Antonio next Fall. Long-time friend Chase Bartlett and coach and teacher Brian Notis spoke on behalf of Wilson. Each highlighted the academic transformation and confidence Wilson has accomplished during his time at College Prep.

No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how hard you fall… you are never out of the fight. -Marcus Luttrell

Alejandro Rodriguez will attend the University of Chicago next Fall. Teacher and coach Tommy Collins and mentor Clifford Chiu spoke on his behalf and reflected upon Alejandro’s tireless efforts to reach excellence in study, relationship and as an athlete.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. -Winston Churchill

Abigail Chiu will attend Dartmouth College next Fall. Coach Doug Davis and brother Harrison Chiu spoke on her behalf. Each shared the lessons of perseverance and compassion that they have learned from Abigail.

Be great, not ordinary. Embrace diversity, not security. Live fully, not fearfully. Once chance you write your story; make it one worth reading. ~Abigail Chiu

Following the presentation of the graduates, Santiago Montoya, current Glimmer Chief Investment Officer and ATA alum, offered the commencement address. Reflecting on some of his past failures, he reminded the graduates to fall forward and embrace great attempts that may fall seemingly short. And that these are the moments that teach us the greatest wisdom.

CEO Jack Newman closed the graduation ceremony by initiating the Passing Of Leadership To The Class of 2018. This tradition of handing off the ATA ball symbolizes the handoff of responsibility for leadership within the greater Academy group for the next year.

A year from now, this group of leaders will look to continue the CP tradition of 100{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9} college matriculation to some of the top schools in the world.

Following the ceremony, the group once again came together in community to share a meal surrounded by story tables celebrating each senior and their past accomplishments.

Congratulations to each of the ATA College Prep graduates of the class of 2017! Check the ATA College Prep Facebook page for more pictures from the evening.

ATA College Prep Graduation 2017 – Tuesday Night

2017 ATA End Of Year Party

The ATA community came together on Thursday evening at the beautiful Malyshev family home to celebrate a wonderful year of growth together.

With delicious food and drinks, speeches from returning alumni and outgoing seniors, Academy Awards and a slideshow of highlights from the year, the ATA family enjoyed a few fun-filled hours together as the scenic Austin skyline faded into the evening in the background.

Here are the highlights:

ATA Parent Of The Year – Sheri Gorden

ATA Coach Of The Year – Brandon Davis

ATA Most Improved Player Award – Larry Li, Devan Sabapathy, James Burdick, Sydney Marin, Sarah Schaal, and Savannah Baptiste

ATA Mentorship Award – Bailey Forgus and Kristin Kerrigan

The ATA Student-Athlete Award – Caroline Wernli and AJ Valenty

The Spirit of ATA Award – Denver Holden, James Burdick, Abigail Gorden and Claire Wernli (not pictured)

ATA Ambassador Award: Sasha Malysheva, Shriniket Maddipatla, and Synclair Larson

ATA Work Ethic Award: Bailey Forgus, Jett Hampton, Hannah Harrod, Kristin Kerrigan and Alejandro Rodriguez

ATA Competitor Award: Max Schmidhauser, Callie Creath, Harrison Chiu, and Santianna Chrysopoulo

ATA Leadership Award Winners: Abigail Chiu, Kristin Kerrigan, Alejandro Rodriguez and Marcus Sweeney

ATA MVP’s – Alejandro Rodriguez and Alexandria Mjos

ATA College Prep – Guest Speaker Series

Throughout the year, ATA College Prep brings in guest speakers who impact our students with thoughtful words of wisdom and inspiration. Often, the stories they tell spark future studies, compassion for others, and ideas for community service projects.

Recent speakers have included: Dr. Reginald Baptiste (cardiothoracic surgeon) and Mrs. Oksana Malesheva (physicist, first generation immigrant, and entrepreneur). Both shared amazing stories about how they grew into and continue to grow in their chosen life passions.

Last Wednesday in Leadership, ATACP students heard from ATA alumnus, Carla Rosenberg, as she shared some of the lessons she learned from tennis that she utilizes in her adult life as a successful entrepreneur. Listed here are her top 15 lessons.

