Resident Feature

It’s an Ace!

Advantage, Raihan

Raihan Lele is a 7th grader at Foothill Middle School. He started playing tennis during the start of the pandemic in 2020 and, like many aspiring tennis buffs, appears to have been bitten by the “tennis bug’’. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the “tennis bug” refers to the development of a strong interest or heightened enthusiasm for the sport. 

As a way to beat the pandemic blahs, Raihan started practicing 10 hours a week. Not long after taking up the sport, his passion for playing tennis grew. Soon, Raihan was on the court every day. In fact, Raihan has joined a competitive league playing tournaments with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). In fact, he played in 20 USTA-sanctioned tournaments this year. He also played in and was a finalist at Northgate High School’s Level-6 Tournament. 

As his ranking continues to climb, so does his passion for the sport. Raihan continues to improve and conducts practices at Arbolado Tennis Courts and Gorin Tennis Academy. 

Raihan is one example of how many kids in the Northgate area are seeking new and innovative ways to connect. For Raihan, getting outside, playing a sport, and meeting new people has turned him into a fantastic young tennis player. 

At Northgate Living CA, we wholeheartedly support the efforts of all athletes. As your sports writer, I encourage you to keep practicing, keep playing and keep learning! 


Cara Douglas is an award winning writer, an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast. With three kids of her own who all play a sport, she’s featured athletes for more than 20 years. Cara loves giving back to the community in which she lives and looks forward to meeting the area’s rising stars- at any age or sport! Reach out to Cara at 559.349.8085, or via email at carapdouglas@gmail.com! 

By Cara Douglas, Sports Reporter