From Carol – AUSTIN TENNIS ACADEMY

Let Us Answer Your Questions

This year, maybe more than ever thanks to COVID19, students and parents have lots of questions as well as concerns about going back to school and physically being in classrooms. Head of School Carol Hagar, and her College Prep staff, want to provide as much information upfront as possible.

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Simply click on the link to watch a video with Carol Hagar answering that specific question.

What will school be like this year in light of COVID19?

When will classes begin for College Prep?

Will there be safety protocols in place?

What type of system is used to manage classes, communication, and other elements for each student?

What does having a school-year theme mean and what is the theme?

What is CP’s focus on health and nutrition?

How are technology and digital devices used?

Teacher Appreciation!

“The best teachers show us where to look but don’t tell us what to see.” This message hangs in the staff area of College Prep as a reminder that our greatest mission is to guide individual potential.

Tuesday, May 5, marks the official 2020 Teacher Appreciation Day and most will celebrate this week honoring and remembering the teachers who have impacted and played pivotal roles in our lives. This year’s pandemic has given us a new appreciation for teachers, highlighting the amount of time and patience they put into each child they serve. Tirelessly working and planning and then altering their plans to accommodate online learning and the strange end to this academic year, the support and care they give to their students continues. And although we miss the daily personal interaction within the classroom, the College Prep team has gone above and beyond to make this transition seamless, continuing to inspire our students to utilize the skills they have developed and are developing to reach their potential.

Some local businesses will offer freebies during Teacher Appreciation Week, but the most rewarding gift a teacher can receive is a personal acknowledgment, a thank you for the effort they have put into YOUR development. Take a moment to let a teacher in your life know that you appreciate who they are and who they are helping you to become. If you are looking for creative ways to thank your teacher, you could offer a handwritten note or a thank you video, acknowledge them on social media, send them a gift card for books, office supplies, Teachers Pay Teachers website, or a nice dinner out (or for pick-up), or make a donation in their name to AASF or another meaningful organization.

Learning is a life-long adventure and it is the guidance of our teachers that directs us on our paths of curiosity. Whether it is a seemingly insurmountable challenge, a kind word of encouragement, a new perspective, or a little extra support when you need it, let the teachers in your life know that you appreciate the time and creativity they put into you and your learning experiences.

Happy Learning!

Life Is Our School: How Are We Taking The Curriculum?

LIFE is our school. And the lessons we learn from it are unique to each of us because both our outer circumstances and our inner reflections affect how we take in the curriculum. The extent of what we learn is directly related to what we spend our time doing and thinking about. These are the foods of impressions that we take in through our senses and become a part of who we are. So how are we taking life’s curriculum these days? Are we resisting or accepting it? Are we exploring new interests and adventures or retreating into the comfort and security of habits? Either way, it takes courage to move through life’s challenges.

LIFE is our school and learning transforms us. But how much are the external things in the world transforming us and how much are we transforming the world we experience? You may ask how can we transform the world around us? Well, we do it every day by the things we think about. Everything we watch, listen to, read, and spend time thinking about dramatically affects our perspectives of the lessons we receive from the world around us.

This week’s quote is from Helen Keller. “Knowledge is love and light and vision.”

Helen Keller was without light and vision since the age of 18 months, yet she was able to become enlightened and experience the light of the world through education. How difficult it must have been to learn given her physical limitations. How frustrating and even fearful it must have been for her to move through her daily life without being able to see or hear what was happening in the world around her. Not just the physical attributes but the meanings behind every occurrence. She was faced with what most people would label as enormous adversity. As a child, in response to her frustration, she would throw tantrums, and many family and community members encouraged her parents to put her in an institution because they felt she would be a constant burden and would never be able to learn. Fortunately for Helen, instead her parents searched for and found an incredibly patient teacher that devoted her life to providing mechanisms and signs for Helen to develop understanding and to learn how to learn. Knowledge began to shed light and vision upon her mind and she developed a deep love for the challenges.

