Hume Tennis Club’s Anyanka Ibarra a smashing success

Supportive coaches and fellow players inspire Craigieburn tennis star Anyanka Ibarra. And it’s served her well as she hopes to smash her way to international stardom.

Craigieburn’s Anyanka Ibarra has been nominated as a Junior Sports Star for the Leader Local Sports Stars awards.

Sport: Wheelchair tennis

Age: 16

Suburb: Craigieburn

Club name: Hume Tennis Club

Coach/manager: Lawrence Gileno

How old were you when you took up your sport?

I was 14

How did you get involved in this sport?

I decided to check out the wheelchair tennis hub at the Hume Tennis & Community Centre one Saturday. It was good exercise and social activity.

What has been your biggest success?

Winning an award last July from the Queensland Open, while getting the most improved player from Hume was also rewarding.

Describe your training routine

I do my private lessons plus group sessions on Saturdays from noon until 3pm.

I do girls training sessions plus group sessions run by Tennis Australia at the National Tennis Centre in the city on Tuesdays from 5pm to 8pm.

What do you love most about your sport?

I enjoy most being in the company of supportive coaches and fellow players. They inspire me to be not just a better athlete but to strive to be a better person.

Anyanka Ibarra in action.

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

Make the Australian team and compete internationally.

‘I couldn’t have done this without …’

My coaches Lawrence Gileno, Greg Crump and Anthony Bonnacurso. I appreciate their constructive criticisms and patience with me always.

Do you have anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank my parents and grandparents and the Hume wheelies for their support and encouragement. Also the Paralympics, Tennis Australia and Hume Tennis Centre for sponsoring my equipment and sportswear.

Thanks to our partner Gold 104.3.

Know someone with great sporting talent? Nominate them here.