Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
News Detail
Zachary Bayer Trains for Tennis Success
The tennis world is filled with players who demonstrate great skill and passion when they play – perhaps too much passion at times it seems. The recent display by Marcos Baghdatis at the Australian Open, during which he smashed four racquets consecutively in a temper tantrum of unprecedented proportions, reflects poorly on the sport. Ideally, the best players can handle losing, as well as winning, with style, while not compromising on the burning passion within. Happily, Hamden Hall’s number one player, Zachary Bayer, is growing into just that sort of player as he rises through the tennis ranks. Modeling himself in the fashion of a Pete Sampras, Zachary practices and plays with fierce intensity, yet conducts himself with style on the court and off.
Last spring, Bayer won the New England Prep Class B Singles championship, yet by his own admission, he had experienced a tough year. He had bruised his growth plate at the elbow on his hitting arm, and this hindered his game significantly. But he has been training ever since, and he feels much healthier, as he gets ready for the upcoming school season and NELTA showcases to follow.
Zachary’s tennis training is actually rather unusual for someone at his level. He travels down to Saddlebrook Academy in Tampa, FL, whenever the school schedule allows, where he has found that he is virtually the only player who trains extensively at the academy and is also a full time high school student. Everyone else is home schooled or is enrolled at the academy full time in order to clear their daily schedule for more tennis. However, Zachary does not begrudge his competitors the edge, as he is hoping to go to an Ivy League university, and his solid academic profile at HH should help.
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A true highlight for Zachary was the Junior Orange Bowl Tournament back in December. It is the largest junior tournament in the world. He competed in the 16 and under category, where he was just one of fifty Americans in a world draw of some 300 players. Though he was disappointed on the one hand for losing a nail biter against a player from Columbia in an early round, nevertheless, he felt it was an “absolutely incredible” atmosphere in which to participate.
After the school season is over, Zachary will compete in the New England sectional championship at Yale. This includes the top 32 USTA ranked players of each age. Last year, Zachary had reached the top 15, and likely would have climbed into the top ten if completely healthy. This year, he will move up to the 18 and under bracket, which should help him gain more attention from college coaches. He feels his game is maturing; he is working to set up his points better and thinking his way through the games more successfully.
As to the Hamden Hall program, Zachary says he is a proud member of the team, and is looking forward to battling the best of the extremely tough FAA league. Even in defeat, the team works hard to improve; no one gets discouraged, and he has made some of his best friends through the school team. Hopefully he will be able to raise another championship trophy. Win or lose, however, the school can take pride in such a terrific competitor; one who is striving to be at the top of his game, but also a true sportsman. Good luck to Zachary and the entire team for the spring.
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