In her autobiography, she writes about how her teacher would spell words with her fingers into Helen’s hand and that she really did not know that those movements were words or that even words existed; she just copied the motions… but then:

Keller’s breakthrough in communication came the next month when she realized that the motions her teacher was making on the palm of her hand, while running cool water over her other hand, symbolized the idea of “water”.

She recalls that AHA moment: “I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motions of her fingers. Suddenly I felt a misty consciousness as of something forgotten — a thrill of returning thought; and somehow the mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew then that w-a-t-e-r meant the wonderful cool something that was flowing over my hand. The living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, set it free!”

This awakening set her free. She was able to grow through her outer challenges because she had an inner awakening. She appreciated the art of learning and understood what it meant for her ability to live freely. She became the first person with deaf-blindness to graduate from college (Radcliffe); she was great friends with Mark Twain who was inspired by her wit and sense of humor, and later became a co-founder of the ACLU and transformed the way society judged individual human potential.

“Knowledge is love and light and vision.” We can love or appreciate something only after we have some understanding of its meaning in relation to ourselves. We can be enlightened only through deep knowledge and understanding of our experiences in relation to others. And our ability to see clearly the world around us doesn’t necessarily come from our eyesight but from our soul’s ability to share and communicate common thoughts.

LIFE is our interactive school. Helen Keller is a powerful reminder that learning does transform us and that our joy is directly dependent upon our reflective reactions to LIFE’s curriculum.
Happy Learning!

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 CP’s BAILEY FORGUS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST!

ATA College Prep senior, Bailey Forgus was named a 2019 National Merit Scholar Finalist. To put this award in perspective, approximately 1.6 million students take the PSAT each year. Of the juniors who take the exam, about 16,000 (or 1{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9}) earn scores that qualify them as Semifinalists. This group is narrowed down to 15,000 Finalists.

Although CP students have been commended in previous years, Bailey is ATA College Prep’s first NMS Finalist! This is a testament to Bailey’s commitment to excellence, his tireless effort, and perseverance and qualifies him for a college scholarship.

Bailey has attended College Prep since his 8th-grade year and has been prepared for this moment through learning experiences designed by the inspirational CP staff. So much love, effort, and support have contributed to this accomplishment and all should share in the pride and joy.

“Bailey has earned this award through years of disciplined effort. He made this possible by investing time in time preparation, but also by taking a challenging slate of courses and making the most of his classes throughout his high school career,” commented Bryan Rutherford, CP’s Math & Science Lead.

Bailey will attend the University of Chicago in the fall of 2019. Congratulations Bailey!

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!

ATA College Prep Ahead of the Curve with Student Voter Registration

Each Friday in Leadership, the first class of the ATA College Prep school day that includes all students, the group gathers to discuss current events and selections from the recent news cycle. Led by Math and Science Lead Bryan Rutherford, the students have recently unpacked things like the roles and responsibilities of serving on a jury, the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, the wide variety of elected offices on the local, state, and national level, and the nearly 30 year struggle of Macedonia.

In the weeks leading up to the election, Mr. Rutherford uses parts of Leadership for a seminar called ‘Educated Voter’, where all CP students 17 years and 10 months go through the process of registering to vote and learning some of the foundational information necessary to become active, informed voters.

Keith Ingram, Director of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, recently praised ATA College Prep for being ‘ahead of the curve’ with seminars like these, weekly cultural events meetings in Leadership, and even providing transportation to the polls during Early Voting and on Election Day.

Ingram’s office is currently increasing their push to educate and register first-time voters, and Mr. Rutherford is on board.

