LAUNCESTON tennis player Ben Barnett says he is thrilled to be named the state’s male junior of the year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tennis Tasmania have announced its 2016 category winners with Barrett being rewarded for a great season and effort.
Ranked 136th overall and inside the top 20 for his age in Australia, Barnett finished runner-up in this year’s Gold Australian Money tournament and Pardey Shield on his home courts at the Launceston Regional Tennis Centre.
“It’s a privilege,” the 17-year-old Launceston Church Grammar student said.
“I have played tennis ever since I could hold a racquet… I train about 12 hours a week.
“My strengths would be my backhand and volleys and weaknesses would be consistency on the forehand.”
All six state winners will be put forward as Tasmania’s nominations for the Australian Tennis Awards on November 28.
Should the state’s nominees become a finalist in their respective category, they will head to Melbourne for the awards featuring the who’s who of Australian tennis.
Barnett, who is coached by James Bolzonello, said he hopes to secure an American scholarship and compete in the US College system.
“As a young kid I have always wanted to be a professional but as I’ve got older that has changed a bit – I’m pretty keen on going to America,” Barnett said.
“I like the fact that you can keep up the high level tennis and improve and then come out the other end with a full university degree.
“It gives you a chance to follow your passion and have a backup plan at the same time.”
Barnett has also completed a community coaching course so he can start learning about the sport from a different angle and help others.
Previous winners of the national male junior athlete of the year award include Nick Kyrigos, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Bernard Tomic.
STATE WINNERS
- Excellence in officiating: Sam Gleeson (Devonport)
- Female junior athlete of the year: Jess Fowler (Lindisfarne)
- Male junior athlete of the year: Ben Barnett (Launceston)
- Coaching excellence: Tony Blom
- Most outstanding Australian ranking tournament: Glenorchy Open 2015
- Most outstanding tennis club: Sunshine Tennis Club
- Volunteer achievement award: Ollie Wuttke (Glenorchy)