Spencer Chiu Commits to Pomona College

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

Spencer chose to leave Hong Kong and his family to pursue his passion for tennis at ATA 4 years ago.

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

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

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

CP Senior Camilla Trapness Commits to Amherst College

Prior to starting CP, Camilla dedicated herself to skiing since she was young and was going to be on Hong Kong’s Olympic ski team. She decided that she rather play tennis in college than pursue skiing. She played some tennis when she was younger but was never dedicated to it. She has made a huge jump and has put in a lot of time the past year and a half to be able to play college tennis. She is excited to join Amherst College and be a part of their team.

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

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

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

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

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

Results from Last Weekends SCMZ

The 16’s and 18’s SCMZ held in Arlington, TX was highlighted with 2 first place titles in doubles and a second and third place finish in singles.

Jesse Wikso and partner Austin dominated their draw in doubles playing a very energetic and great doubles match in the finals. They attacked well, moved a lot at the net and had great hands on defensive. They forced their opponents to go for low percentage shots to try and beat them.

Erik Kerrigan and partner Eric won the 18s A draw doubles. They won a hard fought match in a tiebreaker in the finals 9-8(4).

In the Girls 16 A draw singles, Kristin Kerrigan had a great tournament and made it to the finals of her draw. She lost a heartbreaking and hard fought three set match in the finals.

Jesse Wikso had a couple come from behind wins this tournament to take 3rd place. In the quarterfinals and in his third place match, he lost the first set quick but bounced back and took the next two sets in both matches. He held his composure very well and made some changes in the second sets and then was able to keep the momentum rolling into the third.

Tatum Blalock had a notable tournament for her first G16 superchamp. She won 2 main draw matches in her draw. Coach John said, “Tatum did a great job competing and focusing on the things you can control. That’s the best I have ever seen her compete and her results showed.”

The 12’s and 14’s SCMZ was held in Tyler, Tx and was highlighted with 2 first place titles in doubles, second place in singles and a second place finish in doubles.

Ela Raczka and partner Katherine won the Girls 14s A draw doubles title defeating the Dania sisters in the finals. Ela also had a good showing in singles taking 4th place. She dominated in her first three rounds and Coach Newman said, “lots of learning this summer and it’s showing in her game.”

Caroline Wernli and her partner Jeanette won the Girls 14s B draw doubles title for the second time in a row. They dominated their draw.

Dania sisters Anushka and Megha dominated their doubles draw until they ran into teammate Ela in the finals. They took second place.

Jack Lum took second place in singles B14 B draw. He pulled out a close three set match in the semis and lost in the finals 6 and 3.

3 ATA players Champ this Weekend!

Great results from ATA players at the Austin Tennis Academy Glimmer of Hope ZAT tournament this past weekend! ATA had 3 players Champ up from the Austin ZAT. Johnny Snell led the way with winning the B14 draw and only dropping 10 games total the entire tournament! Caroline Horn won the G16 draw beating teammate Lily Gray in the finals to qualify. Keana Moon reached the finals of the G12 draw and had enough points accumulated to champ up.

ATA College Prep Receives Austin Award

Congratulations to our CEO Jack Newman and Founding Head of College Prep Carol Hagar on this prestigious award!

ATA College Prep Receives 2015 Austin Award

AUSTIN July 2, 2015 — Ata College Prep has been selected for the 2015 Austin Award in the Private School category by the Austin Award Program.

Each year, the Austin Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Austin area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Austin Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Austin Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Austin Award Program

The Austin Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Austin area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Austin Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Austin Award Program

Abigail Chiu in the Quarterfinals at National Hardcourts!

Abigail Chiu and partner TJ Fumagalli are in the quarterfinals of doubles in San Diego, CA at the National Hardcourts. They have fought through and won 4 rounds of doubles to get to the quarterfinals. They will begin play today at 3:30pm PST and they will face the #2 seeded team.