“I’ve heard it said that a democratic system ensures that a nation gets exactly the government that it deserves,” Rutherford said. “Our system only works if citizens participate actively by getting informed about the issues and candidates and then showing up to vote. People have fought and died for the right to have a say in the government of their communities, and it’s pretty sad that most Texans eligible to vote don’t bother to turn out for most of our elections. At ATACP we are working to raise engaged, responsible citizens who take ownership of their communities at every level, and one of the ways I do that is by holding seminars for the seventeen- and eighteen-year-old students about upcoming elections and registering them to vote, as Texas says all secondary schools are required to do (though most don’t). I also talk the kids through civics in our weekly discussions of current events so that they can connect things they may hear adults talking about to their lives and futures and start to see how politics affects them.”

Midterm Elections will take place Tuesday, November 6, 2018, with Early Voting beginning Monday, October 22, 2018. The final day to register to vote in that election is Tuesday, October 9, 2018. Want to know what will be on your ballot? Visit www.VoteTexas.gov

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.”

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!

ATACP Guest Speaker Series: Michelle Segovia Talks Organ Donation

As part of the ATA College Prep Guest Speaker Series, Michelle Segovia, Communications Director from the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), recently spoke to CP students about saving lives through organ transplants.

“Our (TOSA’s) mission is to save lives through the power of organ donation,” Michelle said. “None of this is possible without the generosity of our donors and their families who are able to see beyond their grief to give life to others.”

Mrs. Segovia’s presentation offered convincing facts, like how 1 person can save 8 lives through organ donation, and that 35 percent of Americans are currently registered as organ donors. She also talked through many misconceptions about organ donation, shared success stories, and answered questions from the group.

“I hope that you are all encouraged to register your decision to donate but also that you’d talk to your family and friends about the decision to register as well,” Segovia said in closing.

To learn more, head over to DonateLifeTx.org. You can visit the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance website by clicking here.

Alumni Updates: Meghan O’Malley Checks In From U.S. Naval Academy

Greetings from Annapolis and the US Naval Academy! I hope that you and the entire ATA community are doing well!

We are in the midst of Beat Army Week – it’s a fun, intense week full of crazy pranks and “spirit missions” in the middle of the night, all leading up to the game on Saturday in Philadelphia. The game represents an exciting day for Navy and Army Football as well as our country.

I’ve been pretty busy these past 18 months! My Academy experience started on I-Day in June 2016, with Plebe Summer – six weeks of the most strenuous physical and mental training I had ever encountered. As tough as it was, I felt prepared because of my time at ATA. I took with me the mental training tools I learned from our ATA coaches and practiced on the court.

As tough as Plebe summer was, my Plebe Academic year (or Freshman Year) was tougher. I balanced taking 20 credit hours with military and tennis team requirements. Academics at the USNA are very challenging and like nothing I’d ever experienced. My first week of chemistry covered what I experienced during an entire semester in high school. The focus is on math and science, and while I’m a Political Science major, I still must take 4 semesters of chemistry, physics, and calculus. Midshipmen are required to graduate in four years so typically midshipmen take 18-20 credit hours each semester. There are no breaks for athletes.

Playing tennis for the Navy is a dream come true, but where it was my focus in high school, it is now a very small part of my overall Academy experience. Our practices are much shorter than other teams primarily because of the military and academic requirements. I’ve come to appreciate what the coaches at ATA always told us. Playing tennis is a privilege and I am fortunate to be able to this as well as my experience at ATA and College Prep to prepare me for life beyond tennis. I use the lessons I’ve learned on the tennis court to position me to achieve success in all aspects of my life.

Military requirements are a huge part of my Academy life. Not only do I take classes like navigation and seamanship, but I have real military duties like standing watch, marching in parades, and training exercises. During my Plebe (freshman) Year, I was at the con of a Naval Vessel, sailing in the Chesapeake Bay.

Last summer, I spent a month on the USS Normandy, a navy cruiser in our Atlantic Fleet. I lived and worked among enlisted men and women and saw first-hand the dedication and hard work required to keep our Navy strong. I learned that a Navy ship can be a very complex and dangerous place to work and if I am to lead in our fleet effectively, I must understand, respect, and appreciate even the lowest ranking members of our Navy. Their success will determine my success, and more importantly, keep us safe in dangerous situations.

