Welsh Junior Players Taking their Next Step into University Tennis

Many notable names within the Welsh performance landscape have been part of the collegiate leagues, including professional players James Story and Finn Murgett, Loughborough University’s first team player Megan Davies, who is now completing her master’s degree, and Harri Lloyd-Evans, who is studying his master’s at Cardiff Met and training within the student performance programme.

We sat down with the six players former juniors to reflect on their journeys so far and look ahead to the next chapter.

Elizabeth Evans - Harvard University, Massachusetts 

Current Tennis Wales Junior Player of the Year Elizabeth Evans ended her junior career on a high, helping Wales secure back-to-back U18 Four Nations titles and being one of 3 Welsh players to compete at the Lexus Wrexham Open. 

She will go onto play at Harvard University in August 2026. “I’m super excited, I can’t wait to be playing for a college team, especially Harvard.” 

Elizabeth’s highlights for her junior career include five Junior Four Nations appearances and the international experiences that shaped her, including in Ghana, Albania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, South Africa, and the US. She has won five junior international titles & two at national level competitions. 

She credits her success to her parents who have supported her since she first stepped onto a court and to the coaching team at Swansea Tennis Centre, especially Craig Ingham, Fran Lewis, and Luke Simeone. Also, Tennis Wales’ Chris Lewis who has supported her for many years. 

Gracie Hurley - Bellarmine University, Kentucky 

A key member of Wales’ title-winning U18 Four Nations team, Gracie Hurley has an impressive junior track record which includes multiple Welsh Championship titles, representation for Wales at U12–U18, and a GB National Doubles title. 

Gracie has committed to Division I Bellarmine University. “I’m looking forward to playing different players in a new environment and travelling around America.” 

She will continue competing in ITF and WTA events where possible. Gracie thanked her coaches at Swansea Tennis Academy, David Lloyd Swansea, Cardiff Met, and Tennis Wales, adding, “A big thank you to Chris and Tennis Wales for all the support over the last 12 years.” 

Simon J. Hegarty - St. John’s University, New York 

After graduating from the Mouratoglou International School in France, Simon Hegarty has already begun competing for Division I St. John’s University, last season’s Big East Conference champions. 

His junior career includes multiple Welsh titles, winning the 2022 British Schools Championships with Millfield, three J30 ITF semi-finals, and helping South Wales gain promotion to Group 1 of the U18 County Cup. 

Simon thanked his coaches at Bridgend LTC, David Lloyd Swansea, Tennis Wales, and Mouratoglou Academy. 

Felix Bockelmann-Evans - Wichita State University, Kansas 

Felix closed out his junior career in style by winning the Boys’ U18 Doubles at the Lexus Junior National Championships, earning a Junior Wimbledon wild card. He now heads to Division I Wichita State University. 

His achievements to date include being a part of the team that won back-to-back U18 Four Nations, two ITF doubles titles in Malta & Porto and great results at J200, J100 & J60 level events. Felix was also part of the team that won Four Nations when he was U12. 

Felix credits his career so far to his parents’ “constant support,” and his development through Penarth Windsor LTC, David Lloyd Cardiff with Becca Strelzyn, Phil Thomas, and more recently with Callum Findlay as part of the 14+ National Training Programme delivered in partnership with Cardiff Met University. 

Abby Kelliher - Florida State University, Florida 

After training at the LTA National Tennis Academy at Loughborough University for the last few years, Abby Kelliher has joined Division I Florida State University. “I’m most excited to represent Florida State and improve my tennis to take me to that next level.” 

Her junior highlights include representing Great Britain at the Winter Cup where the team won a silver medal, winning the U18 Four Nations with Wales, and capturing eight Junior ITF doubles titles. 

Abby credits her parents and coaches from Loughborough, Northumberland Tennis Academy, and Cultiv8, along with Tennis Wales for “supporting me with funding and pushing me to be my best.” 

Seb Griffiths – Alcorn State University, Mississippi 

Seb Griffiths has already begun playing Division I tennis at Alcorn State University. His goal is to develop through college tennis and “see where it takes him.” 

A favourite memory is helping South Wales secure consecutive U18 County Cup promotions.

He credits his mother, Melissa House, who coached him when he was younger, and the 14+ National Training Programme delivered in partnership with Cardiff Met University which “helped me a lot.” 

Chris Lewis, Head of Performance for Tennis Wales, says: 
“It's an honour to be part of the journey for these players. It’s great to see so many home grown players take this next step, they are a credit to their families, the coaches they have worked with, and the environments they have been part of and contributed to. It’s fantastic to see them pushing forward and pursuing their tennis dreams.” 

Advice for the Next Generation 

We asked the players what advice they would give to junior players who are following in their footsteps.  

Elizabeth Evans: 
“Enjoy the experience, we are very lucky to have opportunities like these. Keep the pressure to a minimum.” 

Gracie Hurley: 
“Enjoy the process and the journey.” 

Simon J. Hegarty: 
“Be competitive on court at all times, but most importantly, enjoy the game!” 

Felix Bockelmann-Evans: 
“Enjoy playing and the journey. Focus on the process, the results will follow.” 

Abby Kelliher: 
“Work really hard and have fun. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” 

Seb Griffiths: 
“Enjoy the journey and stay consistent, daily improvements add up.”