Southland tennis player loving US
It hasn’t always been easy but Invercargill tennis player Halle Faherty’s first season of collegiate tennis has still exceeded her own expectations.
The James Hargest College and SBS Bank Academy Southland graduate has completed her first year at Fresno Pacific University in central California, about three hours from San Francisco.
“I was a little bit nervous going over because it’s so far away and such a different experience, but I’m honestly so glad I did it, it’s been so fun.”
Tennis in California is pretty much what you would expect - plenty of sun, good facilities and an abundance of talent. Making the transition from a New Zealand context which can be limited in all three categories has been a significant challenge.
“The quality is next level. My tennis background, compared to my teammates, was very different. It was very noticeable when I first went over, the lack of experience I had playing matches and being under pressure. It’s still something that I struggle with,” Halle says.
“It will come eventually. My coach has faith in me and trusts me. I just have to be patient and trust the process so that I’ll become more comfortable.”
Halle, who is majoring in biology and chemistry, is also grateful for ongoing advice from SBS Bank Academy Southland’s Jason McKenzie and Carly Anderson.
“Because I was so far away, it was good to just have people back home that I could talk to for support. I talked to Jason a little bit when I was struggling mentally and was in contact with Carly. They always offer but it’s that next step of me actually putting that into action and making the most of that resource.”
Jason McKenzie said the Academy aims to provide ongoing support beyond its two-year programme.
“For us our philosophy is all about the Academy Southland family. Everyone who comes through our programme might not make the achievement wall but are always part of our family.”
The Academy provided support not only as athletes transitioned through sport, but also life.
“Halle is a great example of this – going to the United States and transitioning into the college system is a major change and to be able to support her through that initial change and connect her to the skills she has learnt in the programme – planning, managing her nutrition and managing her mindset - we are committed to helping all our athletes that reach out.”
While playing tennis in New Zealand could be a difficult and lonely experience, being part of a team has been a real positive.
“Tennis is such a hugely mental sport and that’s something that I’ve struggled with, even during high school and through junior tennis. Having a team there that is supportive, it makes it a lot better. You’ve got people to lean on and people who have been through the same things. I feel so grateful. I have to pinch myself sometimes. I’m living the dream and it’s so fun.”
Some injury and illness in the squad saw Halle possibly get more opportunities to play in the Sunbirds’ starting lineup in her freshman year than she was expecting, and she’s excited about returning to training and competition in a few weeks’ time.
“I’m definitely hungry to get out there and prove myself. That first year was tough and I felt like I was scrambling for a lot of it, but I feel like I’m ready to get back there and work hard.”
