Most Kenyans used to shy away from games such as golf and tennis because they believed these disciplines were meant for the rich.
However, the success stories of Angella Okutoyi and her twin sister Roselida Asumwa in 2022 transformed the mentality of many individuals towards the two sports, particularly tennis.
Okutoyi’s brilliance on the court saw her become the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam tournament since the introduction of the game to the country in the 1920s.
Also Read: From Orphanage to Tennis Stardom: The Story of Angella Okutoyi
She also managed to land an education scholarship from a United States-based learning institution (Auburn University).
Although the news was a life-changing one, Okutoyi’s family had another problem to solve concerning the two girls.
For them, Okutoyi living thousands of kilometers away from her twin did not sound right.
Therefore, they tried to look for a chance for Asumwa also to travel to the United States without much success.
However, before the end of the year, their faces were lightened up by a piece of news that was delivered via a text message.
The message stated that Asumwa had been awarded an education scholarship by the United States-based Cowley College.
“We only got the news yesterday because we have been fighting for her not to be left behind.
"Initially, she was supposed to do an exam before going but surprisingly, the coach from Cowley texted informing us that she had gotten the slot and needed not to do the exam anymore.
"So all that is left is getting the requisite papers and she will be good to go,” he was quoted by Mozzart Sport.
Atola added that the learning institution would cover only 70% of the scholarship.
“For now, we will pay for the meals and her accommodation in USA but once she makes the school’s top four, the scholarship will be upgraded to a full-time deal,” he ended.
The 18-year-old is expected to travel to Kansas to begin her study as early as January 2023.
Okutoyi and Asumwa recently faced each other in the final of the 2022 Rwanda Open in Kigali. The latter, who is more experienced won the match and received $ 2500 (approximately Ksh 307,000) in prize money.
Speaking after the match, Okutoyi revealed that she enjoyed playing against her twin.
“I am proud to announce that I am the Rwanda Open 2022 champion. This is the last tournament this year and glad to have won it.
"It is special since I was playing my sister in the final. Thank you all who made my year great and successful,” she stated.
The former Kenya Open champion will be making her senior debut next year.