“I constantly want to prove everyone wrong” – Student sets sight on the very top

A Multimedia Journalism student from Dublin is ready to represent his country on the international stage after making the decision to chase his dream of becoming a professional tennis player.

Thomas McCaffrey, who came to GCU as a direct-entry student in September, is part of the University’s Talented Athlete Programme and will play abroad for the first time in Poland next month against experienced players from the likes of Japan, Ghana and Canada.

Despite the daunting prospect of being the new kid on the block, Thomas is ready to compete thanks to a fighting spirit he’s been gifted with from a young age. He was born with a tumour on his spine and his parents were told by doctors that he would never walk, but he proved them wrong.

Since then he has continued to set “checkpoints” throughout his life; with his latest adventure opening up a new world of opportunity.

We sat down with Thomas to hear all about his journey:

How did you start playing tennis?

“I played wheelchair basketball for eight years. I had got to a point where I’d achieved everything I’d wanted to achieve and I wasn’t really enjoying it. I was honestly really close to just giving up on sport altogether. I felt if I was going to become professional at something then I really had to start when I was 11 or 12 years-old.

“A friend of mine then took up tennis and said to me about coming along. I was actually really against it at the start because I had always played contact sports. I decided to just go along and give tennis a go – and I’ve now been playing for the last three years.”

How did your interest in tennis progress from there?

“About a year ago I had a change in priorities after losing my job. I was 23 and felt if I didn’t take the opportunity to go professional then I wasn’t going to make it. I then read an article about a guy playing in France, who is now number four or five in the world, and he didn’t pick up a racket until he was in his late 30s. That definitely made me think I had a chance, so I decided to go all out and see how far I could progress.

“I then started playing on the UK circuit for a little while and I’ve been really enjoying it. I was noticing the same players that were playing there were also playing internationally. I realised the costs to go down to London and play would be similar to the cost of going to Spain, where I would also have the potential of earning prize money and get a world ranking. It has always been my dream to be professional in some sort of sport, so this really is just me throwing the dice and seeing what I can achieve.”

How did the opportunity come about to compete in Poland?

“It’s been quite a long process. Even just getting to a point where you can compete requires registering and then I have to get classified when I’m out there to make sure I’m not playing with some sort of advantage. It probably took about three to four months to get everything set up. I’m representing Ireland so I’ve had quite a lot of communication from them to confirm I could do it. I was then looking online at different options and realised Poland was an affordable option, so I just decided to go for it.”

It must be a proud moment for you to be representing Ireland?

“I haven’t really wrapped my head around it yet. It is definitely intimidating to be going there because I remember going on the British Tour and not knowing what to expect, so this is just a whole other level. There is a lot of work to be done and with that comes a lot of self-doubt around whether I’m good enough or not. I’ve gone to competitions before and lost in the first round, which is heartbreaking and mentally challenging. At the same time though, I can’t wait to get out there and experience everything the tournament has to offer.”

It’s going to be your first experience playing abroad, but how do you feel about your chances going into the tournament?

“I’m going out there without any great expectations. I doubt I’m going to win because it’s my first one. The main thing for me is to stay positive and recognise that this experience is something I have been working towards.”

“There have been a few different points where I’ve thought why am I doing this? I’m very much a person who if I’m told I can’t achieve something then I become even more determined to pull it off.

“I had a tumour in my spine when I was born and it damaged a lot of nerves. My parents were told that I wasn’t going to walk, but I did. I constantly want to prove everyone wrong.

“I had a media opportunity working with someone at my local tennis club around me wanting to turn professional. She said that I was probably a bit too old to be turning professional now and I thought you’re probably right, but I’m not going to let myself admit that you’re right. She’s probably part of the reason that I’m sat here now – I love people that doubt me.”

Have you faced any challenges since making the decision to pursue a professional career within tennis?

“It hasn’t been too bad so far with my studies. I need to be back in class for 9am on a Monday so I’ve not been having too many long weekends when I do go away around the UK! I’m part of the Talented Athlete Programme at GCU, which has been really helpful for me. I remember reading about it when I was looking at different options of where to study – it was a big factor for me and something I greatly appreciate. Having that support gives me a real drive because I don’t want to let anyone down.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is how mentally taxing the sport is. I’ve now got my own coach, psychologist and my own fitness coach. I think it’s all about practice and knowing what I’m doing when I’m playing abroad. The team behind me has definitely made a big difference and I know that I always have that support there, even when they aren’t with me at tournaments. For example, I was playing at a tournament in December and tore ligaments in my elbow. I texted my coach about it and he called me within two minutes – so I know they’re only a phone-call away even when they can’t be there in-person.”

It seems like you’ve got a really strong support bubble around you, how important is that at this point in your career?

“Very! The first person I started working with was my tennis coach. I spent a lot of my time in Glasgow and he was the local coach, so I started working with him about a year and half ago and just felt so supported. A friend of mine, who I’ve known for years, is now a strength and conditioning coach working down in London. He offered to train and sponsor me, which was just amazing for me.

“I was physically coming along and my tennis game was improving, but mentally the last year had been really quite difficult. I found myself getting quite upset on court and I actually ended up smashing an old tennis racket up to just get my anger out after one particular match. I knew it wasn’t right and that I needed some sort of support because I knew if I started losing the mental game then my physical game would also drop. That led to me working with a sports psychologist since just before Christmas, and it has honestly made the world of difference.”

There are obviously massive links between sport and the positive impact on mental health, is this something you’ve found as well?

“I would say so because I’ve never wanted to let my disability hold me back. Everyone has things that they have to contend with, so I am no different in that sense. I think being around people who understand and have similar disabilities makes a big difference because we are all on a level playing field.

“Everyone gets on really well when we’re at tournaments. Part of the reason I’m so desperate to play abroad is to get the opportunity to meet people from other countries and make new friends. We all get on great off court and it’s just really nice to see each other once or twice a month. Don’t get me wrong though, once we’re on court the competitive hat goes on!”

Do you have any specific targets for the future?

“I’ve not set any overall goals because if I achieve something then what? If my goal was to win Wimbledon then what happens when I win it? Do I give up?

“I play a lot of video games, so I’m using a checkpoint system. Right now I’m going to Poland and then I’ll go to the next checkpoint after that.”

By Ross Clark       
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter