Youngster chases US college dream

Geraldton player Colten Way is only months away from potentially receiving a US college tennis scholarship.

Currently in his final year of secondary school, Colten is in the process of completing the American-based Scholastic Achievement Test, along with balancing current school and sporting commitments.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (the US college sport governing body) is extremely strict on sporting scholarship admissions, with athletes who fail to qualify academically ruled ineligible, regardless of their talent.

“Additionally, you needed to get a CV, full of references from coaches, a national tennis ranking and make sure you keep working on it,” Colten said.

“You need to keep applying and find the right college for you.”

The 17-year-old’s dream began back in Esperance, where he learnt the basics of tennis.

“I started when I was about six or seven,” he said.

“I just loved it.

“All of my friends would be there and I got into coaching when I was a little bit older, where I was able to help out the younger kids.

“I was down at the club every day having a hit — I couldn’t put my racquet down.” It was during a country champion-ship tournament in Bunbury four years ago when Colten’s tal-ent was noticed by scouts, who welcomed him with open arms.

He ended up making the final of the tournament, which resulted in being selected to represent WA.

“It was really good, because he wasn’t expected to do so well,” Colten’s mother Jenni said.

“After that, a lot of the coaches from the city approached me after the matches and offered to give him support.”

Since arriving in Geraldton, he has worked closely with coach Colin Thompson, who is also a regional development officer for Tennis West.

He has ensured Colten has had access to major tournaments and high-performance training.

Thompson has also provided guidance to Colten’s family on preparing for the college system.

Additionally, a recent visit to California-based colleges in June strengthened Colten’s passion for a future in the game.

“I went over with a group of tennis players from Perth,” he said.

“We went to Los Angeles, travelled around and visited Fresno State, California State, USC and UCLA — all big colleges.

“We got tours and got to talk to the coaches.

“Their facilities were ridicul-ous.

“The amount of effort they put into their athletics facilities is pretty mind-blowing.”