STEPHANIE Reynolds started playing competitive tennis just four years ago at the age of 13. She began by playing for her school team and getting some part-time coaching in the evenings. As her passion for tennis grew her parents recognised the need to find a school environment that allowed her to compete and train more intensely. Stephanie joined Bosworth in 2013 to allow her to study at GCSE and A-level via a flexible and staggered timetable.
Since then, Stephanie has achieved, in her first year, a one-year GCSE in English Language (A*), English Literature (A), Maths (A) and French (A); in the second year, a one-year GCSE in Physics (A) and History (A*) and AS Level English Language (A); in the third year, A-level English Language and next year will undertake a one-year A-level in English Literature (2016-2017).
Steph said: “Bosworth has given me the flexibility to compete to a high level in my tennis and no other school could offer this. I can achieve all the qualifications I need for university entry in the same time span as my peer group, while being part-time. Without Bosworth I wouldn’t have been able to compete and train at the volume/level I do while still getting my qualifications. Bosworth welcomed me with open arms when I first arrived three years ago and have always encouraged and supported my tennis. They allow me to stagger my qualifications so I can be part time, this means I can compete and train whilst learning in an exceptional school environment.”
In the world of tennis all students start with the grade 10.2. In the past three years Steph has reached her goal of grade 5.2 and by April next year she aims to get this to grade 4.2, meaning she has to consistently improve month on month and keep winning matches. Every weekend, Stephanie will compete nationally across the British Isles and she will regularly take part in Qualifying for British Tours, competing in approximately 6-10 of these a year and these always take place on a Monday. Next year she will also be competing in the 6 ITF (International Tennis Federation) Junior Tournaments in the UK. This level of training and match play limits the days she can be in College so a flexible timetable is the only route that could have allowed her to progress thus far.
Her aim is to gain a full scholarship within the American College System where she will study for a degree in English/Creative Writing at an American University alongside tennis training and tournaments. This process begins in September where Steph will have to sit the SAT test designed for American University entrants, testing their abilities in writing, critical reading and mathematics across a four-hour exam.
Joining the American College System also enables Stephanie to compete across America and play more outdoor tennis which is an important part of her journey to get to the professional circuit and the American University circuit is as close as it gets. Steph’s current ranking is 278 in the Under 18s category which is an incredible achievement for someone who only came to the sport four years ago.
Stephanie is currently training at David Lloyd Leisure in Milton Keynes with Coach Jason Fairhurst and is working hard to achieve her next set of goals.
The college is extremely proud of Stephanie’s dedication to her tennis and her academic studies; she is a high-achiever in both areas and deserves continued success.
Stephanie added: “I hope this helps to attract other part-time students pursuing a speciality. It is important to push yourself to achieve your best and to pursue your dreams!”
Find out more about Bosworth College by calling 01604 235090 or visit www.bosworthcollege.com