Hobart TAS 7000, Australia, 2 August 2018 | Tennis Tasmania

Daniel Groom was once Tasmania’s best junior – now he’s showcasing that talent on the world stage.

The 19-year-old has relocated to the USA, where he is studying finance at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and about to complete his second season of playing college tennis.

“The experience has been amazing so far,” Groom said. “I have walked into a team that is like a second family, something that is special considering I am away from home.

“Wilmington is a relaxing, small city on the beach where the university is the life of the town. My days are always non-stop with class and practice, however, always fun at the same time.”

Groom grew up in Hobart, playing tennis at the Geilston Bay Tennis Club.

“Members could not have been nicer to me and the club coach, Tony Blom, had a positive influence over my tennis, especially in my earlier junior years. Being there was always a lot of fun,” Groom recalled.

He also worked closely with Hobart-based Tennis Australia National Academy head coach Simon Youl.

“Simon has probably had the biggest impact over my tennis and has had a major influence on how I have grown up,” Groom said. “It was a privilege to be coached and mentored by him.”

Groom won the prestigious Pardey Shield, awarded to Tasmania’s 18 and under state champion, four times. He was 15 when he won his first title, joining an illustrious list of former winners including Youl and Hobart Hurricanes captain George Bailey.

“This is perhaps my biggest accomplishment so far,” Groom said.

“I was also privileged to be able to captain my state on a few occasions. The opportunities to play for Tasmania were always the most fun. Winning the Tennis Australia Cup while in the Tassie colours in Albury 2016 was perhaps my happiest moment on court. Playing for my state helped me love the game of tennis and definitely played a factor in me wanting to achieve better things.”

That includes living his college tennis dream.

“Ever since the latter stages of grade eight I knew that I wanted to go to a US college,” Groom said. “The top programs offer a good pathway to becoming a professional after graduation and give you a good training base and facilities.

“It was very hard to drive to the airport the morning I left. I was worried I might not cope moving away from family, however, a few days after arriving I realised that this was the best step to furthering my tennis while also having a lot of fun.”

Winning two CAA Conference titles has been a highlight of Groom’s time in North Carolina – but he believes the most rewarding part is the constant improvements he is making to his game.

“It is very competitive,” he admitted. “Best part of the competition is within our team. Our team has a lot of depth and is evenly spread throughout, meaning I am getting competitive practices every day of the year.

“The college environment is the best quality tennis you can find outside of the pros.”

Current top 10 stars Kevin Anderson and John Isner both honed their skills playing US college tennis before turning professional, as did Australia’s top-ranked doubles player John Peers.

Groom is yet to decide whether he will follow their example.

“I will assess where I am at after college and determine whether I want to make it in the pros,” he said.

“I am also enjoying my studies, so being in that field would also be a positive.”

LEARN MORE: US college pathway

For now, Groom’s focus is firmly on enjoying more college tennis success.

“Individually, I am looking to play top three in my team during the spring season,” he said. “This is what I have been trying to build upon over the current break and will continue to do over the next semester.

“As for team goals, I would like to win another CAA Conference title and advance to the sweet 16 (third round) in the NCAA’s.”