Having already travelled across the world in pursuit of his passion, aspiring young tennis athlete Daniel Howard hopes this is just the beginning of a career that takes him around the global circuit.
At just 14, the Harrington Grove local is already immersed in tennis and is currently embarking on a trip to Texas to hone his skills and learn all he can about life as a pro.
“Obviously my goal is to be professional, and hopefully win a Grand Slam one day”, Howard said.
The 13 day trip is with Elite Professional Development, and organiser and coach John Thompson believes gifted athletes like Howard take a great deal from trips like these.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to fend for themselves, and to see what real life is like on the road for a tennis professional.
“It’s not just hitting tennis balls.”
Thompson has coached Daniel for three years and believes the time at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch will be an invaluable experience.
“Dan already has a pure love for the sport, and training at a place named after an Aussie tennis legend, where several great players have trained, is an inspiring thing.”
Howard’s mum, Angela, was so inspired by her son’s skills that she moved the family from South Africa to Australia in June 2019 for a better opportunity.
“I grew up in the area, and there is so much more potential for his future success here,” Ms Toweel said.
Angela also has committed to home schooling Daniel to give him the best chance to follow his dreams.
“He deserves every opportunity he gets, he is hard working and always puts his studies first, knowing that will give him the freedom to train with all his free time.’’
And that he does.
Daniel trains for 6-8 hours per day, which his coach concedes makes him like a part of the furniture at the courts.
“He is always here, annoying us wanting to practice,’’ says the coach.
“But in all seriousness, he is one of the most hardworking kids I’ve ever trained.”
The former NSW state coach and head coach of the NSW State Academy says Howard is up there in skill level – and the passion, which is a huge piece of the puzzle for sporting success.
Daniel Howard certainly echoes this in his own approach.
“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,’’ he says.
The hard work is certainly combining with the talent so far, as he has been sweeping through the Regional Matchplay series in 2022 and has taken out tournaments in Bowral, Shoalhaven, and Wollongong.
He also took out the Bluewall Davis Cup Matchplay in March.
The young star’s efforts have earned him sponsorship from Pain Away Attire, but for the dream to continue he is hoping to gain more support and has started a GoFundMe towards a trip to Melbourne in January 2023.
This young man has all the ingredients to become our next tennis sensation, and with his Mum and her background in Yoga instruction we could have an Aussie success story on the court who has the grace and composure to match their elite skills.
If you’d like to support this local tennis star on the rise visit his gofundme page here.
– STORY BY SAMUEL A. KONTOS
