Kai Maxted; Tennis
My name is Kai, I am a first year Chemistry undergraduate and a tennis player. I first picked up a tennis racquet when I was 4 years old during a family holiday and enjoyed it so much that I enrolled at my local tennis club and have never looked back since. I have been competing competitively at a national and international level since I was around 10.
Before arriving at UCL my mind was already set on joining the tennis team and thankfully the captain reached out beforehand to make my transition as smooth as possible. Juggling sporting and academic commitments can often be difficult, especially at university. I currently train on court with the team and individually about 5 days a week, and work on my strength and conditioning 3 days a week. I have to fit this in around a comprehensive lecture and laboratory schedule, which can be a challenge, but it is also important to find down time from the academic work and I think I have got a good balance. The tennis season at university runs throughout the first and second terms, with matches on most Wednesday’s. I currently play at no.1 for our first team, alongside some great players who share the same focus and commitment. I also compete at external tournaments during the holidays.
My biggest achievements to date include winning the Nike Junior National Invitational Championships in back to back years, winning a British Tour event and reaching the semifinals of 3 ITF events, giving me a junior high ranking of 851 in the world. Over the coming months I plan to compete in some Futures events in the 15K and 25K categories to expand my experience and look to earn my first ranking points on the Pro circuit.
The support and guidance given to me from the Elite Athlete program here at UCL has really helped me to push my boundaries, even in times when my academics have been the most demanding I have ever experienced. Ranging from strength and conditioning support to nutritional help and guidance, the Elite Athlete program offers a complete package and I am extremely proud to be a part of it.