Skilled tennis player Jared Hodge has been awarded a scholarship to attend LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
It will be the 17th scholarship facilitated by the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) and founder and CEO Mitchelle ‘Mitch’ Lake.
In an ATA press release on 14 July, Lake said he is proud of Hodge and the work of the ATA coaches who played a pivotal role in helping him to realise his goal.
“Our greatest accomplishments have been securing tennis athletic scholarships for graduates of the programme,” he said.
“Currently, we have facilitated 16 of our graduates with tennis athletic scholarships to prestigious Division II colleges in the USA and Jared will become number 17.
“The estimated value of our scholarships given to date have exceeded US$1.2 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.”
Hodge has been a part of the ATA since the age of five and has undergone intense training over the past year in Anguilla and in Dallas at T Bar M Tennis Academy.
He worked hard to develop his game and remained dedicated to his personal goal of going to university on a tennis athletic scholarship, the press release said.
“I would not be where I am today without the commitment of all of the coaches. I am a better individual today, both on and off court, because of their belief in me,” Hodge said.
“My experiences at the ATA leading up to this achievement is far more special to me than words can describe. It will always remain engraved in my heart.”
Suzanne Merritt, head tennis coach at LeTourneau University, expressed excitement to have Hodge as a part of the programme.
“I personally can’t wait to coach a player with his skill set. I think he will be a great addition to LeTourneau University,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of her family, Hodge’s mother, Margie Hodge, expressed gratitude to Lake, the ATA coaches, and everyone at the ATA who supported him in securing a tennis scholarship.
“The ATA is a centre of excellence with a focus on shaping the lives of young children and providing a way for them to achieve their personal goals through tennis,” she said.
“As a supporter of this institution for the past 30 years, I would like to encourage all Anguillian parents to get onboard and show your support.
“Jared has always loved tennis and the ATA has created a second home to Jared and our entire family and we will forever be grateful to the ATA in helping Jared achieve his dream.”
Lake said Hodge built a strong foundation in tennis through the ATA and developed into a competitive tennis player in a short period of time with his intense training.
“His work ethic and passion for the sport of tennis will allow him to achieve both individual and team success, he said.
“He also has a sound academic background which will undoubtedly allow him to excel in the classroom.”
For the past 30 years, Lake and the ATA has been developing children on the island of Anguilla through the sport of tennis.
Hodge’s official celebration ceremony will be held at the ATA on the 25 July.
