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Image of Te Koha MM Athlete #1

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

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