Tennis
Tennis is a vibrant and popular sport at St Mary’s. René Plant, the tennis coach, believes that tennis is a game for life and tennis at St Mary’s should encompass both competitive and social aspects. St Mary’s has eight tennis courts, two of which are brand new, nestled between the old courts and the new Aquatics Centre.
St Mary’s participates in a Senior League which takes place in the first term and a Junior League for Forms I, II and III girls only which takes place in the third term. Six teams are entered in each league, which gives about 40 players the chance to participate in each league. Social tennis is also offered as a games session throughout the year.
St Mary’s hosted a Tennis Festival earlier this year and seven top tennis schools were invited to compete. St Mary’s also competes in the Sun City Private Schools’ Tournament and in the Hilton/St Anne’s Invitational Doubles and Mixed Doubles Event.
This year sixteen players toured in England in June. Apart from playing six matches against the top tennis schools, the players had the opportunity to watch Centre Court games at Wimbledon.
St Mary’s boasts six provincial representatives. Alison Sanders is ranked amongst the top ten in her age group. Tracy Plant, chosen as the No.1 player in the U17 South African Schools’ team, has been awarded a Sports Honours blazer for her achievements.
