Rising star: Downers Grove teen wins national indoor tennis championship
As a toddler, Noelle Andrey Ampong would swing at a tennis ball dangling from a mango tree. His dad would create the makeshift maneuver when adults would claim the precious few public tennis courts in their native Philippines.
Today, a dozen years later, the 14-year-old Downers Grove youth is swinging at something much bigger: national junior tennis prominence.
Known better his middle name, Andrey bolstered his status recently by winning the 2017 USTA Boys' 14 National Indoor Championships.
During his dominant four-day stretch immediately after Thanksgiving, Andrey won five matches without losing a set to advance to the final against Max Fardanesh of Albany, Calif.
After dropping the first set, 6-4, Andrey took the next two, 6-4, 6-3 to claim the title at Midtown Athletic Club in Chicago.
The triumph came a few weeks before his 14th birthday - meaning he has a chance to win the same title next fall.
Over the years, most of his coaching has come from his father, Noelle, who brought his wife, Gina, and their only child to the United States 11 years ago, on the eve of Andrey's third birthday.
In September, Andrey began training at Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Burr Ridge. His move came shortly after the club brought aboard Michael Thompson as its junior tennis director.
Thompson described Andrey as "down-to-earth" and mature, adding, "We really can't take credit for all of his success, because he just started training here."
The Ampong family is pleased with the experience at Five Seasons thus far, said Gina Ampong. "Andrey is enjoying training at Five Seasons and learning from Mike Thompson, in addition to his father," she said.
Thompson brings a relatable quality to his work with up-and-coming teen players. Growing up in South Africa, he attained the No. 1 ranking in every age group and played in all but one of the junior tennis Grand Slams. In addition, he represented South Africa in three Africa Cups and two Junior World Cups.
Thompson's arrival has helped attract talented players to the club, long regarded as one of the foremost junior tennis hubs in the region, said Annette Cremin, Five Seasons Director of Racquet Sports.
"The depth of our players here is incredible," said Cremin. "The bar has been raised significantly. Along with instilling a strong work ethic, Mike has raised the intensity and structure of drills."
The instructional staff is as deep as the promise embodied by emerging junior players like Andrey.
In 2017, longtime Five Seasons coach Luka Bagos in 2017 was selected Illinois Coach of the Year by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). Bagos, said Cremin, "has made a significant contribution to the junior and adult players." A recent youthful addition to the staff is Julian Childers, a four-year standout on the University of Illinois men's tennis team.
College isn't too far off for Andrey, who excels off the court as well. He is an honors student at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Westmont and has found time over the years to learn how to play the piano.
His passion and skill at tennis will be put to the test by other up-and-coming players. In early January, after winning five matches to advance to the semifinals of the USTA National Winter Championships in Tucson, Ariz., Andrey dropped a three-set match to eventual runner-up Jiaxi Ma of Alhambra, Calif.
"We're excited to have him here. He's got enormous potential, and has a really good chance to be a high-level collegiate player and, eventually, a professional player," said Thompson. "He has a long journey ahead of him."
Five Seasons is the premier year-round high-energy, high-touch sports club focused on family leisure and entertainment, improving sports performance and maintaining overall health.
The club is at 6901 S. Madison in Burr Ridge and online at www.fiveseasonssportsclub.com/burrridge/. For details, call (630) 570-5200 or visit www.facebook.com/FiveSeasonsBurrRidgeor www.twitter.com/FiveSeasonsBurr.