Four pm on a Wednesday, 30 degrees outside, people inside their homes eating ice cream, and EF students? Well, playing tennis, of course. EF Academy offers a tennis club, where students can learn, practice, and play it in tournaments.
Anna Helgesen is one of the students that forms part of the EF Tennis Club; she is an active sports player and contributes wonders to the team.
When asked if she had ever played tennis before, Helgesen said, “No, never, I tried it once with my family but every single ball was out; however, I joined tennis because in my home country everyone’s favorite player is Djokovic and I wanted to see what it was all about, also be my grandma’s favorite.”
“In tennis we start with some laps, then stretching, and then partner work; because I am in duos, we also scrimmage a lot,” Helgesen said. The coaches are fundamental parts in each of the student’s growth as tennis players. Helgesen mentioned, “They are not the most technical coaches but they make practice and tournaments very good and fun.”
Students who form part of the tennis club leave campus at 3:45 pm; they go to a practice tennis court and have their class there. The club is highly committed and requires full attendance from the team. The students train everyday from Monday to Friday from 3:45 to 6:00 pm.
Helgesen was asked what her favorite part about being on the team was. “Oh eh, I almost said fast food, because coaches take us there after our matches, but no, it’s definitely the people that are in the team and the people we get to play against.”
The tennis club has competed in several tournaments. “I think four, yeah I am pretty sure four tournaments,” Helgesen said. The school plans these tournaments for the players to keep learning and gaining experiences.
In previous years, the club didn’t have as many students, especially girls, in it. Now the school gets to sign into girls and boys tournaments and matches. The tennis community keeps on growing and hopefully it won’t stop.
“I have learned a lot and I am much more confident in how to handle the ball and play the game,” Helgesen mentioned after being asked what she has learned after joining.
Tennis is a wonderful sport, one that can teach you from teamwork to self-control. Playing it makes people forget about life and problems, and instead live in the now, in the moment when the racket hits the ball. EF Academy students are grateful to have the opportunity to play this amazing sport.
For many students like Helgesen, tennis becomes more than just an after school activity, it becomes a space to grow, connect, and challenge themselves. As the club continues to expand, it is clear that its impact goes beyond the court, shaping confidence, friendships, and lasting memories for everyone involved.
