Former Malezi School captain Odera lands scholarship

By Oscar Pilipili

Malezi School 2010 girls’ tennis team captain Teresa Odera has landed a four-year college scholarship in the US.

Odera, who led her team to win their ninth title at national school games last year, has departed for Southern California, the media capital of the world, where she will play for her university, while pursuing a degree in Cinematography.

"I’m excited because California is one of the best places in the world to be, both as a tennis player and student in Cinematography," an exuberant Odera said shortly before she left for the US.

Teresa Odera

She had just returned from successful year that saw her gain a four-month scholarship to train at the famous Van der Meer Tennis Academy.

While at the facility, Odera joined the World Class Academy, a team of select top juniors from around the world, before taking the girls in her school team to successfully defend yet another national schools tennis title, as well as ending the year as number one in under 18s in Tennis Africa Cup.

Odera started her tennis at Sadili Oval Sports Academy, four year ago and her strength in the game saw her win a silver medal at the International Tennis Federation under-13, as the youngest player in that tournament aged 10 years.

She went on to play for her team, Malezi School, gaining experience in the game from the senior school team.

By signing up to play for a top college, Odera will be the seventh player to qualify for college sports in the last four years, from Sadili Oval’s training programme, under professional coach, Dr Liz Odera and her team.