On the road to the BUCS Tennis National Finals: Dare to Dream and Strive For Greatness

Introducing Abby Fung

In celebration of the achievements of our university student-athletes, it’s only right to commend their devotion to the process through passion, perseverance, and triumph. When an international tennis scholar began her journey at the University of Essex, we start with what prompted her decisions to join our performance sport program, uncovering the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations that led her to a sport scholarship to pursue excellence both on and off the court.

What inspired you to start playing tennis?

“My parents had chosen tennis for me as an extracurricular activity in primary school. My talent developed and helped me stand out within the group. My interest and confidence grew from there. I used to play for Hong Kong, which was very challenging, but I always thought "Never Give Up."

Maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of adversity, echoes the mantra that has propelled Abby through countless challenges on her path to success. While in the semi-finals during qualifiers for the National Cup, down 0-3, those personal moments of resilience and determination helped her stay strong and go on to win the game. Now, with three years under her belt as a key player for the university team, Abby has amassed a remarkable record, often competing as 1 or 2 seed for Essex Blades Tennis.

For student-athletes like Abby, balancing rigorous training schedules with academic responsibilities is a formidable task.

What does a typical training day look like for you, and how do you balance academics with athletics?

“Normally we train in the morning, leaving time for a nice shower, grabbing some lunch then I will be in the library for the afternoon, if I don't have a class on that day. It is definitely really hard to balance but I am being very hard working and keep a tight schedule. Good time management is the key for me."

Being part of the University of Essex's tennis program has not only honed Abby’s skills as a player but has also fostered personal growth. Through regular training sessions and gym workouts, physicality improves in unison with building a resilient mindset.

In what ways has your involvement in our University’s tennis program contributed to your development both on the court as a player and off the court as an individual?

“Training four times a week, doing gym twice a week has helped me the most. Practice makes perfect. At the same time, I learned how to become a better person mentally, developing a strong mind."

In preparation for the prestigious BUCS National Finals, Abby acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge ahead and despite the nerves, is ready for another crack at it.

What are your thoughts and feelings as you prepare to compete?

“I appreciate the National Finals is the biggest British university tennis fixture and top players compete from all over the UK. I feel really honoured to be part of it, but nervous at the same time. Last year, I lost in the first round, however, I’ve been working hard to improve my skills and fitness levels to be able to do my best."

Can you tell us about a memorable match or moment from your journey to the finals?

“Before the finals of the qualifying rounds, I felt really tired after playing two matches. I knew that playing the number 2 seed in the final round wasn’t going to be easy, but kept my mind focused and positive, just giving it my best shot. Fighting hard and trusting my ability led to victory!"

While the BUCS National Finals loom on the horizon, sights are already set on future endeavours. With two more years at the University of Essex, Abby is aiming for not only the singles title but also the doubles championship with the support of everyone around her.

Who has been your biggest supporter throughout this journey, and what role have they played in your success?

“My teammates and coaches are my biggest supporters. Even when they’re not playing, they are always there to support me and boost my confidence."

A Testament to Excellence

It’s not hard to see, that with passion, drive and a strong mentality, being part of our performance sport programme helps to support our student-athletes prepare for the road ahead in a multitude of ways.

In a final reflection from the perspective of a tennis student scholar, Abby shares "The University of Essex is a really good place to raise your sports level with scholarship and support", underscoring the institution's role in nurturing both athletic talent and academic achievement.

What advice do you have for aspiring student-athletes who dream of reaching the same level of success as you?

“Believing yourself and anything can come true!"

Thanks to Abby for her use of images and you can follow Essex Blades Tennis on their Instagram. 

Discover how our Performance Sport programme at Essex can support your overall development.

Follow our student athletes’ journey on Instagram @uniessexperform

Sports scholarships and bursaries

We are committed to supporting and developing high performance athletes. Find out whether you could be eligible for a sports scholarship or bursary, plus a range of additional benefits too when you join the University of Essex.