LIFE is simple for 10-year-old Savannah Soria – life is tennis.
The Sanctuary Point youngster is now receiving home schooling as her parents struggle to fit her education around her demanding tennis schedule.
“She would play it morning, afternoon and night if she could,” said mother Kim.
“We decided home schooling was easier because the tennis courts were harder to hire in the afternoons.
“Now she trains in the mornings and studies in the afternoons because the unconventional school hours are more suitable.”
Savannah has been playing tennis for three years and takes it very seriously.
She is already too advanced to play against kids her age in the Shoalhaven and now trains with and competes against adults and older kids.
The age difference does not intimidate her, but when you’re 10 years old and can serve a ball at 100kph why would it?
“It is a challenge, but it doesn’t scare me,” she said.
She was undefeated in the local Nowra singles competition, and parents Kim and Cody hope to introduce her to a tougher challenge outside the area.
“We have been taking her to other regions to have a hit against other kids,” Cody said.
“We want to get her up to Sydney more often so she can actually play against kids her own age.”
She has defiantly proved that she has the talent to go places and her dedication and commitment is obvious.
“Her enthusiasm is what sets her apart,” said coach Karen Doyle.
“That’s something you can’t teach, she is so dedicated that she tries as hard as she can every session, even with injuries.”
Savannah has had four major wins in her young career in the Wollongong Super Series doubles, Lakeside Warilla Junior Round Robin, Ulladulla Little Masters mixed doubles and most recently she won the Riverina Junior Open in Wagga.
“It was only the second open I’ve entered and my favourite tournament I’ve played in so far,” she said.
In 40-degree heat Savannah won four out of her five games 9-0 and only conceded one game.
“My goal last year was to get 10 trophies and I did it,” she said.
“This year I want to win more than last year and travel more too. That would be fun.”
Like the families of many rising stars in the Shoalhaven, Savannah’s family struggles to support their talented daughter.
“It costs around $100 a week in lessons,” said her father Cody.
“She trains every day for three hours and we don’t want her to have to give that up.”
“This stage is important for juniors,” coach Karen Doyle said.
“She is trying to get to that top level and this is the critical part where juniors can give up because there is no one there to financially support them.”
“Karen has been really supportive and her first coach Frank Fuller has helped us out a lot but she needs to continue to play these tournaments to get ahead,” said her mother.
“I said I want to win Wimbledon when I was seven,” Savannah said.
“I want to be just like Federer because the men have more power.”
The Sori family are seeking the financial support of any business that would like to help Savannah.
“Anyone who can help us out, that would be great,” her mother said.
“Even if you have some old tennis clothes or equipment that would be appreciated too.”
If you would like to help Savannah you can contact Amy Findlay at the South Coast Register on 4421 2999.
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