1. Understanding winning and losing

2. Be coachable

3. Be prepared

4. Be decisive

5. You grow the most when you are uncomfortable.

6. Develop others

7. Integrity

8. The power of adjacency

9. Step up when the occasion arises

10. Produce results

11. Everything sends a signal

12. No one is perfect

13. Be flexible

14. Do the little things really well

15. Visualization

Take a look at her full speech:

Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of HIGH INTENTION, DETERMINED EFFORT, and SKILLED EXECUTION. ~Carla Rosenberg

ATA College Prep’s Chiu, Rodriguez Named CATA Players Of The Year

Each year, the Capital Area Tennis Association (CATA) recognizes outstanding junior tennis players with a variety of awards. The tennis community comes together for an evening at the CATA Junior Awards Banquet to celebrate the winners of each distinction.

At this year’s banquet, ATA College Prep seniors Abigail Chiu and Alejandro Rodriguez will both be recognized as winners of female and male CATA Player of the Year for 2016/2017.

“I was honestly surprised when I heard I won,” Alejandro said. “So many high level players have received this award in the past, and to now be in that grouping is really special.”

A big part of the CATA awards is the example the winners have and continue to set for the younger tennis players throughout the Texas tennis community. While their paths to success speak for themselves as examples, Abi and Alej offered a few words directly for the younger student-athletes.

“To the up-and-coming juniors, my advice would be to find the right people to be in your corner,” Abigail said. “When you find the right people, you find yourself enjoying the process more, and that has always been the most important thing to me.”

For Alejandro’s advice to the younger generation, the focus is on the future.

“For me, I think the most important thing for up and coming juniors to learn is how to translate lessons from the court to all of the other areas of their lives. If you can apply the discipline, hard work, and resiliency that tennis teaches onto other areas of life, you can really excel at whatever it is you choose to do.”

While these are individual distinctions, winning the same award as seniors, and doing it together, makes it extra special for such close friends.

“It’s great to be able to win this with Abigail because I have seen first-hand the hard work and discipline she puts in to reach the level of success she has,” Alejandro said. “We have shared many great memories in the past, and with college approaching so quickly it is very special to create another one like this.”

This year, the CATA Junior Awards Banquet will be on Sunday, April 30 at the Crown Plaza Hotel. In looking back, both Abi and Alej again recognized the support system around them as a key factor in their success.

“I would of course have to credit my personal coaches: Brandon, Doug, and Dio for being the main three key people since I was 13 years old,” Abigail said. “Everyone has sacrificed, and put in their efforts towards me and my journey, but nobody more than those three.”

Alejandro agreed.

“Tennis might be a sport an individual sport but there is no way to make it all by yourself. I wouldn’t have achieved nearly as much without the amazing coaching staff at ATA. My primary coaches Brandon Davis and Dio Miranda have both been an incredible source of wisdom to tap into, my parents have been infallible in their support, and my teammates at the academy are a constant source of motivation. It really is a team effort.”

Congratulate Abigail and Alejandro the next time you see them before they head off to Dartmouth and UChicago!

ATA Community Celebrates Chiu, Rodriguez, Hamilton at Signing Ceremony

The Austin Tennis Academy community came together last Wednesday evening to celebrate three ATA College Prep seniors: Abigail Chiu, Alejandro Rodriguez and Wilson Hamilton.

“This is one of ATA’s most important rituals,” ATA CEO Jack Newman said.

Newman explained that these rituals serve many purposes: they help make big changes – like transitioning to college – a little more manageable, they allow for the transmission of values and beliefs from our seniors to all of the JD and JA kids sitting up front, they contribute to the program identity, and they facilitate coordination between players, families and our community.

“I am certain that Abigail Chiu sat up here when she was very young and watched signing ceremonies, just like these kids are today,” Newman said.

