MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Bonjour, France!
A group of student tennis players in the 901 Now are headed out the country to match up with some of the best of the best.
“Well, I feel happiness and joy. When I’m on the court I feel comfortable.” Faith Toney said.
Toney is one of the seven players headed to France!
Toney is 12 years old, home-schooled student who spends most of her time on the court.
“I found the sport when I was 5,” Toney said. “I really loved it and played it for 7 years.”
Her teammates and coaches call her quiet. Which happens to work in her favor.
“One of things she brings to the table is she’s a thinker,” coach Tyler Sory said. ” She can make adjustments and knows where to place the ball and how to move opponents.
Coach Tyler Sory coaches Faith and kids from all across the city.
Yet on the court – the students all share one common goal.
“College,” Sory said. “That’s the ultimate goal for the students I teach tennis. They make the decision they want to play college tennis.”
To get there, the players have three-hour practices and intense workouts.
Now, headed oversees, this trip will help enhance their skillset.
“It’s getting them out the box of just being in Memphis. They can see it’s a bigger world with different cultures and different people,” Sory said. “When we take them over there not only do they increase their knowledge of the game and their level, but they also get to see what their competition is like. Because they are playing kids from all over Europe and the world.”
The competition is part of France’s junior tennis program. Known for its strong player development.
From July 3rd to the 25th, the players will compete in multiple Junior Open tournaments hosted by the French Tennis Federation.
Getting ready to put what they’ve learned in the 901 on full display to the world, Faith said she and her teammates are up for the competition.
“Some may think I’m easy, but I’m not.”
The students and Coach Sory will head to Annecy, France in July.
You can support Faith on her journey, visit Fundraiser by Faith Tennis : Faith Takes France
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2025-06-12 22:38:56