Wesley has celebrated a memorable joint victory in the 2026 intercollege Rosebowl Tennis Championship, with Ruby Pade playing a leading role in the triumph. A Gadigal College Scholarship recipient from the NSW Mid North Coast, Ruby has embraced the opportunity to combine her passion for tennis with her studies at the University of Sydney.
The youngest of three, Ruby attended Coffs Harbour Senior College – growing up in a family where tennis was a big part of life. Her father is a tennis coach, while her older brother Charlie attended the University of Sydney before her, playing tennis through the University’s Elite Athlete Program.
Made possible with the significant assistance of the Gadigal College Scholarship, Charlie spent three years at Wesley, where he helped lead the Wesley tennis team to Rawson Cup victory. Charlie is now pursuing his dream of becoming a professional tennis player, living in the United States on a university tennis scholarship.
With tennis at the core of the Pade family story, it is perhaps little surprise that Ruby has also found success on the court. Her decision to follow in Charlie’s footsteps and join the Wesley tennis team was made easier by his positive experience at College. “My brother had such a great experience at Wesley, so he convinced me to apply. My parents also knew the benefits and encouraged me too.”
When Ruby was awarded the Gadigal Accommodation Scholarship, providing her with the opportunity to move to Sydney to study and play tennis, there was plenty for the family to celebrate.
Not only has Ruby enjoyed playing tennis herself, but she has spent many weekends and school holidays coaching children where she has particularly enjoyed connecting with younger players. Her determination to recognise young talent and bring out the best in her students – coupled with the lasting impression some of her teachers made on her - has propelled Ruby to pursue a Bachelor of Education at USYD.
Over the years, Ruby has been inspired by a number of passionate primary school teachers – in particular a Year 5 teacher who, she recalls, ‘understood me’ – an enthusiastic child with dyslexia and ADHD – and buckets of energy and potential. Those early experiences left a lasting impression and helped shape Ruby’s desire to work in education.
Looking ahead, Ruby remains firmly focused on education where she hopes to become a primary school teacher, potentially working in rural communities. She is particularly interested in supporting children who face additional barriers to learning, including those with learning disabilities and children from Indigenous communities. Ruby’s empathy for children and belief in their potential are central to her aspirations. She sees strengths in young people, and is excited by the prospect of helping them discover what they might achieve.
Ruby is enjoying pursuing her passions, where her journey from the tennis court to the classroom is already being shaped by the determination and self-belief she hopes to inspire in her future students.
