Uncategorized – Page 8 – 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!

2018-2019 Winter Tennis Camps at ATA

Winter Tennis Camps at ATA are around the corner! We have options for kids of all ages and levels. The camps are designed to provide the greatest development of your child’s physical, mental, technical, and tactical performance levels.

Dates:

December 31st, 2018 – January 4th, 2019

Times:

QuickStart Camp 9:00am – 10:30am (age 5-8)
Morning Camp 9:00am – 12:00pm (All levels)

Tournament Tough Training Camp 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Cost:

QuickStart Camp $175/week ($40/day drop-in)

Morning Camp $300/week ($80/day drop-in)

Tournament Tough Training Camp $375/week ($90/day drop-in)

Quick Start Camp

9:00am – 10:30am
The Quick Start tennis format used by the Austin Tennis Academy gives kids the opportunity to rally a ball over the net and learn to play points as quickly as possible – all in a fun environment. Our coaches recognize the importance of starting kids off well, and with success. The ATA was instrumental in developing this groundbreaking nationwide program and served as the pilot program for the USTA. This program uses the appropriate size racquet, court and ball to allow kids to do more – faster! Suggested Age: 5-8 years old

Morning Camp

9:00am – 12:00pm
Players will improve their game by learning fundamental skills, practicing game situations, and improving overall movement. Using the latest techniques and international innovations, players learn valuable athletic skills for tennis and other sports.

Afternoon “Tournament Tough” Camp

1:00pm-4:00pm
Tournament players will improve their game by using competitive game situations, technical training and point play, as well as movement and flexibility training. ATA Academy players will be training at this time.

Policies

Registration must be made online.
Payment in advance is required to reserve your slot. An administrative fee of $50 will be applied for cancellations.
ATA camps are held rain or shine. Indoor sessions are held in the event of inclement weather.
No refunds or make-ups for days missed.
Weekly rate applies to that particular week only (no carryover).
Medical Release and Hold Harmless must be filled out online.
Players may leave credit card on file to cover pro shop purchases, lunch, etc.
ATA does not offer housing. Private housing may be available. Email info@austintennisacademy.com to inquire.
Prompt pick-up is expected. Early drop-off and late pick-up is available upon request for $50 per week.

Alumni Update: Hannah Harrod Checks In From George Mason

Hi Coach Newman,

I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to send a quick update.

I’m not going to lie, college started off a little rocky for me. Being so far away from home made it hard to adjust, but once school and tennis started time has flown by. I can’t believe it’s already been 7 weeks since I’ve been here. I’ve already made so many new friends and I love my team.

From my time at ATA, and my year having around 12 girls, it has really prepared me for my college team. I’ve learned how to deal with certain situations and in college that have really helped me. My college team brought in some drama from last year, and from being new it was hard to find my place at first. Before our first tournament the team vibe was not positive and I knew I had to stand up for our team. I reached out and made it a point that we are going to have a great year if we endlessly support each other which will then give ourselves the best chance we have. I was nervous to stand up and say something because I’m a Freshman, but ATA taught me how to be a leader and how to make a difference.

For the younger teammates to prepare for college I would say to come in knowing who you are. As you enter in this new place, you get to start all over. No one knows you from high school or your past. So, knowing your morals and values are very important in defining yourself. You have to be strong in who you are because you don’t have that safety net to fall back on like you do at home with your friends.

In high school trying to juggle school, tennis, and friends was complicated, but it taught me how to manage my time. College is all about time management, and thanks to high school and ATA I am able to manage my time very well. Also, ATA’s fitness is way harder than any of my college workouts have been so far. Having dedicated fitness coaches who know what is best for a tennis player is something rare. In saying that, do not take for granted what ATA is providing you with. Thank you Coach Josh and Coach Dio for helping mold us into strong athletes. In college our trainer does not really take our workouts that seriously or know the best things for us to do as tennis players which is unfortunate.

If I could do something different as a Junior to prepare myself better for college tennis I would of not put so much pressure on myself with results or ranking. In college no one cares about your junior results or what tournaments you won when you were 15. What matters is how you fight for your team, not just for yourself. Now you are playing for something much bigger than yourself and you have the responsibility of competing for your school and your team.

