Each Spring, the Lin family travels over 10 thousand miles from Shanghai, China to Austin, TX during the semester break from school. For the past two years, Albert and Kenneth, 12-year-old twin brothers, accompanied by their father Keith, have made tennis at Austin Tennis Academy a staple activity for their time in Texas.

“I love playing outside,” Kenneth said. “And I like that there are a lot of people,” Albert quickly added.

 
He explained that while they play some tennis in Shanghai, it is mostly indoors. The boys spent most of their time on-court with Coach Brandon, and some with Coach Doug.  Brandon described how the boys come off as quiet and reserved, but they both have fun personalities once they open up.

“You think they are shy but they are actually very goofy and funny kids,” Brandon said. “If they were at ATA full time, I don’t think it would take long for them to open up.”

Brandon explained that it only took him 4 weeks of coaching to tell them apart, and that over that time, they have improved dramatically. He said that all of them, including Keith, soaked up everything and had a lot of fun doing it.  

The boys are in what would be the equivalent to the American 7th grade, studying at the International School in Shanghai. Keith explained that while the summer break is shorter for them, they get a longer break between semesters that coincides with the Chinese New Years. They spend this time in Austin.

While the Lin’s have been in Shanghai since 2005, the family’s roots are in Austin. The boys started school at Barton Creek Elementary, where they completed the first grade. The family moved to Shanghai as a result of Keith’s career, however, all three of them are excited to move back when the job is complete.

“We have a great time here at ATA and plan to come back,” Keith said.