18 November 2019 | Tennis West

In rounding out an outstanding junior playing career, Tristan Schoolkate has won the prestigious Junior Tennis Star Award (Male) for a third consecutive year at the 2019 WA Tennis Industry Awards Night held at Optus Stadium in October.

Following a spectacular final year on the junior circuit, Schoolkate won an impressive six ITF singles and doubles titles to reach a career high ITF junior ranking of number 33 in the world.

In a standout year for the recently turned professional player, Schoolkate claimed the J2 Singles title in Prato, Italy, the Singles and Doubles titles at the Australian Winter International in Sydney, in addition to finishing as a Singles Finalist in the B2 Fiji.

Playing all four junior Grand Slam events, Schoolkate claimed a round of 16 finish at both the Junior Wimbledon and the US Open Juniors events, played qualifying at the French Open and reached the doubles quarter finals at the Australian Open Juniors.

At home, Schoolkate has dominated with two AMT Gold Titles, and an undefeated record in State League, where he played for Dalkeith Tennis Club at the number 1 and 2 singles positions all season.

Schoolkate says it’s been an amazing year playing on the junior circuit and looks forward to continuing his success as he embarks on his professional playing career.

“I’m so grateful to be named Junior Tennis Star. It has been an awesome year of tennis for me, and I’m super excited for what the future holds” Schoolkate said

Tennis Australia National Academy Coach, Andrew Roberts said that this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication Schoolkate has shown over the last few years.

“Tristan is a deserving winner of the Tennis West Junior Star Award following an impressive year on the ITF World Junior Tour.”

“Tristan’s results reflect his hard work and dedication over the past 12 months. The Tennis West Performance Team are proud of Tristan’s efforts and wish him all the best as he makes the transition to the Men’s Tour.” Mr Roberts said.

More than 40 Award Nominations across 19 Award Categories were received for the 2019 WA Tennis Industry Award Night which has ran since its inception in 2002.

Tennis West CEO Michael Roberts says the Industry Awards Night is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the sports hard working clubs, volunteers, coaches and players, congratulating all nominees and award winners on their achievements throughout the year.

“Our awards night is always such a great reminder of the contributions and achievements made by everyone involved in tennis,”

“WA continues to see growth across the sport which can only be attributed to the tireless efforts of our club volunteers and partner schools who continuously go above and beyond to ensure the delivery of our great sport,”

“Our coaches maintain their position as some of the best in the country with athletes under their direction proving consistent and outstanding results across all levels,”

“The rewards of everyone’s efforts are then realised through increased club activity, top performing juniors and WA players who continue to do us proud on the WTA and ATP,’

“None of this is possible without the contribution of everyone involved and our awards night helps to remind us of that,” Roberts said.

All winners of the WA Tennis Industry Awards Night were nominated for their respective categories at the Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards to be held at Crown Melbourne on Monday 2 December.

Summary of 2019 WA Tennis Industry Awards Winners:

JUNIOR TENNIS STAR
Female – Talia Gibson
Male – Tristan Schoolkate

KAREN BUCENS AWARD
Derek Pham

MOST OUTSTANDING SCHOOL
South Bunbury Primary School

MOST OUTSTANDING INCLUSION INITIATIVE
Perth Performance Tennis Academy, Bull Creek TC

ARTHUR MARSHALL COACHING EXCELLENCECLUB
Richard SampsonSorrento TC

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARD
City of Kalamunda

STATE LEAGUE CHAMPION MEN’S TEAM
Hensman Park TC

STATE LEAGUE CHAMPION WOMEN’S TEAM
Royal Kings Park TC

WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE MVP
Nina Catovic – Royal Kings Park TC

MEN’S STATE LEAGUE MVP
Sam Ashenden – Royal Kings Park TC

MOST OUTSTANDING AR TOURNAMENT
North Beach Junior Classic

EXCELLENCE IN OFFICIATING
Alireza Chitgar

VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Julianne HillBrunswick TC

MOST OUSTANDING 35+ SENIOR
Debra Kirk

SERVICE TO TENNIS AWARD
Maureen Smith – Blue Gum, Park TC

MOST OUTSTANDING SMALL CLUB
Dunsborough TC

MOST OUTSTANDING LARGE CLUB
East Fremantle Lawn TC

The WA Tennis Industry Awards Night, was held on Friday 11 October and was proudly presented by major sponsor KC Australia. The prestigious event celebrates tennis in Western Australia and recognises the outstanding achievements of our state’s junior and senior players, officials, coaches, administrators and volunteers.