GO PATS!!!

Thank you and I hope everyone is doing well!!

Joyfully,
Hannah Harrod

AUSTIN ITF – DRAWS, INFORMATION

Welcome to the Austin ITF and the Austin Tennis Academy! This page will host updated draw sheets, the order of play, and other information as the tournament progresses.

DRAWS

BOYS Singles

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BOYS Doubles

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GIRLS Singles

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GIRLS Doubles

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ORDER OR PLAY

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RESULTS

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Boy’s Singles Qualifying Final Draw

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Girl’s Singles Qualifying Final Draw

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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/

ATA Alumni Player Profile – Brent Werbeck

Measuring the impact those closest to you have on your life – and yours on theirs – can be difficult. For Austin Tennis Academy alumnus Brent Werbeck, that reciprocal impact is not only front and center, it is foundational and defining. Brent’s story so far is a braid of bright, personal values, a peer-group bonded like brothers, and a bold community of coaches and parents around them.

From growing up in Austin around ATA, to college-tennis at Boise State, and now back here with his growing family and business, the backbone of Brent’s story is consistency – yes, between the lines, but more with his steady workman-like approach to life, his ability to lean on those closest to him, and his priority on offering himself back to them in service. And, yes – he’s really good at tennis as well.

“My Dad first put a racket in my hand when I was 5 years old,” Brent said. “He was my coach up until about 6th-7th grade when I started working with Jack and Eric [Schmidhauser]. From there I never really considered doing anything else.”

Brent credits his early tennis development largely to Coach Newman, who handled the bulk of his private lessons. But, the expertise of Coach Doug Davis, and the alternative approach, played a big role is his progress as well.

“The different coaching styles and areas of expertise between Jack and Doug made it possible for me to progress at a much faster rate,” Brent said. “Looking back, I believe they both really understood how to get the best out of me.”

Shortly after joining Coach Newman, Brent found through ATA what would later be coined PENTA – a peer-group of five friends who would push each other in the sport, while growing up supporting each other around it.

Brent met his wife, ATA alum Jen Wencel, through this peer group. The groomsmen in his wedding came from this peer group. The godfather of his two boys is from this peer group. He’s been employed by parents of this peer group and has employed siblings of this peer group.

“How much more can I say?” Brent said. “Some of the most important connections/relationships in my life have come out of this peer group. Yes, my peer group hands down made me a better tennis player but that pales in comparison to all the other ways they’ve been a part of my life.”

PENTA echoed Brent’s sentiments about the group generally. They also, though, revealed much of the unique attributes that Brent brought to the group.

Brent, Santiago, Adam, Ryan, and Brandon; or, PENTA

“Brent is a savage competitor on and off the court. He is the kind of guy you want in the trenches with you,” said Adam Slagter.

“Brent has always been very clear on the goals he has set in any part of his life and attacks them,” said Brandon Davis.

“Brent leans on hard work and smartly focusing on his strengths,” Santiago Montoya said. “He was more of a quiet leader type, yet he also developed an ability to communicate and inspire others.”

According to his long-time coach, this spirit and competitive edge grew out of personal experience. When Brent was a freshman in high-school, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Going through Brent’s moms’ fight with breast cancer gave him a unique perspective on tennis,” Coach Jack Newman said. “It was a release. He felt very little pressure about winning and losing.”

Brent’s mother, Esmeralda Werbeck, ultimately lived many years beyond what was projected by the doctors. When she passed, Brent organized the 1st Esmeralda’s Run, a 5K run put on to help raise money to pay for the enormous medical bills that piled up over her years of fighting cancer. The 1st event was held just a few short days after her death.

Brent speaks to the group at the first ever Ralda’s Run

“My mom was a fighter,” Brent said.

I remember the entire ATA community rally to support me and our family during this really dark time. It was over Thanksgiving and I remember several ATA families canceling their Thanksgiving travel plans to come to this event.

It was my peer group at the ATA that helped me get through this really tough time.

