Tennis Scholarship Transforms Luca Morris’s Future in Mississippi

Former Whangaparāoa College student Luca Morris is pursuing his passion for tennis while studying in the United States, following the awarding of a scholarship at Northwest Mississippi Community College. At just 18 years old, Luca has transformed his childhood interest in tennis into a promising opportunity to enhance both his athletic skills and academic knowledge.

Luca began playing tennis as a child, but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago, after a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, that he committed fully to the sport. “Everyone in the family plays – my dad was a table tennis player before switching to tennis,” he explains. His dedication has paid off; he has claimed multiple junior and senior titles at the Whangaparāoa Tennis Club, including championships in singles, doubles, and mixed events. Additionally, he represented North Shore and Auckland in first-grade men’s tennis and achieved notable success in tournaments such as the Chelsea Cup and the Kiwi Money Tournament.

Eager to leverage his tennis skills for educational advancement, Luca reached out to the Kiwi Athletes Agency, which facilitated his journey to the United States. After producing match footage and contacting various colleges, he received an acceptance letter from Northwest Mississippi Community College. He is currently in his first year, studying accounting while training approximately three hours daily with the college tennis team.

### A New Chapter in Mississippi

The transition to college life in Mississippi has been significant for Luca. He reports that the competition has elevated his game, stating, “I play against international students every week, which has really lifted my game.” Beyond tennis, he has formed friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening his cultural understanding.

Competing regularly against other schools, as well as in conference and regional matches, has kept Luca engaged in the sport. With two more years at junior college ahead, he has ambitions to transfer to a larger institution that offers enhanced tennis and academic prospects. So far, he has achieved straight As, highlighting his commitment to both his studies and athletics. “You really have to stay on top of your work; it’s a high workload, but it’s been a really positive environment, and the Americans have been really welcoming,” he adds.

Luca’s mother, Kerry Morris, expressed pride in her son’s accomplishments. “It’s a huge step, but he’s made the most of the opportunity,” she said. His scholarship covers tuition, while his family supports his accommodation and living expenses. They hope that another scholarship might eventually provide a full ride, covering all costs.

### Adapting to New Challenges

While the scholarship has opened doors, adapting to life in Mississippi has not been without its challenges. The heat and humidity of the region have taken some adjusting. Luca expresses a desire to eventually transfer to a beachside college, saying, “I definitely miss the Coast!”

This journey illustrates how sports can serve as a pathway to greater educational opportunities, with Luca Morris embodying the potential of young athletes to thrive on both the court and in the classroom.