As for life as Midshipman, I am part of the USNA student body, called the Brigade of Midshipman. I am part of a company, and I will live on a floor with my company mates for all four years of my time here. We are a team, accountable as a group to each other and to the entire student body of Midshipmen. If one person makes a mistake, we are all punished. We take care of each other and the bonds we have formed are stronger because of it. This year, I have a leadership role in my company which has been a tremendous learning opportunity for me.

As I think back to the last 18 months, I know that I would not be here if it weren’t for ATA. I remember sitting down with Coach Newman when I was accepted to ATA’s Academy program as a 10-year-old. He talked to me about dreaming big and working hard. Those two things enabled me to be here. I think back to all of my lessons with Coach Doug, Coach Kendall, and the teachers at CP. I carry so many lessons with me. Believing that I belong is huge. It’s important to get the little things right. Doing the right thing matters – even when it’s hard, even when no one is watching. Here I’ve had to work harder than I’ve ever worked.

To the players of ATA, I have some advice. Appreciate each moment you are there, even the times that are tough. Challenge yourself as it will prepare you for the next steps in life. Appreciate and commit to your journey. Define success, don’t let success define you. Take care of your teammates. Wear the ATA shirts with pride; they represent that you are part of something greater than yourself. Dream Big.

Go Navy! Beat Army!!

Meghan O’Malley

Josh Hagar talks Glimmer impact, kicks off new campaign

A foundational principle of the Austin Tennis Academy culture is giving back. The staff works to surround all students with opportunities to participate in and contribute to the world around them. Last week, ATA College Prep and recent Notre Dame graduate Josh Hagar joined Academy practice to tell his story of spearheading the Playing For Glimmer Campaign, while urging the next generation to step up and get involved.

“No program I’ve ever been a part of anywhere in the world has something like this where they acknowledge where they are and try to do something to give back,” explained Hagar, who is now playing tennis professionally. “I’m here to talk to all of you about kicking off this year’s campaign.”

ATA has set the goal to raise $100,000 to go towards a new school and 3 new water wells in the villages of Gondar. This is the next step in a pledge ATA CEO Jack Newman made to A Glimmer of Hope about 12 years ago to raise $1 million for those most in need in rural Ethiopia. The campaign recently surpassed $600,000 of the $1 million goal.

Santiago Montoya, an ATA alum and current part of the Glimmer team, explained how every dollar makes a difference.

“Ethiopia is around 100 million people, 80 million live outside of the city. 30 million of those are living on under $1 per day,” Santi said. “Those are the people we are helping.”

By partnering with Glimmer, the community will send 100{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9} of the money raised to these school and clean water projects.

“The power of clean water – combined with a quality education – means that hundreds of children will have the opportunity to thrive. The projects funded by the Austin Tennis Academy will make an immediate and lasting difference as part of Glimmer’s work in the Villages of Gondar.” – Glimmer.org

After introducing Josh, Coach Newman closed the discussion by again urging each Academy player to consider participating.

“My goal is that everyone has a campaign page,” Newman said. “Whatever the dollar amount you raise is immaterial. I would like each of you to get engaged and do something.”

Take a look at the overall ATA campaign page for this year by clicking here, and scroll through some of the campaign pages started by ATA students towards the bottom.

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 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.

ATA College Prep Graduation 2017 – Tuesday Night

ATA Parent & Student Meeting – The College Process

Next Tuesday evening, ATA CEO Jack Newman and ATA College Prep Director Carol Hagar will present an introduction to the college process for the student-athlete and parent. The presentation will begin at 6 pm, finishing with an open Q&A session.

“If you are the parent of a sophomore or junior who would like to play college tennis, or any high age student who is interested in learning more about how the college process works, please join us for an informational meeting,” ATA CEO Jack Newman said.

One of Austin Tennis Academy’s major goals as an organization is to help its players maximize their college choice. Academy and CP students have access to expert resources, services, and guidance to help each navigate the college recruiting and application processes.

