After two full days of assessment by ex-national player, Diwani Lewis, Alice Ali and Ezra Sue-Ho, have been shortlisted as the two prospective candidates to obtain athletic scholarships to attend Morgan State University (MSU) in the United States of America.
Lewis, who is an assistant lawn tennis coach at MSU, said he will work together with Ali and Sue-Ho this week to compile footage of their game which will then be assessed by head coach at MSU, Derrick Mc Millian.
Lewis added that the two players shortlisted qualified, not only on talent but by fulfilling the age requirement.
“Well the two players that I have chosen have just finished High School and are currently studying to sit the SAT Reasoning Test later this year, one of the requirements for entry to Morgan State.” Lewis said.
He pointed out that although he had seen other players that had demonstrated a high level of play; they did not meet the age requirementas in the case of Jermey Miller and Anthony Downes.
Although Lewis had originally planned to meet with just about five players for one day he decided to expand the programme by using Saturday and Sunday in order to accommodate some of the younger players.
The older players or ‘A’ squad were engaged in two days of intense training which included consistent hitting, footwork drills, volley drills and doubles drills. After conducting these drills, Lewis said he was able to pinpoint the players’ strengths and weaknesses.
“They played good tennis but I have noticed some things that they need to improve on for instance Sue-Ho, Miller and Ali all need to work on their backhand while Downes should work more on his volleys,” he said.
Lewis told Stabroek Sport that he was surprised at the level of play exhibited by the players considering the state of the game here.
He commended the players for their punctuality and enthusiasm, especially the younger group of children, and said it was his opinion that many of them could have a very promising future in the sport.
He identified Seanden David-long, Daniel Lopes, Shawna Gentle and six-year-old Afruica Gentle as being among the more promising players.
While Lewis is scheduled to return to the USA next week, he has assured the players shortlisted that they will receive correspondence confirming whether their game successfully impressed the head coach at MSU or whether they needed to work harder.
He thanked the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association, especially coaches Debbie Bunbury and Shelly Daly for their assistance and support throughout his stay.
