Aisling McGrane, 22, is a “proud local” from Basingstoke, who has dedicated her life to her passion for tennis, becoming a national champion in the UK and earning herself a scholarship in the USA.
A model student, Aisling studied at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, competing in the top division of college sports and earning recognition on the President’s List.
Now she is back in Basingstoke, Aisling is working with College Sports America to help other young athletes achieve their dreams.Aisling in action (Image: Aisling McGrane)
She said: “I’ve been passionate about tennis since I was just three years old, dedicating my childhood and teenage years to training and competing locally and nationally.
“This lifelong commitment led me to become a national tennis champion and earn a full scholarship to Marshall University in the United States, where I competed at the NCAA Division I level, the pinnacle of college sports in America.
“I want to share my journey in the hope it inspires other young athletes in our community.”
Aisling competed in various competitions and helped her university enter the top 50 in the nation.Aisling graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia (Image: Aisling McGrane)
She continued: “During my time there, I earned All-Conference First Team honours in doubles, achieved academic recognition on the President’s List, and helped Marshall Tennis break into the national top 50, reaching a ranking of No. 43- the program’s highest in years.
“Over the four incredible years, I balanced intense athletic competition with academic success, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science.
“This journey was challenging, but immensely rewarding, opening doors I never imagined.”
Now, at the age of 22, Aisling is back home and says she is “proud to give back” through her role as tennis manager at College Sports America, a Basingstoke-based recruitment and placement agency.
The company, based in Devonshire House, off Wade Road, aims to help student athletes to make their dream come true through a sports scholarship at an American university. Find out more by visiting: collegesportsamerica.com
Aisling said: “We specialise in guiding talented young athletes through the complex and often overwhelming process of securing sports scholarships at American colleges.
“My role allows me to support aspiring tennis players every step of the way, helping them find the right fit for their sport, academics, and long-term ambitions.
“I am determined to give back to the community that supported me, and I would love to hear from any young athletes, parents, or coaches who dream of studying and competing in the US.
“I hope my story inspires other young athletes from Basingstoke to aim high and realise that opportunities like these are well within reach.”