“Each year, college-bound student-athletes should assess their goals and associated actions to determine if they are on track to lead to the desired futures,” Hagar said. “We offer educational workshops like this each year for parents and students to learn more and to ask questions about future possibilities.”

ATA has a proven track record of helping players to obtain college scholarships or to leverage their college choice. The community, led by Newman and Hagar, has earned tremendous success at helping players attend some of the most elite colleges and universities in the nation. Recent grads have gone on to Notre Dame, Princeton, Amherst, Pomona College, Claremont McKenna, University of Virginia, University of Chicago, Dartmouth as well as the Air Force and Naval Academies and several more.

We look forward to seeing you on the evening of the 28th in the ATA Fitness Center!

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.”

Hagar Voted Irish Captain, Joins Distinguished Group Of ATA Alums

ATA College Prep graduate and life-long Austin Tennis Academy member Josh Hagar was recently voted Captain of the Notre Dame Men’s Tennis Team. Entering his senior season, Josh joins teammate Eddy Covalschi as co-captains at the helm of a strong Fighting Irish squad.

“Being voted a captain is an accomplishment I’ll remember forever,” Hagar said. “To be voted a leader of the team by my peers is the highest compliment I can think of. It’s one thing to accomplish something on the court or in the classroom, but to be recognized by my teammates, who know me better than anybody, to me that speaks volumes.”

Hagar joins a distinguished group of Austin Tennis Academy alums who went on to serve as Captain of their college tennis teams.

“It’s very humbling to join the list of past ATA players named captain of their team,” Josh said. “They embody the culture of ATA, which translates very well to a college team environment. It speaks to how important character, work ethic, and other off-court attributes are at ATA.”

Here are a few of the former ATA and ATA College Prep graduates who went on serve as team captain:

Trey Phillips – University of Texas

Blake Davis – Florida State University

Claire Cahill – Washington & Lee University

Santiago Montoya – Notre Dame

Brent D’Amico – Notre Dame

Lindsey Periera – University of Virginia

Matthew Bain – Texas A&M

Brandon Davis – University of Illinois

Whitney Waters – Redlands

Brent Werbeck – Boise State

Adam Slagter – Penn State

Jenn Wencel Werbeck – Boise State

Roger Gubser – The University of Texas

Kendall Dabaghi – Duke – Not Captain, but was President of his Class and Fulbright Scholar

Josh Hagar – Notre Dame

“It is exciting to see Josh Hagar named captain of the Notre Dame men’s tennis team,” Josh’s long-time coach and CEO of ATA Jack Newman said.

“Over 25 ATA players have been captains of their tennis teams. This is the accomplishment of which I am most proud.”

A Look Inside The Start of ATA College Prep

The ATA College Prep school year is underway! While barely two weeks in, so much has already unfolded. Beginning with Orientation, the students and teachers of the 2016-2017 school year set off on what is sure to be an amazing journey.

At orientation, students enjoyed team building activities and games to get to know each other a little better. After a shortened version of the class schedule to meet with teachers and get accustomed to room assignments, the group enjoyed a trip to the Austin Panic Room. After, they stopped at local favorite Gordough’s for lunch.

Director of ATA College Prep Carol Hagar was excited about what she witnessed at Orientation.

“In the two days of orientation, I witnessed the following character attributes from the CP students: kindness to others, respect for others’ ideas and opinions, willingness to try new things, excellent abilities to work together in a group, and an eagerness to learn.”

The group starts each day with tennis and fitness before transitioning to breakfast and classes. Below, Mac locks in on a forehand volley during a game of ‘105’.

ATA’s Dio Miranda discusses the importance of nutrition with the group and offers some tips on how to improve.

Mrs. Linda and her math class pause for a quick picture.

Psychology students begin work on a self-awareness project.

Students have ample time throughout the week to collaborate and receive additional support during daily group Study Halls.

To see more pictures from the beginning of the year at ATA College Prep now and throughout the year, check out our Facebook page!

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