Ma began putting in work at the KTC when she was about six.
“I got into tennis because at first I started figure skating, but my parents said I wasn’t graceful enough, so I decided to do a sport instead,” said Ma. “I chose tennis as my first option and, from the first day, I felt like I loved the competitive sport and I wanted to compete more.”
Hubbard is glad she landed at 750 Front St., noting Ma is coachable and has natural tools.
“She’s just physically big for her age and strong,” Hubbard said, noting she does strength work with David Stride of Stride Sport and Performance. “She does a lot of squats, a lot of physical stuff like that. She hits the ball just as hard as a 17- or 18-year-old boy.
“Her mental game is really strong, as well. She doesn’t get too upset when she’s losing. If she’s winning, her body posture and mental game are all the same. It’s very neutral.”
Ma said her backhand needs work, but she has a strong forehand and dangerous serve.
“I want to become a professional and play in a Grand Slam,” Ma said. “I’m working toward being top five in Canada.”
Ma, a St. Ann’s Academy student, is ranked seventh in B.C. and 35th in Canada in the U14 girls division, winning a tournament in Kamloops earlier this month to boost her stock.
She is scheduled to compete at the U14 Fischer Indoor Junior National Championships, which are slated to get underway on March 29 in Vancouver.
“She’s got all the qualities you look for,” said Hubbard. “Tennis Canada is looking at her. Provincially, she’s going to be training in the Lower Mainland a lot more.”