A true Tasmanian connection will see Launceston tennis talent Ben Barnett train under one of Australia’s most successful coaches.
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The teenager will fly out on Monday to begin a four-year scholarship at George Washington University, where he will study business and be one of 12 faces in the tennis team.
Located in the heart of Washington D.C., the university has seen actor Alec Baldwin and the founder of ESPN come through its ranks, but it’s head coach David Macpherson that has Barnett most excited.
The long-time coach of America’s famous Bryan brothers and their big-serving compatriot John Isner, Macpherson indicated plans to bring Barnett under his wing early last year, saying the former Launceston Church Grammar student had ‘potential he wanted to see grow’.
The two met up again last month when Macpherson returned to visit family in Tasmania.
The 51-year-old travelled south to watch Barnett progress to the semi-final of the Geilston Bay Open, where he went out to Tasmania’s highest-ranked player and eventual winner Harry Bourchier.
“He’s a world-class coach,” Barnett said.
“When he’s not coaching Isner and the Bryan brothers he’s back at the university coaching some wannabes.
“I’m just really appreciative of the opportunity and especially being put in a place with such a high-quality coach, and it’s reassuring that it’s all fallen into place with the Tasmanian connection.”
Still only 19, the move will mark Barnett’s first time away from home.
Days spent at the Launceston Regional Tennis Centre, playing soccer with mates or fly-fishing with his dad will be replaced by classes in the morning, tennis training in the afternoon and studying in the evening.
Making the move considerably less daunting is the fact that a host of Tasmania’s top achievers have made the move in recent years, including Daniel Groom, Bailey Horne, Elliot Johnstone, Martyn Icke and Launceston’s Ross Marzetti.
“I’ve got some good mates over there – one in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky ... I’ve got mates all over America and they’re all loving it so I’m really looking forward to going,” Barnett said.
“I think since grade 9 or 10 I’ve been wanting to do college tennis because a lot of tennis players from Tassie that I’ve grown up playing with have done that, and I’d like to follow in their footsteps.
“I like routine so I’m looking forward to that - I’m more excited than nervous seeing that we know the coach.”
The 2017 Pardey Shield winner will share residential quarters with teammates – one from Australia and two from China – and launch into off-season training as soon as he arrives.
“Six play in the line-up during the season, so my goal is to work my way up that line-up and hopefully be one of the top players there by my third or fourth year.
“After four years I’ll definitely consider having a crack at the tour, but I’ll leave that option open.”