It was quite a surprise for two Bahamian junior tennis players when they arrived for practice at the Atlantis Resort Tennis Center yesterday afternoon. Maddison Bowleg and Sarae Rodgers who played well in recent tournaments in the United States of America, were rewarded by Atlantis resort for their efforts.
The Atlantis resort is no stranger when it comes to sports and youth development in The Bahamas. Bowleg and Rodgers received a two-night, three-day stay at the resort.
“I did not know anything about all of this that happened today,” Bowleg said. “It was a good reward for all the dedication and what I put into it.”
The 15-year-old played at the Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston, Virginia. It was a United States Tennis Association Level 7 Tournament. She was the runner-up in the 18-and-under girls division with a 3-1 win/loss record. The tournament took place October 16-17.
For Rodgers, she was also appreciative for the prize.
“It makes me feel overwhelmed and I’m very appreciative,” Rodgers said.
The 10-year-old competed at the Pumpkin Bowl in Wellington, Florida, on October 23-24 and won the 10-and-under division.
On hand to present the prizes to the tennis players was President and Managing Director at Atlantis Audrey Oswell.
“We’ve always been committed to the community and we like to do the right thing,” Oswell said. “We were so excited to have the opportunity to have the children in the community and some of the young adults play here at Atlantis and use our tennis courts. This award was more meant to say your hard work pays off and we’re so proud of them. Some of them are real superstars. I know we’ll see them in professional sports or the Olympics one of these days.”
She was amazed by the dedication of the players whenever she came over to watch them play in the summer.
Bowleg and Rodgers have been working out with Bahamian senior tennis players Philip Major Jr. and Kevin Major Jr. Under them, Bowleg said she has seen her game grow a lot.
“My fitness and my dedication to the sport has grown a lot. I feel like they give me more of a love for the sport than I already have,” she said.
Kevin Major Jr., who was out working with some other players, spoke about the type of players Bowleg and Rodgers are.
“Bowleg has been with us for almost a year. When she first got there, it was evident she had a lot of talent and was a hard worker. When she came into the program, it was easy to work with her. When she listens, she listens and she goes out and tries, regardless of the outcome. Her dedication has gotten her to where she is today,” he said.
He continued: “It’s the same thing with Rodgers. She is a very hard worker. Some days, you might not think she’s there but she’s there and she surprises you. That’s why I feel like she does so well because to me, she’s a mighty mouse. She’s small but she fights and that’s what makes her so dangerous to deal with for other players because when she plays, she’s not going to let you push her over on the court.”
Bowleg has been playing tennis for six years while Rodgers has been playing for four years. They train at the resort.
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source https://thenassauguardian.com/atlantis-rewards-tennis-players/
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