TOM HAYES
TENNIS
COLLEGE By TOM HAYES ANOTHER local tennis star is heading abroad to take his game to the next level at an American college. Traralgon’s Sam McGregor will join the likes of Josh Charlton and Ben Grumley when he becomes the next local to play college tennis. McGregor, 18, has been playing tennis since the age of nine, coached by Graham ‘Woofa’ Charlton at the Traralgon Tennis Association. McGregor was offered an academic and sports scholarship from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, which is where he will study a major in biology and play his tennis for the next four years. Last year, McGregor applied, sending through school results and tennis tapes, ensuring he got the best scholarship available to him. Belmont Abbey College – the home of the Crusaders – is a top 25 Division 2 NCAA college, which has impressed in recent years on the court. The Crusaders have won their conference in the past two years, while also qualifying for the national championships in the same time period. “I signed fairly early which was good, just before Christmas, so it took a bit of weight off my shoulders knowing that I’ve secured a spot,” McGregor said. “From there, (I’ve) been able to focus on training and tournaments and really being on top of my game just before I head over there. “He’s going into an NCAA Division 2 school, which is very, very, very good,” Charlton said. “NCAA Division 2, to get a gig there is fantastic. “He’s worked hard, it’s a great effort. “NCAA is the best of the best.” No matter what, McGregor is due to get something out of this experience, whether that be from the books or on the court. “Obviously I’ll get a degree out of it, which Mum’s pretty happy about,” he said. “The coach over there is really good, so hopefully my tennis will improve heaps and I might be able to go on tour after college, which is what I’m hoping for, but I’ve also got that back-up of having a degree after the four years as well. “I’ve been in contact with the head coach, Michael (Salomon), he’s been really helpful … doing all of the paperwork. “He’s giving me some tips on my game just before I get over there, he’ll be a big help once I get over there just to improve on a few small things.” McGregor’s new coach, Salomon, is excited to see him perform. “Sam stood out to us in the recruiting process as a player with a high level of maturity and a growth mindset,” Salomon said. “He has a great fundamental base and athletic skillset, giving him the building blocks to grow his competitive level at a rapid pace. “We’ve been encouraging him to continue to stay sharp over the summer with consistent training on and off the court, and to come in ready to perform at his best level, and to take advantage of all the resources on Day 1. “Coming into a nationally-ranked program, players have an accelerated learning curve along with opportunities available where they need to be ready to perform at a high level immediately – something I’m very confident Sam will be able to do here at Belmont Abbey!” Over years gone by, Traralgon has seen other locals head to the US on tennis scholarships including Josh Charlton at the University of Oregon, Oregon and Ben Grumley at William Woods University, Missouri. McGregor has been in contact with both and hopes to get some advice from them as his college journey begins. “I’ve been in contact with Josh Charlton, Ben Grumley, a few of the other boys from Traralgon who I’m mates with, and when they come back during their breaks I’ll have a hit with them,” McGregor said. “Josh has just finished and he’s planning to go on tour, and Ben’s in his final year now.” The nerves have well and truly faded now, as the excitement kicks in for the Traralgon local. “I felt nervous more at the time when I signed, but because it’s been such a long time I’ve eased into it a bit and the nerves have gone away really, I’m just excited to get over there and get a good start,” McGregor said. Aside from tennis, it would be natural to be on the receiving end of culture shock, but McGregor appears to be open-minded to the new experiences he’ll face in the US. “I honestly don’t know what to expect,” he said. “I think they’ve got the election coming up so that’s gonna be an experience in itself. “I’m just excited, different culture, different foods, meeting new people, I think it’s gonna be some fun.” Even though it may be four years away, McGregor looks forward to where his tennis can eventually take him after college. With touring an option for ex-college players, he looks forward to what the future could hold. “Hopefully I’ll be able to travel around Australia, America, around the world really, as soon as I’ve finished college, play some ITF’s, but you never know what’s gonna happen,” he said. Many people have helped McGregor get to the position he is in today, but he narrowed down the few that have helped him immensely. “Obviously thanks to my parents for all of their support from them, obviously ‘Woofa’ – he’s been coaching me since I was nine (years old), so I’ve known him for more than half of my life really – he’s gotten me to this point so without him I wouldn’t be here,” he said. Things are moving quickly now for McGregor who takes off for the US and Belmont Abbey College today (Wednesday, August 16). “We figured out the VISA’s pretty early on, I’ve got the plane ticket, I’ve got all my bags sorted, so I think we’ll be right, just gotta make sure I bring a few pairs of socks and jocks!” he said. The college tennis season is set to begin at the end of August, giving McGregor plenty of time to get settled in before he gets to work.
