Anguillian tennis player Draidahn Lico has been awarded a scholarship to attend LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
A member of the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) since the age of five, he has undergone intensive training over the past year.
A press release from the ATA said he has worked hard to develop his game and remained dedicated to his personal goal of going to university on a tennis scholarship.
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Suzanne Merritt, head tennis coach at LeTourneau University, said the team are very excited to have Draidahn as a part of the programme.
“He has a very unique skillset and I personally can’t wait to coach him. I think he will be a great addition to LeTourneau University,” she said.
For the past 30 years, the ATA and founder Mitchelle Lake have been developing children in Anguilla through tennis. Draidahn will become the ATA’s 20th tennis scholarship recipient.
Lake said: “Our greatest accomplishments have been securing tennis athletic scholarships for graduates of the programme.
“Currently, we have facilitated 19 of our graduates with tennis athletic scholarships to prestigious Division II colleges in the USA and Draidahn will become number 20.”
He said the estimated value of the scholarships to date have exceeded US$1.5 million with an average four-year scholarship amounting to $100,000.
“Our students have graduated with honours and are also the recipients of many scholastic awards,” Lake added.
In the press release, Draidahn said he is very grateful for the opportunity to pursue his dreams.
He explained that he follows a certain mindset: “Just stay consistent and keep showing up. Everyday won’t be perfect, but the work always adds up.”
His mother Dawnette Lico also thanked the ATA for all their hard work and dedication towards Draidahn and the other young players in the academy.
To Draidahn, she said: “As you begin this new chapter, remember that your dreams are stronger than your fears.
“Work hard, stay humble, be kind and never forget where you came from. The world is waiting for all that you have to offer.”
Draidahn’s official celebration ceremony will be held at the ATA headquarters on the 27 July.
