The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) is pleased to announce that it has facilitated another opportunity for one of its graduates to attend a University in the USA. Keon Halley left the island this week to enroll at Virginia State University (VSU). Mr. Halley will join the VSU men’s Trojan tennis team under Coach Gene Thompson.
Keon joined the ATA’s Tennis program at the tender age of 10. His dream of studying at a university while playing tennis encouraged him to train aggressively and seek employment at the ATA one year ago. Upon receiving his acceptance letter from VSU Keon stated, “It is with immense gratitude that I extend a heartfelt thank you to Mitch Lake and the Anguilla Tennis Academy for providing me the opportunity to attend Virginia State University along with playing on the men’s varsity tennis team. This has been my long awaited dream, and I am determined to work hard to excel both in the classroom and on the tennis court.”
The Anguilla Tennis Academy has developed great relationships with Tennis Academies and Universities across the USA and with the T BAR M Racquet club in Dallas, Texas. Because of these relationships, the ATA under the leadership of Mitch Lake has provided student graduates with opportunities to pursue higher education. Glen Agritelley, owner of T BAR M racquet Club Dallas, Texas was pleased to learn about Keon’s college opportunity and stated, “I was thrilled to hear that Keon will be attending Virginia State University. Keon impressed me with his work ethic and positive personality. We at T BAR M Racquet Club wish him the best of Luck!!”.
Like Keon, the Anguilla Tennis Academy has facilitated other persons to attend universities in the United States. Past graduates of the ATA who have gone on to University are Keithroy Proctor who graduated from Lamberth University in 2006, Nzingha Banks currently at Washburn University, Avern Gumbs currently at Clark Atlanta University, and Tamisha Richardson who recently departed for Virginia State University. Chris wade, Athletic Director of T Bar M Racquet Club Dallas Texas said, “ We are so proud and thrilled for Keon. He has shown that if you believe and trust in the people around you, you can accomplish major goals in your life. The Anguilla Tennis Academy has certainly become an important organization for the development and advancement of young children through tennis. It is important that the people continue to support its efforts.”
Keon and his family are exceedingly grateful for this opportunity. They have expressed gratitude to Mitch Lake, ATA Coaches, Management at T Bar M Racquet Club, Anguilla Development Board, friends, and everyone who expressed well wishes.
The Anguilla Tennis Academy (“ATA”) is a nonprofit organization established under the laws of Anguilla. For the past nineteen (19) years, the ATA has been introducing tennis to the island of Anguilla as well as other surrounding countries. Mitch Lake, Founder of the Anguilla Tennis Academy said, ” I am proud of Keon and the positive work ethic he demonstrated to realize his goal. The ATA continues to shape lives and provide educational opportunities for its graduates. My sincere thanks to ALL for their continued support over the years. We should all be proud of these success stories.” For more information on the ATA, visit their website at www.anguillatennis.com.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
