A group of 30 students from Torrens Valley Christian School met tennis world number 1, Ash Barty via a Zoom call.
Starting with a morning session of play at the Adelaide International on Monday 22 February, students were elated and surprised when the tennis superstar dialled in for a ‘Q and A’ session.
Initially, the group was given a tour around some of the facilities at Memorial Drive. They were shown where the professionals walk through onto centre court, the corporate suites and the impressive outside courts as well. They watched players practicing with their hitting partners under the expert guidance of their coaches.
Torrens Valley Christian School students were then ushered into the corporate courtside ‘Champions Suite’ for a very special surprise– the opportunity to meet Ash Barty and ask her questions!
Ash surpassed expectations with her personable, honest, genuine and engaging manner with the students.
PE teacher, Sue Schubert said:
“It was fun to discover, amongst other things, that her favourite shot is her slice backhand, that she loves playing Petra Kitova, and that she does not like the beach! Her top tip for any young sports player is to always have fun playing whatever sport you choose.”
“A massive thankyou to Tennis SA and Tennis Australia for giving Torrens Valley this remarkable opportunity. Many thanks to Mr Craig Bowyer, Mrs Rochelle Wong and Josh Crowe (our affiliated tennis coach based at Hope Valley Tennis Club) for their assistance and attendance on the day.”
REFLECTIONS FROM STUDENTS
The tennis was amazing and video chatting with Ash was great
Year 5 Student
“I liked how the tennis game went well and how we met Ash Barty.”
Year 5 student
“I enjoyed it heaps. It was a once in a life-time sort of thing.”
Year 5 student
“I enjoyed watching the game and playing.”
Year 6 student
“I loved watching the tennis match and the tour; it was very interesting. I liked the interviews (at the end of the match) but I don’t think the person who lost wanted an interview because she was too sad. Meeting Ash Barty was awesome!”
Year 6 student
