Written by: Shoib Loya
Edited by: Chen Kexin and Lydia Ong
Photos by: SMC Publicity
It is the time of the year to hear from our experienced seniors. They have won a lot of matches and know how it's done. Allow me to introduce Yew Hoe, our very own baseline smasher and Felicia, the player with most mental toughness. They serve as a role model for all the other players in the team. Let us dive in more into their exciting stories!
Yew Hoe started playing Tennis in primary 4 when he was ten years old. He always wanted to learn Tennis when he was in kindergarten, but his parents thought of the sport as being dangerous and handed him a badminton racket instead. His passion for the sport gave him the courage to speak up to his parents and made them realize that Tennis is the sport of the gentlemen. He started playing competitively in J1. Grit and determination are the two gifts Tennis gave him. He tries every day to be the best version of himself. Tennis has allowed him to interact with people from different spheres of life which made him a better person.
When asked what he loves about this sport, he explained how Tennis brings together people from different parts of the world and helps break the social barrier between them. He recalls once he was in UCL hitting with some Italian and Chinese players. He could not communicate with them verbally, but after the first hitting session, they kind-of clicked and then went out for drinks. Yew Hoe's most memorable experience with Tennis was that one match against HCI in A Division. He is surprised to this date on how he managed to score at least 4-5x baseline smashes to eventually win the game.
Moving on to our next senior, Felicia, who is the female team role model. Felicia started playing Tennis in primary school as well. She was first introduced to the sport by her brother and eventually grew up loving it. She explains how Tennis brought her so many good friends. Each time she is invited to play with a new circle, she creates bonds which go a long way. She argues that Tennis is a sport where the outcome of the match not only depends on your skills but your mental toughness as well. Even if you lost the first 2-3 games, you could always climb back up if you believe in yourself and vice-versa. Tennis is the sport of the passionate, of the people who do not know how to give up. Tennis has provided her with the gift of mental toughness and mental stability.
There is this one match she recalls being close to her heart. Typically, a Tennis match would be 1.5 – 2 hours long but, this match went out to be 3 hours in the hot sun. Felicia remembers her opponent to be a strong player, but she still managed to win the game. On being asked how she did it? She said: I never stopped believing in myself. Tennis has helped her to be the best version of herself both physically and mentally.
On being asked for their favourite quote, Yew Hoe quote, "I fear no one but I respect everyone" - Roger Federer. Felicia quote, “There is no way around hard work. Embrace it. You have to put in the hours because there is always something which you can improve” – Roger Federer.
Hearing them speak with such passion in their eyes made me realize how a sport could touch and change so many lives. Not only have they brought trophies back home, but they have also laid a strong foundation for the new players to build on. Do not miss your last chance of seeing them in action at the upcoming IHG!
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