Click here to see the draw and follow Abigail.

Caroline Wernli in the Quarterfinals of National Hardcourts!

Caroline Wernli is into the quarterfinals of the G12 Singles and Doubles of National Hardcourts held in Alpharetta, GA! In singles, she has not dropped a set in her first 4 rounds. She will face the 4th seed Jackson from Illinois tomorrow at 11:00am. In doubles, Caroline and her partner Emma have won 3 rounds and are in the quarterfinals. They will play today at 2:30pm against the #3 seeded team.

Click on the links below to see the draws and follow Caroline.

Singles draw Doubles draw

Sign Up For The Last Week of ATA Summer Camp and Register For Our Fall Programs!

Take advantage of the Austin Tennis Academy’s tennis camps to progress at a rapid rate. These camps are designed to provide the greatest development of your child’s physical, mental, technical, and tactical performance levels, and we will have a great time. Sign up now for a full week or a single day!

Last Session

August 10-14, 2015

Times

QuickStart Camp 9:00am – 10:30am (age 5-8)
Morning Camp 9:00am – 12:00pm
Tournament Tough Training Camp 1:00pm – 4:00pm
High Performance 2-A-Day SuperChamp Camp 7:00-10:00am, 1:00-4:00pm^*

Cost

QuickStart Camp $150/week ($40/day drop-in)
Morning Camp $275/week ($80/day drop-in)
Tournament Tough Training Camp $375/week ($90/day drop-in)
High Performance 2-A-Day SuperChamp Camp ($500 per week or $125 per day)

ATA FALL PROGRAMS

QuickStart 2

QuickStart Program

3:30-4:15pm (Pricing: $80/month for 1 day, $150/month for 2 days)
The QuickStart 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.

Please contact John Schoenmakers for more questions

camp ata

Junior Development Program

Tues & Thurs 5:30-7:30pm (Pricing: $350 per month, first and last month down)

The ATA Junior Development program (JD) is for children from 7-15 years old. These players are learning the game, learning to compete and have a desire to improve. ATA will include athletic skills training as part of the JD program.

Players will be on a 4 week, repeating curriculum of basic technical instruction combined with entry level tactical instruction. Many players in the Junior Development program are beginning to play ZAT tournaments and CATA tour tournaments and all JD players will want to sign up to be on one of the ATA junior team tennis teams for competition against other clubs and tennis centers.

Please contact Brandon Davis for more questions

Junior Academy Program

Mon/Wed 5:30-7:30pm ($500 per month billed to your account, first and last month down.)

The ATA Junior Academy program is for players who are committed to competing in tennis. Junior Academy students are expected to commit to the monthly ZAT or Champ Major Zone tournaments in addition to local tournaments and Junior Team Tennis. This program will be limited in size to help these players accelerate their progress.

Players in the Junior Academy are serious about getting better in tennis. Many are playing on their school teams or have the goal to make the team. The Junior Academy program is geared towards players who are dedicated and serious about becoming high-level, competitive tennis players and who are highly motivated to move into the Academy program. The Junior Academy program meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm, and Saturdays time TBD.

THIS PROGRAM IS BY INVITATION ONLY.

Please contact Brian Notis for more questions

Policies

Registration must be made online.
Payment in advance is required to reserve your slot.
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.
Private housing may be available. Email info@austintennisacademy.com to inquire.
Early drop-off and late pick-up is available upon request for $50 per week.

Girls who play team sports

David Benzel, Founder of Growing Champions for Life, shared some information regarding girls being involved in sports.

Girls who play team sports are more likely to:

Graduate from College
Find a job
Be employed in male-dominated industries
Earn a higher salary in later life

But Girls are also 6 times more likely than boys to quit sports early!

This means parents creating a positive, confidence building environment at home, and coaches doing the same at practices/competitions, is essential if we want to keep girls in sports…especially when they suffer setbacks.

Source: www.growingchampionsforlife.com