Just know that everyone had my back, supported me and cared for me enough to help me keep it together.

I never felt alone or like I had to deal with it by myself. All of this is a big reason why these same people are still so important to me.”

In subsequent years, Esmeralda’s Run raised money for other local non-profits and other families in the ATA that experienced great tragedies.

As Coach Newman said, this experience had a unique impact on Brent. Also, though, Brent credits some regular occurrences embedded into the ATA program that have served him valuably. Most notably, the regular opportunities for each student to speak in front of a group, like after a successful tournament.

“I routinely think back to those early powerful moments of speaking in front of my peers at the ATA that shaped who I am today and the confidence that I bring to my work and everyday life.”

One of the key values around ATA over the years is the goal to create citizens of significance not just accomplishment. For Brent, growing into a citizen of significance has taken different forms. What hasn’t changed, though, is how it has inspired him to relentlessly pursue happiness.

“I say this because I don’t think it is possible to do or be something of significance without first being or pursuing happiness,” Brent said. “The ATA is different because it is so much more than tennis. It really is about being significant and being/pursuing something greater than tennis excellence.

I want to be a good husband and significant in my wife’s life.

I want to be a great father and significant in the lives of our two boys.

My wife – our kids -our family – this is what brings me happiness.

By pursuing and doing things that allow me to spend time with my family, I continue to find happiness and put myself in a position to be and do things that are significant.

I don’t think I would have that kind of clarity or perspective without the ATA and Jack.

That makes the ATA different.”

Today, Brent lives in Austin with his wife and their two boys, Levi and Lex (6 and 4). After spending a few years at Google and a few startups around Austin, Brent started his own business about a year and half ago called Get More Reviews. They work with small to medium-sized businesses that want to get more online reviews on places like Google, Facebook and Yelp.

“I have an amazing and beautiful wife who loves me and takes care of me and 2 boys who are growing up really fast. They’re both really getting into sports and starting to really love tennis as well.

“Life is absolutely amazing right now. I’m happy and couldn’t ask for more.”

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

Two Weeks Of Winter Tennis Camp At ATA – Sign Up Now!

2017 Winter Tennis Training Camps

This Winter, your child can take advantage of the Austin Tennis Academy’s Winter Camps to progress at a rapid rate. The camps are designed to provide the greatest development of your child’s physical, mental, technical, and tactical performance levels.

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Dates:

Week 1 – December 26th, 2017 – December 29th, 2017

Week 2 – January 1st, 2018 – January 5th, 2018

Times:

QuickStart Camp 9:00am – 10:30am (age 5-8)
Morning Camp 9:00am – 12:00pm (All levels)

Tournament Tough Training Camp 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Cost:

QuickStart Camp Week 1 (Tue – Fri): $140/week ($40/day drop-in)

QuickStart Camp Week 2: $175/week ($40/day drop-in)

Morning Camp Week 1 (Tue – Fri): $250/week ($80/day drop-in)

Morning Camp Week 2: $275/week ($80/day drop-in)

Tournament Tough Training Camp Week 1 (Tue – Fri): $300/week ($90/day drop-in)

Tournament Tough Training Camp Week 2: $375/week ($90/day drop-in)

Quick Start Camp

Morning Camp

Afternoon “Tournament Tough” Camp

Policies

Registration must be made online.
Payment in advance is required to reserve your slot. An administrative fee of $50 will be applied for cancellations.
ATA camps are held rain or shine. Indoor sessions are held in the event of inclement weather.
No refunds or make-ups for days missed.
Weekly rate applies to that particular week only (no carryover).
Medical Release and Hold Harmless must be filled out online.
Players may leave credit card on file to cover pro shop purchases, lunch, etc.
ATA does not offer housing. Private housing may be available. Email info@austintennisacademy.com to inquire.
Prompt pick-up is expected. Early drop-off and late pick-up is available upon request for $50 per week.

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 Adds Experience, Energy With Coach Shaimaa Elsisi

The Austin Tennis Academy has hired Coach Shaimaa Elsisi as the latest addition to its standout coaching staff, CEO Jack Newman announced recently.