The evening unfolded with the community celebrating the seniors one at a time, with a pair of coaches talking on behalf of the student, followed by a speech from each of the soon-to-be graduates. The group started with Wilson Hamilton who committed to Trinity University. Coach Luka, Wilson’s primary coach, said a few words on his behalf:

After Coach Luka’s speech and another by Coach Newman, Wilson addressed the group with his own personal message:

After Wilson signed his papers, the focus switched to Alejandro Rodriguez, who committed to the University of Chicago. Here is his message to the community:

After Alej signed his papers, Coach Dio and Coach Doug Davis spoke on behalf of Abigail Chiu, who committed to Dartmouth University. Here is Abigail’s speech to the group:

After all of the memories, thank-you’s, tears, and cheers, the community stuck around to share three cakes together – each decorated with one of the three logos of the schools celebrated throughout the evening.

For three seniors whose families all moved to Austin to be able to attend the Austin Tennis Academy, there was one common thread, one lasting sentiment in the speeches – it is the people, the community, the relationships that make the Austin Tennis Academy a special place.

“Tennis is a sport that will only take you so far, and if there is one thing I learned through the process, it’s that it is not about all of the titles you win, but rather about the people you get to experience it all with. If I think back to my happiest moments, it isn’t winning a Gold ball, it was getting to play with this amazing team,” Abigail said.

CP Students Visit Public Art On UT Campus

Today, ATACP students toured the University of Texas campus to view a few public art installations recently procured by the newly developed Landmarks Division.

“I really enjoyed getting to see pieces of modern art on campus this morning,” said Alejandro Rodriguez, a senior at CP headed to UChicago in the Fall. “It was very interesting to see how sometimes, the environment around a piece of art dictates the way in which that artwork will be created. I was blown away by some of the creative displayed by the artists, who took ordinary objects and presented them in a way that creatively showcased many different attributes.”

The students saw everything from a monochromatic sculpture made from 70 canoes to unique portraits of Austinites that eventually will be installed in the Dell medical school building.

This field trip was part of a larger unit at CP focused on the purpose and meaning of public art. Soon, the students own artistic creations will be on display in and around the CP campus.

“My favorite piece was called Monochrome of Austin, and it consisted of 70 canoes, 30plus feet in the air, leaning over the street,” Alejandro said. “It was incredible.”

A few more photos from the day:

KK, Jack and Wilson discuss their favorite portraits.

The students check out the perspective from inside one of the pieces of art.

Sasha and Caroline taking in the scene together.

Hagar’s Former Student Named Rhodes Scholar

Mikaila Smith, a former homeschool student of ATA College Prep Director Carol Hagar, member of ATA College Prep in 7th and 8th grade, and a lifetime Austinite, recently earned her spot as a Rhodes Scholar.

“I have been working with (and been a fan of) Mikaila since she was about 8 years old and it didn’t take me long to determine she was my vote for a future US president,” said Hagar. “I always tell children they can do and be anything they decide to put their intention and attention toward, Mikaila always took that to heart and continues to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way.”

Mikaila is a Presidential scholar at the University of Texas with majors in social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management and Chinese. She joins 31 other Americans from across the country who earned the Rhodes Scholar designation over thousands of applicants from more than 320 American colleges and universities.

“I take it as an incredible opportunity and responsibility,” Mikaila said. “I am more committed and determined than ever to give back to my communities, to continue to work on issues I am passionate about, and to support the people around me. I feel honored and humbled, and I take this platform and opportunity very seriously as a way to engage with the world around me and work hard to contribute to the advancement of the issues I care about.”

Mikaila has always had a passion for reading, exploring, and helping others. She is multi-lingual, has championed several philanthropic efforts, is a certified yoga instructor, and currently working in New York at the United Nations before departing to Oxford in the fall to continue her studies.

“I am so very proud of this compassionate powerhouse,” said Hagar. “I know that she will continue to develop solutions, make things happen, and positively impact our world.”

ATACP Psychology Students Present Work During Rainy Practice

The rain washed away any hope of hitting a ball this afternoon, but the Academy students and coaches were still hard at work in the fitness center. The coaches led the group through 1 hour of fitness, followed by two 30 minute presentations from ATA College Prep Psychology students Alejandro Rodriguez and Bailey Forgus.

The assignment from CP Psychology teacher Jack Newman was to present an element of positive psychology to the group using a PowerPoint and a handout.

