Cayman tennis standout and Island Games multi-medallist Abi Anderson has closed a significant chapter of her junior career and is already serving up a historic next step.
Anderson celebrated a major milestone on 22 May, graduating from IMG Academy in Florida, and is now set to make history as what is believed to be the first female Caymanian to play NCAA Division I tennis when she joins the University of Portland, Oregon, this August.
The 18-year-old’s journey at IMG began in August 2022 and is one that she described as being “a great experience … from start to finish”.
“It now feels like home and the people feel like family. Playing tennis at IMG has given me the opportunity to compete and train more with elite players and top coaches on a daily basis,” Anderson said.
“I have definitely grown as a player technically and strategically. It was hard leaving home as a 14-year-old, but it has been so worth it,” she added.
While enrolled with the academy, Anderson’s growth extended far beyond her time on the tennis court.
At a tennis banquet hosted by IMG, Anderson was one of the two female tennis athletes honoured with the 2026 Ascender Tennis Award, an annual accolade presented to athletes who best embody the academy’s core values on and off the court.
The core values include being open minded, having a passionate soul, having absolute integrity, a champion’s spirit and a helpful heart.
“I am super grateful to win this award as the IMG community of players and coaches mean so much to me. I always try my best to help others and have a good time while competing 100%,” Anderson said.
Her natural leadership skills were further recognised during the 2025/2026 academic year, when coaches voted her onto the IMG Players Council.
“The primary tasks of this role included representing the tennis student body which meant taking everyone’s perspective into the meetings and being the voice of their ideas.
“Additionally, we are responsible, along with coaches and management, for upholding the standards of IMG and deliberating on decisions that affect the whole community. I have learnt what it takes to make an organisation like IMG work, [including responsibility] and teamwork,” she said.
Now, a new chapter awaits Anderson, one that checks off a major goal on her tennis goal list.
“My goal has always been to play Division 1 tennis at university, so I am very happy this is becoming a reality. I know it will be hard work but IMG trains us to be ready for that,” Anderson said.
“I am most nervous about slotting into a new team and trying to make the playing line-up as a freshman, but I am excited to live in a new environment in Oregon. I hope I can add value to the team and maybe be captain in my final year. I feel lucky that IMG will always be a place I can go back to train at.”
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