TWENTY very excited Laurieton school students made the trip to Sydney last Monday to compete in the prestigious Todd Woodbridge Cup State Final.
The St Joseph’s Primary School contingent was divided into two teams: 10 students from Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) and 10 from Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6).
Both teams earned their spots at the State Final after dominating the Zone Championships and advancing through the Regional Championships, both held at the Kendall Tennis Club earlier this year.
The event’s namesake, Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, made a special appearance to motivate the competitors.
The former World No. 1 doubles champion spent time chatting with the young athletes, signing autographs, and posing for photos.
Addressing the students, Woodbridge highlighted the hard work and dedication required to reach the top level of the sport, emphasising the critical role of communication and finding a partner whose playing style complements your own.
For many students, meeting Woodbridge brought an extra thrill.
Kendall local Sophie Whatson was over the moon to secure an autograph and a photo with the champion, whom many of the younger generation now recognise as the host of Channel 7’s game show Tipping Point.
Sophie loved the experience, especially playing in front of her family and friends.
St Joseph’s Assistant Principal Maria Wilson praised the students’ conduct – on and off the court.
“I was extremely impressed with the students’ sportsmanship and camaraderie,” Wilson said, highlighting the growth many players have shown over the past four years.
Much of the school’s ongoing tennis success comes down to strong local roots. Most of the players train regularly at the Kendall Tennis Club under coach Rhyan Hudson and Elwood Dollery, both giving up their time to support the students in Sydney.
Dollery’s connection to the tournament runs deep. He competed in the very same cup for St Joseph’s back in 2018 and has generously volunteered his time to run sessions at the school over the past few months to prepare the students.
St Joseph’s has developed a formidable reputation on the court, consistently qualifying for the state finals every year since 2023.
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