Tori Henley first discovered her passion for tennis three years ago when, at the age of ten, she started playing socially at Binnaway Tennis Club.

“Tori used to be quiet and shy, now she has so much more confidence," Tori’s dad DJ said.

"She walks onto the tennis courts and confidently shakes hands with her opponents, even those who are 17 or 18 years old.”

Her parents say they've seen both her dedication and her confidence grow, not just with tennis but in general.

“As long as we (parents) see growth, and she continues to enjoy what she is doing and keeps up her grades at school, we’re happy to drive her wherever she needs to go," DJ said.

DJ decided that if he was going to be there with Tori he may as well join in the fun and he too took up a more competitive edge with tennis.

“I really enjoy playing against dad, especially when I give dad a flogging," Tori said.

Tori was very excited to qualify to compete at State level recently, however, she was only able to play one of the planned 18 games before the competition was called off due to wet weather making her unable to qualify for the finals.

“I’m disappointed and upset, but can’t control the weather, I do plan on trying again next year," she said.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years and for putting my name out there, I really appreciate it."

Tori Henley with a couple of her awards from 2024. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]

To compete Tori had to take a week off from school, however, there are conditions attached to the competitors who take time off school. 

Whilst they are marked as attending school, they must catch up with missed work, if their attitude or attendance at school declines, the organisers of the North West competition can decline their application.

At North West Tennis, correct attitude is paramount. 

When applications are being considered, along with the players Universal Tennis Rating (UTR), a players disciplinary record, including code violations and sanctions, spectator and parents misconduct are amongst some of the criteria taken into account.

Tori watches all things tennis, be it at Wimbledon, Mexico or Canada. 

“Tori gets up early or stays up late to watch tennis, and so long as it’s not a school night, her grades don’t drop and it’s not affecting her school work she has my full support," said DJ.

Tori’s inspirational Australian tennis stars are Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin.

Tori is now focusing on the upcoming North West trials which start in November this year.

She plans to practice twice per week with her dad and see where the next round of competition takes her.

Tori has applied to get into Far West Academy of Sports and is keen to hear if she made it.