We are proud of Wycombe Abbey Hong Kong student Esme Connell, who was recently named the HKSSF All Hong Kong Inter‑Primary Schools Tennis Singles Tournament Champion (2025/26). Competing in the Under‑12 (U12) category, Esme navigated a strong field of competitors before securing a composed 6–3 victory in the final at Kowloon Tsai Park on 11 February. 

We are always interested in learning more about the curiosity, commitment, and determination that drive our students to these achievements, so we sat down with Esme to hear more about her tennis journey—a journey that has been years in the making.

A Foundation Built on Family and Fun 
Esme first picked up a tennis racquet at age five, playing casually with her dad. What began as light-hearted family games soon revealed a natural talent. Her father – who represented England in squash at a national level – recognised her potential early. Both her parents encouraged her to pursue the sport more seriously. Those weekend rallies quickly evolved into structured training, and Esme started competing not long after. 

Learning Through Competition: Early Losses That Built Resilience 

Esme’s development has been shaped as much by her near‑misses as by her wins. Her first national competitions, around five years ago, resulted in early exits that became important lessons in mindset, match craft, and composure. At just eight years old, she travelled to the UK to compete, consistently reaching the finals but finishing runner‑up—experiences that strengthened her resolve and taught her how to perform under pressure. Two years ago, she reached the semi‑finals of the Hong Kong National Championships and, despite leading at early stages, was edged out by the eventual champion—a player she now trains alongside.  

Always seeking greater challenge, Esme chose to play up an age group, entering U12 events at just 11 to test herself against older and more physically mature competitors. Her progress across Hong Kong’s inter‑school circuit tells a similar story: champion in 2024, semi‑finalist in 2025, and champion again in 2026, culminating in this year’s title with a composed 6–3 final. Each stage of her competitive journey has added something vital: sharper focus, tactical maturity, and the ability to respond when momentum shifts. 

The Hardest Part? The Mental Game. 

For Esme, tennis is as much a mental pursuit as a physical one. She reflects that maintaining focus throughout a long match is often the hardest part, especially when momentum can shift instantly. Her composure and focus during the HKSSF final was a testament to how far she has come in mastering that inner game.  

What Keeps Her Going 

Esme continues to pursue tennis because she genuinely enjoys it and knows it’s something she’s naturally talented at—a gift she credits to her dad’s sporting genes. She likes competing without overthinking, and her steady progress motivates her to keep improving. Training in a high‑performance environment with other strong players also pushes her forward, as she is constantly challenged by the teammates she competes with and learns from every day. 

Looking Ahead 

Esme hopes to take tennis as far as it can go—ideally earning a university scholarship and, if possible, pursuing the sport professionally. She has already begun training with the Hong Kong National Team and will officially represent Hong Kong starting next year, practising alongside peers she also competes against, which gives every session a match-like intensity.  

 When asked what she’s most looking forward to, her answer is simple and heartfelt: receiving her national team shirt – a symbol that makes everything feel real.  

When she isn’t on the court, Esme enjoys taking part in K‑Pop ECA at Wycombe Abbey, balancing athletic discipline with creativity, rhythm, and joy. 

Whatever the future holds, Esme’s determination, discipline, and passion for the game will take her far. 

Congratulations, Esme. This is only the first serve of a very exciting journey.