Nineteen-year-old Draidahn Lico has become the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s 20th youngster to attain a college scholarship through his stellar performances in tennis locally, regionally and further afield.
In a ceremony held at the Academy in Blowing Point on the evening of Monday, 27th July 2026, Draidahn’s accomplishments were celebrated as he was accepted into the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s affiliate, LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
Surrounded by his supportive family, peers and coaches, Draidahn was joined by his constituency representative, the Honourable Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge, Member of Parliament for East End. Having trained at the Academy since he was five years old, he has long regarded its courts in Blowing Point as his “second home.”
The evening featured congratulatory remarks and musical performances in celebration of his achievement.
Draidahn’s aunt, Laureen Bryan, described her nephew as both loving and determined.
“At the tender age of five Draidahn commenced playing tennis,” she recounted. “Both he and his racket were almost the same size… His passion for tennis has caused him to develop into a talented player, but more importantly, he has grown into a respectable, disciplined and determined young man.”
The Academy’s Director and Head Coach, Jason Allen, praised Draidahn’s hard work and expressed confidence in his future.
“I am so glad that you are at this stage of your life where you can celebrate your hard-earned achievements in tennis,” he said to the young player. “I am proud of you, and I am excited for what you are going to do in representing not only Anguilla and your family, but also the Anguilla Tennis Academy.”
Co-founder Chris Wade also commended Draidahn’s dedication, noting that his scholarship was a testament to years of hard work and dedication.
“It is an amazing thing, for it is only about one percent of athletes who get the opportunity to play college sports with a scholarship,” he said.
Although Principal Founder Mitch Lake was unable to attend the ceremony, he sent a written message.
“Draidahn has been training at the ATA since the tender age of five,” he wrote. “Draidahn’s tennis journey has not been easy, but through it all he sacrificed and persevered.”
He also announced via the letter that the ATA would provide US$2,500 towards Draidahn’s first year at LeTourneau University, while an ATA donor would contribute an additional US$1,000 towards his personal expenses.
In response, Draidahn reflected on finally reaching a milestone he had often imagined.
“I’ve been to many fellow tennis players’ ceremonies, and while sitting there I would think to myself, ‘I wonder what my ceremony will be like.’ But time really flies. Now I’m the one at the podium giving my speech,” he said.
“The courts have fostered togetherness and strength, and I don’t think I would have fallen in love with tennis the way that I did without that spirit.”
He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academy’s founders, coaches, teammates, family, educators and the wider community for their support throughout his journey.
“Receiving this scholarship may appear to be an individual achievement, but it is a moment that represents the efforts of an entire community which helped raise me, train me, encourage me and continue believing in me even when the journey became difficult. As I move forward into this new stage of my life, I will carry every one of those lessons and memories.”
Following the official ceremony, Draidahn mingled with well-wishers and accepted congratulatory remarks and words of encouragement from friends and supporters. He is expected to leave the island in early August to begin his studies and compete for LeTourneau University.
By: James R. Harrigan
