Tennis players gear for US college season
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 30, 2023 15:45
There are six players who are currently studying and playing tennis for different universities in the US.
The players, namely, Tsholo Tsiang, Tshegofatso Tsiang, Thato Holmes, Tshepo Mosarwa, Kao Lenkopane and Faith Madikwe are all preparing for the new season abroad.
Tshegofatso is on tennis scholarship while the rest are on Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Elite Scholarship.
Mosarwa and Holmes are at North Carolina Wesleyan University and they will start their season at the national indoors on February 23, at Gustavo Adolphus University.
Madikwe steps into the court at the Creighton College while Tsholo and Tshegofatso will kick off their season in Kansas where they are based. Speaking to Sport Monitor, Madikwe stated her readiness for the new season after she started her academic path at the Southwest Minnesota State University last year January.
“I played the entire year and currently getting ready for the new season, which starts in February. The experience has been amazing; tennis has its highs and lows. So I had to learn and find a balance between my mind and body,” she said. “Tennis is a good yet tough sport. There will be highs and lows, ups and downs, but that does not mean that you should quit.
I embrace every little moment on the court. Tennis is a mental and physical game. Last season I finished with a win of 7-6 in singles. My preparations are going well and I am excited to start playing and competing.” Madikwe added she does not have a private coach as the trainer is for the entire university team. The 20-year-old said upcoming players should know that tennis is a beautiful game but can be tough at times.
“Being in the court is special and they should appreciate every chance that they get. I have reached this stage through hard work and discipline, both in the court and in the classroom. You should find a balance in everything in order to make it in life,” she said.