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ACG Parnell Tennis Teams Serve Up Success in Term 1

In a remarkable display of talent and determination, ACG Parnell College’s tennis teams have soared to new heights, achieving incredible success both locally and nationally. With a string of impressive achievements, including historic qualifications and medal winning performances in tournaments, the school has firmly established itself in the Auckland Secondary Schools Tennis scene.

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ACG Parnell Tennis Teams Serve Up Success in Term 1

For the first time in its history, ACG Parnell College secured one of eight coveted spots in the Auckland Boys Premier Division. 

But the boys weren’t the only ones making history. Both a boys’ and girls’ team clinched qualification into the prestigious New Zealand Secondary School Championships, a remarkable feat that highlights the depth of tennis talent within the school.

At the Auckland Secondary School Tennis Championships, ACG Parnell once again showcased its prowess on the court, bringing home several medals in various categories. Among the standout performers was Year 9 student, Lucy Zhou, who claimed victory in the Junior Girls Singles category and, alongside her partner Catherine Yao (Year 7), overcame St Cuthbert’s in the final of the Junior Girls Doubles. Eric Ning (Year 8) and Zach Van Der Heide (Year 7) also impressed as they secured the title of Junior Boys Doubles Runners Up, while Year 10 students, Ethan Ning and Eddie Bassett, claimed silver in the Intermediate Boys Doubles.

ACG Parnell Sports Coordinator, Steph Trowill, hailed the students for their efforts throughout term 1. “The Term 1 Tennis season brought much success to our school, and credit must go to all the students involved for their dedication towards the sport and the effort they have put in to secure the Tennis New Zealand rankings they have. These rankings ultimately determine which events students/teams qualify for.”

The success of the teams was not just about individual skill, but also about the collective effort and dedication of the players. Steph emphasized the commendable performance of the younger students, highlighting their ability to compete and hold their own against older opponents. “It has been pleasing to see several of our younger students step up to compete and hold their own against their older counterparts. For example, Eric and Zach were competing up an age group or two, but still managed to secure a silver medal at the Auckland Championships.”

She also pointed out Lucy Zhou’s exceptional performance despite her young age. “Lucy, as the youngest member of the girls’ team that attended Nationals, played as top seed and faced students who had vastly more experience than her,” she said, underlining Lucy’s resilience and determination on the court.
For Lucy, the journey through the season was marked by challenges, determination, and ultimate triumph.

“I was really sick just before the Auckland Secondary School Championships, but I still really wanted to play because I knew I had a really good chance to get a place for my school,” Lucy explained.

“I felt really proud after I won the medals as I worked hard to win them. I also felt very encouraged by my teammates, my doubles partner, Catherine, and our Sports Coordinator, Steph Trowill.”

The highlights of the season weren’t just the individual accolades, but the collective achievements of her team. “One of the highlights of the season for me was, as a team, winning the Auckland A3 Grade in the College Sport Auckland inter-school competition,” a feat they achieved remaining undefeated all season.

As ACG Parnell looks to the future, the prospects for its tennis program are highly promising. With a wealth of emerging talent and a solid foundation of success, the school is well-positioned for continued excellence in the Auckland tennis scene and beyond.