Game, set and match a second time for St Andrews tennis team
The University of St Andrews was named Tennis Scotland University of the Year for the second time this weekend (Friday 31 March).
The Tennis Scotland Awards, which celebrate the performance and contributions of individuals, clubs, programmes and competitions in 2022, recognised the quality of the Saints Sport students’ club and its record achievements. In addition to significant facility developments and investments last year, the club saw two promotions and no demotions, a Scottish Student Sport champion title, and two players reaching BUCS individuals finals.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to every winner at this year’s Tennis Scotland Awards… As the Scottish governing body, we are grateful for the individuals and organisations that have played their part in growing and developing tennis across Scotland over the last year.
“With record numbers of members within our club network and record entries at many competitions, there is real momentum in Scottish tennis, and we look forward to further developments in 2023.”
University of St Andrews Director of Tennis, Claire McCulloch, said: “The University Tennis Club are delighted and honoured to win the Tennis Scotland University of the Year Award for the second year in a row. The expanding programme’s success is down to the coaches, committee and volunteers, who work as a team to grow all aspects of the club.
“This award is recognising their efforts, so thank you to everyone who has put the time in to make the club open and accessible to any student wanting to give tennis a go.”
Lily-Mai McKane, University Tennis Club President, added: “Winning the Tennis Scotland University of the Year Award for the second year in a row is an immense honour for both myself and the club. As President, I am delighted that the club has successfully fulfilled the desires of our members and facilitated players of all levels in playing tennis weekly.
“This would be impossible without the combined efforts of an amazing committee, our hardworking director Claire McCulloch, and our coaches and volunteers. Thank you to Tennis Scotland for this award, which acknowledges our performance as a club and fills each member with pride.”
University Tennis Club Women’s Captain, Beth Laybourne, also welcomed the award: “We are over the moon that the achievements of the club are being recognised by Tennis Scotland for the second year in a row. The committee and coaches have worked incredibly hard throughout the year to develop opportunities for players of all levels, and everyone in the club should be very proud of what they have accomplished. A huge thank you and well done goes out to everyone who makes this club what it is!”
Men’s Captain, Joe Kelly, added: “Saints Tennis represents everything you could possibly want in a university tennis club, from its facilities to its opportunities and, most importantly, its people. The coaches, committee and members have all come together to create an experience that is second-to-none for tennis players of all levels.
“Being part of the club has been a highlight of my time at university and I’ve made memories I’ll never forget.”