- Sheldon Longley
- Dec 5, 2023
- 0
Over 200 youngsters, including seven Bahamians, showcased their skills to coaches and scouts from about 100 colleges and universities, ranging from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), at all levels, down to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), in the sport of tennis in November.
The USP (University Sports Program) Showcases College Tennis 2023 event took place at the Emilio Sanchez Tennis Academy in Naples, Florida.
Rodgers, a 17-year-old 12th grader at Windsor, has garnered scholarship interest from schools in the double digits and has narrowed the list to six.
“My experience at the showcase was great,” she said. “With me being in the Class of 2024, this is a crucial time for me. I just had to go out there and show the coaches what I could do. I feel like a lot of coaches were interested in me and that was a good feeling. I put my best foot forward. I’m extremely proud of myself and I can’t wait for what’s to come in the future.”
Rodgers finished the three-day showcase a perfect 4-0 in her matches.
“I wasn’t scared or nervous at all. I was loose because this was my second showcase so I knew what to expect a bit. I tried new things and I’m just happy that I was able to play well. I’m very proud of myself. … I have no regrets,” she said.
Rodgers said ultimately, the connection between herself and the coach, along with academic opportunities, will determine which program she chooses.
“The connection is going to play a part. If I really connect with the coach, that is a major plus, but first and foremost, is academics. That comes first,” she said. “The best program for me would be the one that I would go with the most. School comes first and then tennis.”
Mortimer Jr., an 18-year-old 12th grader at SAC, said he appreciated the opportunity to be seen from the college coaches and scouts.
“I think it was good for all of us to go out there and get our names out there,” he said. “Coming from a small place like The Bahamas and being able to go out there and do well speaks wonders for us. It was good to show up and show out, showing what we could do here in The Bahamas.
“I went in there kind of relaxed because I know that there are schools that are interested in me, even before the showcase. I was a bit confident, but I could say that it definitely exceeded my expectations and I’m glad that I was able to perform well.”
Mortimer Jr. said he has a top three in mind in terms of schools he is leaning towards.
One of the local coaches of the group, former national team player Philip ‘PJ’ Major Jr., said it was definitely a pleasure taking the young Bahamian players to the showcase to display their talents. Major is one of the coaches of the Island Tennis Bahamas program that operates at the Atlantis Tennis Center on Paradise Island.
“This is their future that is at stake and all of them were able to go over there and perform well,” said Major. “It was great to see the interest that was placed in them. A lot of them were out of their comfort zones but they were able to relax and speak with the coaches and to see them do that was a great thing because this is for their future. This is the next step for their tennis careers, and for academics, so I was happy to see them take this step.”
The Island Tennis Bahamas program caters to young tennis players between the ages of 4-19. Major said he is looking forward to helping more Bahamian kids in the not too distant future.
“It takes a lot of dedication and hard work and once we have kids who are committed, we will provide the avenue for them and it’s just up to them to take the opportunity,” he said. “They have the options to pick and choose where they want to go, and hopefully, it all works out for them.
“I just want to thank Audrey Oswell (Atlantis president and managing director), Russell Miller and the Atlantis team for allowing Island Tennis Bahamas to be a part of this program – giving the kids somewhere to train and develop with a beautiful scenery and in a comfortable environment. Thanks to the parents, the Island Tennis Bahamas coaches who have dedicated their afternoons and evenings to ensure that these kids develop not only as players but also as human beings, and all of the supporters of the program. This couldn’t have been possible without the involvement of a lot of the supporters and for that we say thanks.”
Another one of the coaches at the program, Marvin Rolle Jr., The Bahamas’ longstanding Davis Cup Captain, said it is a pleasure to work with the youngsters and to see them develop into fine tennis players and even better human beings.
“A lot of schools were looking at them and we’re just happy for them. This is what it’s all about – to display their talents and get a free education while doing so. We just want to thank Atlantis and all the supporters of the program. We appreciate what they’re doing to help kids develop their talents.”
Out of the seven young tennis players, Sharano and Shavano Hanna have graduated, Rodgers and Mortimer Jr. are 12th graders and the remaining three are in grade 11.