Tennis
26 November, 2024
Sister quartet takes to the court
You rarely see a team of four siblings, but for the Homers in matchplay five in the Central Wimmera Tennis Association, the rare occurrence has happened with the Ruwoldt sisters, Maeja (11), Luella (10), Ariana (8), and Harriet (7), taking to the court.
After doing hot shots last year at Kalkee, all four wanted to get into tennis more, and the opportunity to play for the Homers came up.
Maeja filled in for the Homers last year, and having four kids around the same age worked out well.
Their parents, Katie and Justin, are proud of them, and Katie said they enjoy playing tennis.
"They are all enjoying it. On Monday, there is tennis coaching, and they play and train three times a week," Katie said.
"There is still the occasional sibling argument, but they are all enjoying their tennis and doing it together, which is excellent.
"It's pretty special that they play in the same team this season."
Harriet broke her arm and hasn't played since November 1, with Eden Marshall filling in.
Although they have not been involved in tennis for long, the Homers have two wins from five matches and are improving every week.
"Each week, they are improving, and many people have noticed their improvement," Katie said.
Logistically, it works out well for the Ruwoldt family.
"It's easy having the one venue at the one time in the one uniform," Katie said.
"Anyone with more than one child will know that when they play sport, it can get hard having a few different places to get to.
"For us, it's a dream not having that problem."
Katie said the girls always had an interest in tennis.
"They have always been keen on watching tennis on the TV, and many of their friends were playing tennis," Katie said.
"When we go away, if a tennis court is around, they always have a hit.
"It's something we haven't been able to work in before and now that they are all at primary school, life gets easier in one sense.
"Everyone enjoys going to tennis each week, and they can still entertain each other with other sports.
"I think tennis is good. It's a lifelong activity you can do."
MAEJA RUWOLDT
Age: 11
Club: Homers
Favourite Tennis Player? Ash Barty
What do you enjoy about tennis? Learning skills and how each game is different
What does your coach always say? Keep your eyes on the ball
Best thing about training? Learning new skills and techniques
Do you play any other sports? Netball, little athletics
Favourite drink? Orange juice
Favourite food? Pasta
Favourite movie? Runt
Favourite tv show? The Block
Favourite band/singer? Vance Joy
Favourite song? Fire and the flood
What do you want to do when you finish school? Unsure
LUELLA RUWOLDT
Age: 10
Club: Homers
Favourite Tennis Player? Ash Barty
What do you enjoy about tennis? Sets
What does your coach always say? Watch the ball
Best thing about training? Games
Do you play any other sports? Netball, football, little athletics, calisthenics
Favourite drink? Orange juice
Favourite food? Apples
Favourite movie? Runt
Favourite tv show? The Block
Favourite band/singer? Royal Otis
Favourite song? Linger
What do you want to do when you finish school? A farmer
ARIANA RUWOLDT
Age: 8
Club: Homers
Favourite Tennis Player? Ash Barty
What do you enjoy about tennis? A good rally
What does your coach always say? Keep your eyes on the ball
Best thing about training? The games
Do you play any other sports? Netball, football, calisthenics, swimming, little athletics
Favourite drink? Apple juice
Favourite food? Steak
Favourite movie? Runt
Favourite tv show? I'm a celebrity, get me out of here
Favourite band/singer? Taylor Swift
Favourite song? You need to calm down
What do you want to do when you finish school? Be famous for soccer
HARRIET RUWOLDT
Age: 7
Club: Homers
Favourite Tennis Player? Ash Barty
What do you enjoy about tennis? Playing against friends
What does your coach always say? Watch the ball
Best thing about training? The games
Do you play any other sports? Netball, little athletics, swimming, ballet.
Favourite drink? Orange juice
Favourite food? Hot chips and mango
Favourite movie? Runt
Favourite tv show? Barbie
Favourite band/singer? Taylor Swift
Favourite song? Cruel Summer
What do you want to do when you finish school? A teacher