As we approach the conclusion of the 2018 men’s and women’s CT season, many hopes will be dashed while a few dreams come true as the rosters for next year slowly fall into place. Such is the case with 19-year-old Brisa Hennessy, who realized a lifelong dream of qualifying for the women’s Championship Tour after an equal third result at the Port Stephens Pro in New South Wales on Monday. In so doing, Hennessy has become the first Costa Rican to represent her country at surfing’s highest level.
“Never in my wildest dreams did three-year-old Brisa with booties on ever imagine making the WSL Championship Tour,” wrote Hennessy in an Instagram post accompanied by a photo of her surfing at three years old. “At this last competition of the season, before every heat, I sat on the beach, closed my eyes and reflected. I saw every person and remembered every experience that has helped me on this journey and I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.❤️ It takes a village and I’m so beyond grateful.”
Hennessy has been grinding it out on the Qualifying Series for two years, but after a quarterfinal result at the Maui Pro last year, defeating the likes of Sally Fitzgibbons and Coco Ho, the conversation turned from if to when she would qualify for the CT. One year later, she’s done it, and she’ll join a cast of teens helmed by Floridian Caroline Marks that’s already turning the women’s CT on its ear.