“I thought both Alejandro and Bailey did an excellent job correlating the teachings we have learned in class with tennis, and how it can translate on the court,” ATACP senior Abigail Chiu said. “Bailey focused on happiness, and Alejandro chose mental toughness and both were presented with visual evidence that really brought interest to the entire group.”

Bailey titled his presentation Be happy with your journey, not your destination. See the slides below:

[embeddoc url=”http://www.austintennisacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Be-happy-with-your-journey-not-the.pdf” download=”all”]

Alejandro titled his presentation, Pushing Yourself. See the slides below:

[embeddoc url=”http://www.austintennisacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/PushingYourselfProject.pdf” download=”all”]

“It was nice to get to showcase some of the things I had learned in class while giving my teammates some information which could help them,” Alejandro said. “It was fun talking to a larger group, I didn’t feel nervous at all and I enjoy speaking to more people. I hope to get to do that a lot in college and professionally. I think people connected with some of the content that I talked about and because my topic had a very direct correlation to tennis, I think they will be able to apply what they learned (if they choose to) pretty straightforwardly. The group was also a great audience which made it very fun to present!”

Check back later in the week to see more student presentations.

CP Grad Bartlett Brings Energy, Work-Ethic To Hilltoppers

ATA College Prep alum and St. Edward’s University freshman Chase Bartlett wrapped up his first college semester maintaining his high academic standard, earning a 4.0 GPA and claiming a spot on the President’s Honor Roll through 7 classes on the Hilltop.

“While not at all surprised, I am incredibly proud of Chase’s accomplishments and his continued diligence during his first year at St. Ed’s,” ATACP Director Carol Hagar said. “His insatiable curiosity, his dedicated work ethic, and his copious positive demeanor embody the ideal scholar-athlete. Chase was an excellent leader while at ATACP and it is a beautiful thing to see him carry that forth into his college community.”

His work ethic was also evident on the court, as he’s spent the majority of his winter break participating in practices and fitness workouts with his former teammates at ATA preparing for the upcoming season.

“Chase Bartlett’s willingness to be humble and work hard continues when he returns to ATA from college,” ATA CEO Jack Newman said. “This past few weeks he has been in practice a lot. Just like when he trained at ATA full time, for him it’s never about who he is practicing with, it’s about what he brings to the practice. He brings a high level of energy and of course a high level of tennis. He doesn’t come with the attitude that he’s too good for the kids in the academy, he comes with that attitude of wanting to be there and wanting to get a great workout. I think this draws a high level of work and effort from his younger teammates. Consequently everyone gets an amazing practice.”

As a team, Bartlett and his fellow Hilltoppers set the goals to finish top 10 in the country this year while earning the highest GPA out of any athletic team at St. Edwards.

“I’m super excited about this upcoming season because I want to see the work that the Hilltoppers put in the fall season pay off,” Chase said. “A lot of guys (myself included) pushed literally to our physical limit. I remember one practice when the other freshman and I won a relay race against our other teammates and then both of us proceeded to leave the courts and throw up. That happened a few times this season.”

While the team logged long hours working together through the Fall, being apart through the holiday season makes continuing the momentum a challenge for each individually.

“It’s really helpful to have ATA,” Chase said. “During a one-month long break it’s important to keep training to maintain what we worked for in the fall, and for that you need a place to train. I like going to all of the academy practices and fitness sessions because when I was in high school/middle school it was really motivating to see what older, more-experienced people can do.”

As far as his academic success at the college level, Chase again looked back to his ATA College Prep roots.

“ATA College Prep really prepared me well. CP taught me both the time-management skills and academic foundations that are necessary for success at the college level.”

Follow along while Chase and the Hilltoppers begin the season in the coming weeks. The St. Ed’s Men’s and Women’s teams are scheduled to play multiple matches on the ATA courts, offering many opportunities to see college-level tennis right here while supporting some ATA alums, including Charlie Shin, Men’s and Women’s head coaches Estevam Strecker and Kendall Brooks, as well as Bartlett.

Next up:

St Ed’s vs ATA All Stars – Jan 27^th 4pm

St. Ed’s vs Southwestern U – Feb 3^rd 4pm

St. Ed’s vs UTRGV – Feb 11^th 2pm

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