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Te Koha Manawatu
Ngāi Tahu | Muaūpoko
Sport: Tennis
Age: 17
Dream: To be the world number 1 tennis player
Ranking: S5
Clubs: Amberley, Kaiapoi,Edgeware,Country Ashburton
Rohe: Waitaha/Canterbury
My favorite motivational quote: The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
About Te Koha
Te Koha is 1 of 3 siblings, he was born in the Hawkes Bay and spent many years moving schools and towns including Hastings, Palmerston North, Feilding, Kaikōura, Christchurch and now resides in Amberley.
In 2013, Te Koha picked up a tennis racket for the first time and joined the Kaikōura Tennis Club at the age of 6.
His first teams event came in 2015, playing alongside friends from school. However, in 2016, a significant earthquake prompted Te Koha's family to move to Christchurch, leading to a change in tennis clubs.
After relocating, he briefly joined the Bishopdale Tennis Club before transitioning to the Burwood Tennis Club in 2018, where he enjoyed two successful seasons. The onset of Covid-19 brought unexpected challenges, including vaccination mandates that led to Te Koha's departure from his club and an untimely break from the game.
In early 2022, a change in circumstances allowed Te Koha's family to move to Amberley. One day, while playing tennis with his father, they met Kylie Thompson, who encouraged them to attend the Amberley open day, where Te Koha met his current coach, Alan Adair.
Under Alan's guidance, Te Koha excelled in competition, going undefeated in singles and experiencing success with his junior team. Senior-level play provided valuable learning opportunities, further fueling Te Koha's ambition.
In 2023, he made the bold decision to leave school and pursue his dream of becoming the world number 1 in tennis. Daily training sessions in Kaiapoi with Alan and his son, Kieran Adair, have elevated Te Koha's game to new heights.
Now 16 years old, Te Koha plays as number 1 for his division 1 team, facing off against Canterbury's top players. With unparalleled dedication, he is determined to achieve his dream of tennis greatness. This year, he's putting in more work than ever before, fueled by his unwavering passion and commitment to success.
Other Achievements: Te Koha Completed the 75 Hard Mental Toughness Challenge
Teams and Tournaments
Current
2024
Coming Up : U18s Nationals - Auckland
Coming Up: Aotearoa Māori Tennis Tournament - Tauranga
TCRI Premier Interclub - Edgeware
TCRI Senior Interclub - Country Ashburton
PDP Regional Program - Training Squad
Qualified for New Zealand U18s Nationals
Qualified for his first ITF J100 Tournament
Kaiapoi Club Champs Singles - 1st Place
Kaiapoi Club Champs Doubles - 1st Place
Kaiapoi Club Champs Mixed Doubles - 1st Place
Amberley Club Champs Singles - 1st Place
Junior Summer Open Under 16s Boys Singles - Runner Up
2023
Canterbury Reps Under 16s Singles - 1st Place
North Canterbury Junior Tournament - Interclub Winner