Your coach:
Jeff Spiers
How old were you when you started to play tennis, when did you join the Academy?
started play at age 4, joined the Academy in 2012
What is next for you?
Liam play 1 year for NAIA's Ottawa University and moved to NCAA division 1 college tennis for San Diego State University
Please share your academic or tennis related awards or achievements with us.
2018 U18 provincial champion 2019 U18 provincial Champion 2020 finished Junior Career ranked #1 in Alberta 2021 Alberta open singles finalist 2022 GSAC all conference title 2022 NAIA west region rookie of the year 2022 Alberta open singles/doubles winner Currently ranked #1 in Alberta for men’s open singles and 33 in Canada (as of 08/16/2022) Currently 11.48 UTR rating (as of 08/16/2022) Currently playing for San Diego State University
How old you were when you started to take tennis seriously, what or who inspired or motivated you to do so?
I was just shy of 15 years old when I decided to take Tennis seriously and competitively. Prior to that I had played a lot, but primarily for fun. From then on though I have improved a lot and caught up to a lot of people who I used to never be able to compete with. My passion and love for the sport is what drove me to work my hardest every day to be the best I could be. I also feel like it was always very motivating for me to become the type of player who could be a late bloomer and still have a very successful playing career as I grew older.
What was your biggest challenge in obtaining your tennis goals?
I started playing competitively at a much later age than the majority of those I competed against. It was always challenging watching everyone seemingly have a head start on me.
Please share your fondest memories from your training or competition with Aforza?
Some of my favourite memories would be: - Our yearly Florida trips - Playing zones with coach Garcia feeding - Organizing ping pong tournaments at lunch during the summer programs - All the Davis Cup matches - Playing on the snow forts in the parking lot as a young kid - And simply having the opportunity to see my friends every day.
Other comments or memories you’d like to share.
My time training at Aforza will always hold a special place in my heart. I have a lifetime of memories created here and I wouldn’t wish for it to have been any other way.
Please share your most notable tennis achievement(s):
2018 U18 provincial champion
2019 U18 provincial Champion
2020 finished Junior Career ranked #1 in Alberta
2021 Alberta open singles finalist
2022 GSAC all conference title
2022 NAIA west region rookie of the year
2022 Alberta open singles/doubles winner
Currently ranked #1 in Alberta for men’s open singles and 33 in Canada (as of 08/16/2022)
Currently 11.48 UTR rating (as of 08/16/2022)
Currently playing for San Diego State University
Do you have any advice for other young players?
Never doubt yourself!