“Shaimaa will be an excellent addition to the ATA coaching staff,” Newman said. “She brings college coaching experience and an incredibly positive, high energy level to practice.”

Elsisi joins the ATA community after spending the past year as the Volunteer Assistant Coach at Baylor University, where she landed after moving from Florida. While in the sunshine state, Shaimaa took the court for Troy University where she competed for the Trojans and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees.

A native of Cairo, Elsisi was one of the top ranked junior players in Egypt before moving to the United States to play college tennis. She helped the Trojans to a winning record each year that she played at Troy.

“Tennis has taught me everything,” Shaimaa said. “Matches have given me mental strength, practice has given me stamina, tournaments have given me social skills, team competition has given me spirit, traveling has given me experience, participation has given me the best friendship…. tennis has given me my soul!”

After serving as a graduate assistant coach for the men’s and women’s teams at Troy, Shaimaa moved on to a head coaching position at Hillsborough Community College where she stayed until relocating to Baylor.

“I am a coach because of my passion for tennis,” Shaimaa said. “I chose to become a coach to give back to the sport, to impact my student-athletes’ lives in a positive way, to help them succeed on and off the court, and to give them the opportunity that my own coaches gave me as a student-athlete.”

That passion she mentions stems from a family full of tennis players including her sister, who is the head coach at Troy, her brother, who coaches professionally back in Egypt, but all started with her father.

Shaimaa, center, pictured with her sister and brother.

“I learned how to walk on a tennis court,” Shaimaa said. “My late father (my favorite person in the whole world) was a tennis coach and he took me to his work every day and I fell in love with tennis because of him! It was our special place! I love tennis and it’s my happy place and every time I stepped on the court in my playing years it felt like it was my first time!”

In addition to being an accomplished tennis coach and player, Elsisi is an exceptional student, earning her bachelor’s degree in sport and fitness management with a minor in recreation and her master’s degree in sports and fitness management with a concentration in sports administration. She now applies this love of learning to her students.

“As a coach, I learn everything I can about every student-athlete—not every individual responds in the same way,” Shaimaa said. “My goal is to learn what motivates them and keeps them engaged to give them the opportunity to develop their skill level in a structured learning environment that constantly challenges them while providing them with both encouragement and support.”

Off the court, Shaimaa loves traveling and visiting family and friends. She enjoys playing golf, softball, watching Disney movies with friend’s kids, and reading about nutrition and health issues.

After her first few weeks around ATA, one thing has stuck out to her that distinguishes this place from the rest.

“It’s culture! I loved it right away and I felt home the minute I walked in and I loved how welcoming everyone was right away,” Shaimaa said. “Everyone is very professional and very friendly. Kids are respectful, and they work hard on and off the court. They have great attitudes and are very coachable. The staff is great and passionate about what they do and they care about the kids on and off the court. It’s definitely a place that I can call home and family! I feel very lucky to be part of the ATA family and I’m very grateful to Coach Newman for this wonderful opportunity.”

Welcome to the ATA community, Coach Shaimaa!!

Academy Players Set To Slide Into ClayCourt Nationals

Many of the top Academy players have logged long hours on the Chiu Family Clay Courts at the Austin Tennis Academy over the past weeks. The group has worked to get their footing on a different surface in preparation for the USTA National ClayCourt Championships, beginning this coming weekend. Here are the ATA players who earned a spot in this prestigious event:

Boy’s 18s

Wilson Hamilton

Alejandro Rodriguez

Bailey Forgus

Boy’s 16s

Juan Abboud

Harrison Chiu

Max Schmidhouser

Boy’s 14s

James Cockrell

Nico Jamison

Boy’s 12s

Ross Cockrell

Girl’s 18s

Annika Pandey

Callie Creath

Girl’s 16s

Anushka Dania

Megha Dania

Caroline Wernli

Jaclyn Cockrell

Girl’s 14s

Santianna Chrysopoulo

Sasha Malashava

Good luck to all of the ATA athletes competing over the next week, and check back here for updates and results after the events!

