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Player Journeys
These are just a few of the journeys we’ve witnessed firsthand at Bagnati Academy — stories that start with a racquet and grow into something more.
Spotlight:
Andrew Williams
He’s been showing up since he was six — to practice, to compete, to learn. Not just to hit balls, but to understand what it takes to get better: patience, repetition, and a mindset most players don’t unlock until much later.
At just 12, Andrew’s already ranked among Georgia’s Top 50. But the number doesn’t tell the story. It’s the way he absorbs every correction, the way his footwork never skips a beat — not because he was born with it, but because he built it.
You won’t hear him say much. But the way he trains? It speaks for him. And wherever this sport takes him next — college, the tour, or beyond — Andrew’s already fluent in what it means to grow with intention.
Michael’s Been on the Court Half His Life. And It Shows.
He started at six. Small frame, oversized racquet, and eyes that locked in like the court was the only place that existed. Michael didn’t just love tennis — he needed it. Every lesson, every drill, every correction, he absorbed without flinching.
Some kids lose focus. He never blinked.
He was coachable beyond his years. Asked questions most 10-year-olds don’t think to ask. Stayed after class. Asked for more reps. His footwork wasn’t just clean — it was committed. His shots weren’t just sharp — they had purpose.
Now at 12, Michael is ranked No.1 in Georgia and No.5 in the nation. But that’s not what makes him special. It’s how he got there. Quiet persistence. Fierce attention to detail. A hunger to improve, even on his best days.
You could say he’s gifted. But we’ve seen the work — the early mornings, the frustration, the breakthroughs. And even now, with the results and the spotlight, Michael’s still the first one on the court. Still asking for one more set.
He’s chasing more than trophies. He’s chasing mastery. And he’s just getting started.
Some kids lose focus. He never blinked.
He was coachable beyond his years. Asked questions most 10-year-olds don’t think to ask. Stayed after class. Asked for more reps. His footwork wasn’t just clean — it was committed. His shots weren’t just sharp — they had purpose.
Now at 12, Michael is ranked No.1 in Georgia and No.5 in the nation. But that’s not what makes him special. It’s how he got there. Quiet persistence. Fierce attention to detail. A hunger to improve, even on his best days.
You could say he’s gifted. But we’ve seen the work — the early mornings, the frustration, the breakthroughs. And even now, with the results and the spotlight, Michael’s still the first one on the court. Still asking for one more set.
He’s chasing more than trophies. He’s chasing mastery. And he’s just getting started.
Sabrina Was the Last One Off the Court. Always.
She didn’t just fall in love with tennis — she locked in. From the moment she learned how to hold a racquet, Sabrina trained like someone chasing something bigger. She was the kind of player who never looked at the clock, never coasted through a drill, and never left the court until the lights flicked off.
Technique came later — the topspin, the footwork, the heavy forehand — but the fire? That was there from day one.
After everyone else packed up, Sabrina stayed. The sun was down, the heat hadn’t let up, and she was still at the baseline, hitting serve after serve. No coach had to ask. No one was watching. She just wasn’t done — not when she knew there was more in her.
Eventually, that fire led her to Florida, where she trained with the intensity of someone already on tour. She didn’t just say she wanted to go pro — she moved like it. Every session had purpose. Every rep, a reason.
Now she’s signed with a D1 college, leading the singles lineup and still looking ahead. Because for Sabrina, the next level isn’t a dream. It’s the plan.
Technique came later — the topspin, the footwork, the heavy forehand — but the fire? That was there from day one.
After everyone else packed up, Sabrina stayed. The sun was down, the heat hadn’t let up, and she was still at the baseline, hitting serve after serve. No coach had to ask. No one was watching. She just wasn’t done — not when she knew there was more in her.
Eventually, that fire led her to Florida, where she trained with the intensity of someone already on tour. She didn’t just say she wanted to go pro — she moved like it. Every session had purpose. Every rep, a reason.
Now she’s signed with a D1 college, leading the singles lineup and still looking ahead. Because for Sabrina, the next level isn’t a dream. It’s the plan.
Fermin Chased a Dream — Then Made Room for Others to Chase Theirs
Fermín wasn’t just a student — he was family. He grew up under Coach Bagnati’s wing in the same hometown, hitting balls on cracked courts, learning not just how to win points, but how to carry himself through life. Every swing, every sprint, every correction was building something far bigger than a game.
He was quiet. Focused. Always the first to listen and the last to leave. When others complained, he leaned in. When practice ended, he stayed to help the younger kids tie their shoes or walk them through a grip change. It was never just about his own progress. He wanted to rise, but he wanted others to rise with him.
That mindset followed him to college. He became No.1 in the lineup. Earned All-Conference honors. Took down nationally ranked teams in doubles. But he never chased validation. He chased consistency — and purpose.
Now, he’s coaching on the ATP Tour. Traveling the world, strategizing courtside, helping top players find their edge. And still, he texts Coach Bagnati. Checks in with the kids. Sends encouragement to the next in line.
Fermín built a path — one he keeps walking, even as he reaches back to pull others forward.
He was quiet. Focused. Always the first to listen and the last to leave. When others complained, he leaned in. When practice ended, he stayed to help the younger kids tie their shoes or walk them through a grip change. It was never just about his own progress. He wanted to rise, but he wanted others to rise with him.
