Minerva’s Virtual Academy student Andrei Radu, wins Tennis Europe Super Category Event in Stockholm!

Andrei has become a celebrated figure within our MVA community, captivating everyone with his infectious smile, charismatic presence, and boundless positive energy and by becoming MVA’s first-ever winner of a Tennis Europe Super Category Event. This monumental achievement fills us with immense pride and showcases the incredible talent and dedication among our students.

His journey in the world of tennis is nothing short of remarkable. From the moment he first gripped a racket at the tender age of 5, turning back was never an option. With each passing day, his passion for the sport has only grown more intense. But as with any journey, Andrei encountered his fair share of obstacles along the way. Last year, he and his family found themselves at a crossroads. His burgeoning tennis career demanded more time, dedication, and travel. Yet, the rigid confines of traditional schooling threatened to hold him back, forcing him to choose between his education and his dreams.

Navigating the halls of a brick-and-mortar school, Andrei faced the challenge of balancing his academic responsibilities with his love for tennis. The constant juggling act between classroom lectures and tournament travels took its toll, leaving him torn between two worlds.

Then came a game-changer. In August 2024, Minerva’s Virtual Academy, in collaboration with Tennis Europe, unveiled an exclusive scholarship opportunity for promising young athletes from less developed nations. With the approval of the federation's president, Andrei’s application was successfully approved by a panel of Tennis Europe Stakeholders.

He’s not looked back! Since joining MVA, Andrei's life has undergone a transformative shift. Learning remotely has unlocked a world of possibilities, giving him the freedom to pursue his passion for tennis without sacrificing his education. With the flexibility of online learning, Andrei has doubled down on his training regimen, even taking his studies with him to tournaments across the globe.

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‘Since joining MVA I feel much more relaxed and feel freer, which transcends onto my tennis. I would typically wake up around 6:30 am and have training between 8 and 10 am. I will then do a few hours of schoolwork and head to the gym for my physical preparation sessions. After this, I return to my laptop to watch further lessons or work on my independent study tasks. I sometimes have another evening tennis session and when possible, will also do more of my schoolwork afterwards’. 

And the results? Well, they speak for themselves. Just seven months into his journey with Minerva’s Virtual Academy, Andrei achieved a monumental milestone, emerging victorious at the Tennis Europe U14 Super Category Event in Stockholm.

Andrei's triumph is a testament to his talent and tenacity and a shining example of the transformative power of online education. Through MVA, he has found a much better balance between pursuing his dreams on the court and performing academically, all while rewriting the narrative of what's possible for young athletes worldwide.And he’s not the only one. In a recent survey conducted with MVA Athletes, over 94% believe they have more time to dedicate to their sport, and 94% believe their athletic performance has improved since joining MVA. We’re incredibly proud of the 100 highly talented athletes attending our school. Of course, there are challenges along the way, and it’s a busy, busy life, but these are the sacrifices to be made. What cannot be forgotten is the incredible importance of education. With MVA, it’s now possible to give even more to your sporting career without compromising your future outside of sport.

To find out more about MVA, check out the recording of their latest online Open Event for athletes, visit here.