Extra Week Of Summer Camp Aug 14-18

ATA Summer Tennis Camps are in full swing! From QuickStart to Afternoon Tournament Tough Camp, kids of all ages and levels are having a great time while quickly improving their tennis skills.

We are excited to announce that we are offering an extra week of Summer Camps this summer at the end of our normal schedule. WEEK 10 of camps will take place August 14th – 18th, with all camps available: QuickStart, Morning Camp and Afternoon Camp. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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.

Sweeney, Perim, Valenty, Chou To Compete in 6A State Tourney

When the UIL 6A Texas State High School individual tennis tournament unfolds this weekend at Texas A&M University, four ATA Academy players will take the court – all from Westlake High School.

Marcus Sweeney and Loli Perim will combine forces to try to earn a Mixed Doubles title.

AJ Valenty will compete in the Boys Doubles draw.

Roger Chou is set to battle in the Boy’s Singles draw.

With 8 entries in each draw, each will need to win 3 matches to take the State title. The players will serve it up over May 18th and 19th. Good luck to all!!

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 Hosts, Coaches, Participates in USTA Early Development Camp

This past weekend, Austin Tennis Academy hosted the first Orange Ball USTA Early Development Camp of 2017. ATA coaches John Schoenmakers and Chad Loup joined other area coaches to create a collaborative environment for these Austin-area Orange Ball players. Many ATA athletes participated: Murari Ambati, Sklar Phillips, Pace Phillips, Sienna Sweeney, Anya Vikram, Tenzin Zorilla, Charles McEwan, Shaye Grant and Dane Grant.

EDC’s are a USTA Player Development National Camp Structure that aims to provide opportunities for the top U10 athletes and players in similar areas to train together.

Early Development Orange Ball Camps include a progression of themes that help with overall tennis and athletic development of the young players involved, and also include an informative and interactive parent presentation.

“The EDC is a great introduction into the Team USA training pathway of USTA player Development,” said Coach Loup. “We look forward to seeing these youngsters in our Academy one day, and even in Team USA National PD camps.”

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!

Designed Learning Experiences – Surprising Stoichiometry

ATA College Prep instructors strive to develop dynamic and stimulating content that is relevant to each student. Learning experiences are designed to engage students through information while adding intellectual, creative, emotional, and physical layers. Focusing on the goals of opening students’ minds and equipping them with the tools to succeed academically, lessons address the HOW and WHY of each learning activity in addition to the WHAT. This article is the first in a series titled Designed Learning Experiences and will feature unique activities that take place within the CP classrooms.

In example, the students in Mr. Rutherford’s Chemistry class use “stoichiometry” (quantitative chemistry) to predict the amount of baking soda needed to fully neutralize a certain amount of vinegar.

Mr. Rutherford explains, “The kids did the math and then tried measuring in the amount of baking soda they predicted (Alex added it so quickly that the fizz overflowed)… and found, to their surprise, that they had predicted way, way more baking soda than necessary because they didn’t realize that “vinegar” is really mostly water and contains only a small amount of acetic acid (the active ingredient).”

Using skills of analysis, prediction, experimentation and calculation, students adjusted their math for the observed revelation, tried again, and correctly predicted the amount of baking soda that would complete the process.

“An important piece of teaching the sciences is surprise,” explained Mr. Rutherford. “By the time kids are in secondary school, they already feel like they have a pretty good intuitive sense of how the world works. Experiments and demonstrations in which something surprising happens shake them out of their complacency and allow them to feel a little wonder and mystery, which is the motivation for studying science. It’s also very satisfying for them to resolve the mystery and incorporate new information into an updated worldview, which is a decent summary of the scientific process.”

Check back in the coming weeks for more examples of the Designed Learning Experiences at ATA College Prep.

Challenger Tournament Schedule

Click here for a listing of the 2016 Challenger tournaments. Click on the tournament code link for more information or to register for a tournament.

Note:

Players may play multiple Challenger’s per month in 12-18 and only one per month in 10’s. Parents, click the link and choose the event that works best for you.

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