The Tennis Terranora community is buzzing with excitement. It has just been announced Aaron Westerlund from Bilambil Heights, one of Tennis Terranora’s talented and popular young members has been accepted into the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas USA.
Aaron who is 18 years old, has been selected for the Player/Pro position starting in September this year.
Aaron received a letter from the academy which told him they are very selective in the process of choosing candidates as they only look for the best players from around the world who are training for college or pro ATP tennis.
Aaron’s selection was based on hisstrong abilities on and off the court.
As a player, Aaron will train with the top players in the academy, be required to attend all practices as well as early morning fitness days days a week and weight training three days a week.
A higher standard is demanded for the Player/Pro position so that the top players see what it takes to get to the next level of tennis. As a pro, the duties are varied from being a match critique for players to tournament travel and much more. As a high level of energy is demanded, the academy believes Aaron fits the exact criteria they are looking for.
At the moment Aaron is under the guidance of Tom Brownhill who is resident coach with Tennis Terranora. Tom has now resumed residency in Terranora after working and living his dream through tennis around the world for 24 years.
‘Not only is he fit and mentally ready, his technique is sound and he has a much better understanding of how the strokes work’, says Tom who has been working on Aaron’s technique. ‘Now they won’t be breaking down under pressure or in tight moments in a match. He’s a very coachable, talented young man.’
Aaron says he is very excited about the prospect of going to the ranch. ’Tis is a fantastic opportunity, I can’t wait to get over there’, he said. ‘It’s going to be an amazing time. I am so grateful to Tom who has pushed me, and the club who has supported me for ten years and also my Grandpa and family.’
‘Grandpa’ is long time Tweed local Keith Westerlund, who along with his brother Ron were the proprietors of the Coolangatta Tennis and Squash courts.
