Interview with Izzy Marshall and Laura Deigman

Jemima talked to Izzy and Laura about their pathway from junior to senior tennis, education, county tennis, tournament successes and life after junior tennis.

Izzy Marshall (Oxford University):

Izzy represented Bucks at the Lionel Cox for the 11&U team, but then due to injury didn’t represent the county again until 14&U, although she hasn’t stopped since. Izzy has been a member of David Lloyd Milton Keynes throughout her life, being coached by Jason Fairhurst and attended squads at Halton, she now represents Halton in the National League. Izzy has represented the ladies county team since 2014 and was lucky enough to be part of the team when they were in Group 1, an experience she described as humbling and inspiring. She won the 18&U National Winter Tour Finals and a British Tour title. Izzy had the opportunity many juniors dream of and was a ball girl at the O2 ATP finals. After graduating from Aylesbury High School with 4 A'Levels, Izzy completed one year at the University of Illinois at Chicago after deferring her place at Oxford and is now enjoying studying in the UK and being part of the 1st tennis team as a blue. Izzy will be a member of team competing in The Sea Bright Cup, a team of Oxford and Cambridge students competing against Harvard and Yale.

Laura Deigman:

Laura has been a Bucks player since she was 8&U and competed in all of the age group county cups events. She has been a member of Great Missenden, Chesham Bois under Pete Lavery and now plays for Halton ladies national league team. Laura attended Heatherton House, Berkhamsted Collegiate and then completed her GCSEs and an A Level at Bisham Abbey while maintaining her training. Laura represented Great Britain at the Summer Cup and played in Wimbledon Juniors and in the qualifying of two other Grand Slams. Laura achieved an ITF 18&U ranking and then reached a high WTA singles ranking of 620 and doubles 520. Laura made up the 3rd pair of the winning Bucks Ladies team who won the summer national title in 2013 2014. Laura is now a qualified LTA Level 3 coach and Strength and Conditioning qualified. She is currently heading up the S&C at the Regional Player Development Centre at Reeds school as well as coaching. Laura has also been fortunate enough to travel with a top 20 ITF junior from Hong Kong to several international tournaments.