The 16-year-old tennis prodigy, Hephzibah Oluwadare, has been honoured with the Rising Star Award at the prestigious Tennis Black List 2024 event. Oluwadare, who trains at the GB National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling, was recognised for her exceptional talent and contributions to the sport. The Rising Star Award is designed to highlight emerging player talent in the UK and internationally for individuals under the age of 25.
During her acceptance speech, Oluwadare expressed her appreciation, stating, “I would like to express my gratitude for being bestowed with the Rising Star Award. I extend my sincerest thanks to Anne-Marie (Batson) and Richard (Sackey-Addo) for initiating the inspiring venture to celebrate black excellence within the sport. I am also grateful to God, who has sustained my health throughout this journey, and to my parents, for their unwavering support throughout my career. Furthermore, I would like to thank Tennis Scotland and the LTA for providing numerous wildcard opportunities and financial support throughout the past few years. The receipt of this award will serve as great motivation for me in the years to come in my career.”
The event, which took place at the National Tennis Centre, aimed to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations from the black and mixed black heritage community. Supported by the LTA, Barclays, and YC Sports, the Tennis Black List was founded by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo in 2023. This year marked the second edition of the event and highlighted the remarkable strides made by members of the black and mixed-black heritage communities in the world of tennis.
Held just before The Championships at Wimbledon, the Awards sought to honour the exceptional contributions of individuals and grassroots organizations in Britain and internationally. Taking inspiration from the success of the Football Black List and Rugby Black List, the Tennis Black List has aimed to spotlight and celebrate black excellence in their respective sports.
The recipients of the prestigious awards were seen as exemplifying excellence both on and off the tennis court. Winners were recognized across eight categories, with many in attendance at the ceremony held at the National Tennis Centre.
One of the distinguished winners, Hephzibah Oluwadare from Hemel Hempstead, has an impressive record. She has participated in Junior Wimbledon twice, contributed to Scotland’s triumph at the Junior Four Nations, and was part of the Billie Jean King Cup Junior team. Earlier this year, she emerged victorious as the J200 Oberhaching Champion in Germany.
The organizers of the Tennis Black List, Batson and Sackey-Addo, expressed, “This was truly a night of inspiration and celebration of the black and mixed-black heritage communities’ excellence in tennis on and off the court. It’s been an honor to recognize a group of remarkable individuals who personify this excellence.”
Scott Lloyd, CEO of LTA, also conveyed his admiration for the winners, stating, “It was hugely inspiring to celebrate once again all the amazing successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities – the 2024 winners are real role models to everyone. Our vision at the LTA is for tennis to be welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring to everyone. We know that seeing and celebrating the success of role models inspires and encourages more people to get involved – whether as a player, a coach, or a volunteer.”
The Tennis Black List was not only a celebration of exceptional talent in tennis but also a demonstration of how the sport continues to inspire and connect communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and representation at every level of the sport. May this event motivate and encourage many more aspiring young tennis players to achieve greatness on and off the court.