St Mary’s Waverley tennis star, Idara Usen, is steadily making her mark through speed, resilience and a growing belief in her own ability.
Idara first picked up a racket at the age of eight or nine, immediately drawn to the fast pace and challenge of the game. What began as enjoyment soon turned into determination. After reaching the final of her first tournament and suffering a heavy loss, she left inspired to improve. Receiving her first medal was a defining moment that confirmed she wanted to take tennis seriously.

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St Mary’s Waverley School has played a vital role in her development. The school’s strong tennis culture, supportive coaches and the leadership of Mrs Plant have helped shape her journey, making tennis a key factor in her family’s choice of school.

One of Idara’s standout achievements came at the Joburg Summer Tennis Tournament, where she reached the final and handled the pressure with composure. Facing teammate and close friend Taylor White in the final added an emotional challenge, but both players pushed each other to perform at their best.

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Her progress was further recognised with selection for Gauteng Central, where she contributed to a bronze medal finish at the inter-provincial tournament. Known for her speed and calm mindset, Idara continues to refine her game, with ambitions to compete at the provincial and national level.

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