After a 25-year drought, the Gunnedah South Public School tennis team – made up of Ava Coleman, Chloe Dorrington, Isabelle Moore, Mason Louis, Michael Walsh and Thomas Donaldson – has been crowned NSW PSSA state champions.
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Gunnedah South Public School’s Catherine Reynolds said the kids couldn’t have been more deserving of the win after putting so much time and effort into their preparation.
“Our success this year has been built on teamwork,” Reynolds said.
“We have team training where all members of the team participate and all of our matches are played with the six players in mind. We know we can rely on each other to do their part for the team to be successful.
“What amazes me is the dedication these kids have to their sport.
“They show commitment and resilience beyond their years. They turn up to every training session, even doing extra work. Every time they go out onto the court they give 100 per cent.”
The journey to the final was a long one.
Gunnedah South first accounted for Narrabri West, Moree and Tamworth to be crowned North West champions.
A win against North Coast champions Karangi followed to give the side a semi-finals berth for the first time in 23 years.
During the finals series at Sydney’s Olympic Park on August 21, the team first defeated Western Region champions Cudgegong Valley.
South Coast champions Merimbula Public School awaited in the final but the side was no match for Gunnedah South’s players who took out the title.
While the players did the hard work out on the court, showing incredible teamwork and composure, Reynolds said there was plenty of helpers behind the scenes.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the families. Because the competition is run on a home and away basis we travel for a lot of games, sometimes even staying overnight,” she said.
“Finally, we need to thank our, coach Mrs Robyn Louis. She was instrumental in preparing the team for this win. Robyn has volunteered her time over many years to coach the Gunnedah South team and it was wonderful that she could be rewarded with this championship.”