That mindset followed him to college. He became No.1 in the lineup. Earned All-Conference honors. Took down nationally ranked teams in doubles. But he never chased validation. He chased consistency — and purpose.
Now, he’s coaching on the ATP Tour. Traveling the world, strategizing courtside, helping top players find their edge. And still, he texts Coach Bagnati. Checks in with the kids. Sends encouragement to the next in line.
Fermín built a path — one he keeps walking, even as he reaches back to pull others forward.
Gastón Left the Tour — But the Feeling Stayed
Before he could write his name, Gaston was holding a racquet. Growing up as the son of a former pro and coach, the game wasn’t just a part of life — it was life. But it was never about pressure. It was about passion.
From age 3, he trained with intensity and purpose, learning not just how to hit a ball, but how to think like a player. He didn’t chase shortcuts. He chased feeling — the rhythm of the court, the precision of a clean strike, the joy of competing.
That love took him from academy drills to a D1 college career, and eventually onto the ATP Tour, where he reached the No. 1 ranking in Argentina. Tennis opened doors — to travel, to relationships, to a deeper understanding of himself. And when it came time to pivot into the corporate world, he carried that mindset with him: disciplined, curious, relentless.
Still, he couldn’t stay away. Today, Gaston plays interclub events in Argentina, trains with friends, and picks up his racquet with the same fire he’s had since he was a kid.
He may not play for ranking points anymore. But he plays for something deeper — the feeling, the freedom, the fire that never left.
From age 3, he trained with intensity and purpose, learning not just how to hit a ball, but how to think like a player. He didn’t chase shortcuts. He chased feeling — the rhythm of the court, the precision of a clean strike, the joy of competing.
That love took him from academy drills to a D1 college career, and eventually onto the ATP Tour, where he reached the No. 1 ranking in Argentina. Tennis opened doors — to travel, to relationships, to a deeper understanding of himself. And when it came time to pivot into the corporate world, he carried that mindset with him: disciplined, curious, relentless.
Still, he couldn’t stay away. Today, Gaston plays interclub events in Argentina, trains with friends, and picks up his racquet with the same fire he’s had since he was a kid.
He may not play for ranking points anymore. But he plays for something deeper — the feeling, the freedom, the fire that never left.
Andrew’s Footwork Is Natural. His Discipline Was Earned.
He’s been showing up since he was six — to practice, to compete, to learn. Not just to hit balls, but to understand what it takes to get better: patience, repetition, and a mindset most players don’t unlock until much later.
At just 12, Andrew’s already ranked among Georgia’s Top 50. But the number doesn’t tell the story. It’s the way he absorbs every correction, the way his footwork never skips a beat — not because he was born with it, but because he built it.
You won’t hear him say much. But the way he trains? It speaks for him. And wherever this sport takes him next — college, the tour, or beyond — Andrew’s already fluent in what it means to grow with intention.
At just 12, Andrew’s already ranked among Georgia’s Top 50. But the number doesn’t tell the story. It’s the way he absorbs every correction, the way his footwork never skips a beat — not because he was born with it, but because he built it.
You won’t hear him say much. But the way he trains? It speaks for him. And wherever this sport takes him next — college, the tour, or beyond — Andrew’s already fluent in what it means to grow with intention.
Hayden’s Wins Weren’t Just on the Scoreboard. They Were in Who He Became.
Hayden wasn’t the loudest player on court — but you could feel his presence. From the age of seven, he brought a quiet intensity to every drill, every match, every rally that ran long past the hour. He didn’t need to be pushed. He was already all in.
What started as raw enthusiasm turned into something deeper: a relentless work ethic, a growing command of his strokes, and a love for competing that never dimmed. By the time he earned the No. 1 singles spot on his high school team, his teammates didn’t just see a top player — they followed a leader.
He never boasted. Never blamed. He played for his team, his coaches, and the version of himself he was still becoming.
And when he reached that milestone, Hayden didn’t celebrate alone. He reached back — with thank-you texts, with extra time on court helping others, with a kind of maturity that can’t be coached.
His game gave him confidence. But his character? That’s what made him stand out.
What started as raw enthusiasm turned into something deeper: a relentless work ethic, a growing command of his strokes, and a love for competing that never dimmed. By the time he earned the No. 1 singles spot on his high school team, his teammates didn’t just see a top player — they followed a leader.
He never boasted. Never blamed. He played for his team, his coaches, and the version of himself he was still becoming.
And when he reached that milestone, Hayden didn’t celebrate alone. He reached back — with thank-you texts, with extra time on court helping others, with a kind of maturity that can’t be coached.
His game gave him confidence. But his character? That’s what made him stand out.
Clay’s Story Isn’t About the Tour — It’s About the Heart
Clay has never chased rankings, scholarships, or titles — and yet, he keeps showing up. Smile on his face, racquet in hand, and gratitude in every swing. His love for tennis is pure, and his presence reminds us why this sport stays with you for life.
David Left the Game. But the Game Never Left Him.
Top 50 in Georgia. Then silence. Then one day — a return. David’s story proves you don’t have to stay in the game forever. But when it’s yours, you find your way back.
Reilly Learned Strategy at Eight. He's Still Using It Today.
From the court to code, Reilly brought precision and poise to every step. Georgia Tech’s where he’s headed — tennis is what shaped the way.
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