Hi, my name is Benny Seidel and I'm in my last few weeks of year 12 at Encounter Lutheran College.  

My Tennis started at about the age of 8 when I heard kids in my class mentioning that they were going to play tennis, now that footy was over for the season. 

After two seasons of doing this, the club got a fantastic coach and I started one on one lessons and loved every minute of this coaching.  I decided to drop football in winter and play tennis all year round, as you can imagine my Dad wasn't that happy for the first season as he'd been convinced to be my footy coach. So this left Mum driving me all around Adelaide for my tennis lessons and Dad coaching the Modies team. 

After that, I continued with my tennis and have had some of the most amazing experiences. I have played in many grandfinals, but I think the one that stands out was the Victor Harbor Open Div 2 as many of the players had never experienced a grandfinal win. 

I have played in many Foundation Cups in Berri, which are great experiences and a chance to catch up with friends that you made the previous year. I'll be off in these school holidays for my last Foundation Cup and then will be back to do our first coaching clinic at VHTC. Hope to see lots of the players attend this great clinic and a brilliant way to get our season underway.

Being selected as top junior for Great Southern tennis association was an amazing achievement,  plus representing the association as captain have also being great opportunities. 

But the highlight for me would have to be being selected to represent South Australia in August to play in Perth. The Pizzey Cup has 8 boys and 8 girls from each state, playing in the 18 and unders team. The friendships made both within the team and with players from other states is something I'll value for a long time. Plus its not every day you get to play against a player who's won Wimbledon juniors. 

I train in Adelaide 4 nights a week and compete Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. I am very grateful for the amazing coaches I have had over this time but especially Virgil (my first coach), who made my love for tennis what it is today.  But the main people I have to be thankful to is my parents,  who constantly drive me to lessons and matches and pay for everything.  I know I'm super lucky. 

As coach for Victor Harbor Tennis Club, I want the players to enjoy playing tennis as much as me and improve their tennis skills.  For more information, or just to keep updated on private, group and club coaching, please follow me on Facebook - Xeed Tennis

Here's to a fantastic season,  

Benny.