A class for kindergarten children in progress.
MIRI: There is a cliché among local folk that those who excel in sports lose out academically.
The dilemma for many young sportsmen and sportswomen, it seems, is to choose between sports and education. While training takes up a lot of time, earning a degree can also be equally demanding.
Tennis coach Aaron Ngiam is one who believes that there is no need to choose between the two.
Instead he wants his players to learn to strike a balance between both.
Inspired by his father’s love for tennis, Ngiam first picked up a tennis racquet when he was 9 years old.
By the time he was 13, he was already competing at the state-level right up through his secondary schooldays.
“My father played tennis during his days in university. He taught me a lot such as fighting for what you believe and love.
Ngiam (left) poses with Malaysian junior sensation Christian Didier Chin.
“Since my days playing for state-level, I have been trained to balance my education and training schedule.
“Both deserve equal attention and, eventually, due to my excellent result, I was accepted into the University of Cumberlands in Kentucky, USA where I was majoring in accounting,” he told thesundaypost.
While in the US, he played in several international tournaments.
Life as tennis player and an undergraduate was no walk in the park, Ngiam recalled.
“You probably have a match to play and, at the same time, an exam on the next day. How you are going to manage is the real challenge.
“These are experiences that help to build your character for the future,” he said.
After graduation in 2009, Ngiam worked as a financial planner for a while. But his passion for tennis eventually led him to give up his office job to become a tennis coach when he founded the Pro Tennis Academy in 2013.
He actively organises events to promote the sport and attract young players. There was a recent tennis clinic conducted by Malaysian junior player Christian Didier Chin, currently No. 44 in International Tennis Federation (ITF Junior) rankings with a career high of 1,498 in the ATP doubles ranking.
“Unlike other sports, tennis is a sport that takes a longer time to learn. Many beginners complain that they are picking tennis balls more than hitting them. That is very true,” he said with a grin.
To master tennis he stresses coordination, technique and physical stamina.
“It is always good to start young because young players have the ability to cope with the stamina,” said the 32-year-old.
He also spoke of the role of parents.
“Parents tends to be pushy when it comes to winning. If their children can do it, then there will be no problem. However, for others who might feel that the pressure is too much, suitable interference will be necessary,” he said.
Ngiam duly returns to the theme of sports and studies. He said that while he wants his players to perform well in court, he also constantly check and monitor their academic performance.
“As coach, it is part of my responsibility to educate them, have them understand the importance to achieve balance in sports and academic achievements.
“Unless you have a rich family that could support you no matter how you did in sports, it is unwise to give up your education,” he stressed.
For those who expressed interest to further their studies in the US and to continue playing tennis, Ngiam would help them to look for a SAT tutor.
SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test is an examination often taken by students who wish to enter a US college or university.
“Prior to this, the player must have a good score in their secondary school examination before qualifying for SAT,” he added.
The coach observed that the life span of an athlete is short. He emphasised further that if players incur injury or permanent injury, they will have their qualifications or degree to fall back on.
Ngiam, who currently has about 100 players training in his academy, also sees tennis as a preparation for life’s challenges.
“My coaching methods don’t just give them the encouragement they need but also positive criticism.
“Tennis is similar to real life. There are good and bad days. There are a lot of problems that we have to deal with. So I often tell my players that instead of whining about the problem, they should be looking for solutions, turning their mentality in the right direction,” he explained.
Ngiam also believes that attitude is the main factor driving a player’s success.
“A lot of players who could be the next star player, eventually become lost halfway. They have the talent but their attitude is leading them away from it.
“While many blame the problem on the lack of facilities, I strongly believe that the player’s attitude largely contributes to this.
“Therefore, I always advise my players to be humble even though they are winning at championships,” he expanded on the matter.
With values such as these, Ngiam continues to reach out to young tennis players and looks forward to producing some who will play at the international level.