On International Women’s Day, Nicole Kriz, the newly appointed Director at Tennis Australia’s National Tennis Academy, reflects on her journey in the sport.
Brisbane, Australia, 8 March 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Nicole Kriz has hit the ground running as Director at the National Tennis Academy in Brisbane.
In her new role, Kriz is responsible for overseeing the program at the academy, which is the pinnacle in Tennis Australia’s talent development pathway for promising elite athletes aged between 16 and 23.
“I’m absolutely loving it,” said Kriz, who is the first woman to lead the academy. “We have a world-class team and environment here, so where else would you want to be?”
Kriz, who relocated from Sydney in January for the position, described her appointment as “a privilege and great responsibility”.
“The 16 to 23 age space is a crucial period for adolescents,” she explained. “It’s a very exciting time for their development on and off court, from both a personal and professional point of view.
“I really want to make a difference for the athletes and their families, with their experiences throughout the pathway, and work with our team to create a great environment for them.”
Kriz is determined to implement many of the key lessons she has learnt throughout a life-long involvement in tennis.
“It takes a village at the end of the day,” she said, noting the importance of a collaborative approach.
“It’s important to bring everybody on board, whether that’s the parents, private coach or whoever the greatest supporters are for the athlete. If we aren’t including them in that journey, it’s going to break down for the athlete.”
She also recognises “athletes are individuals, and all need different things”.
Kriz, a former professional player who achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No.104 in 2007, discovered her passion for coaching at a young age.
“When I was injured at 14, I started coaching and absolutely loved it,” she explained.
“To be able to see the impact that our sport can have on someone is an absolute privilege. Whether that was a kinder kid coming in for their first experience of tennis and then seeing them six years later being the junior tennis captain, or an adult, who we know are so busy, choosing to spend a bit of money on themselves to have a lesson and seeing what they got out of it.
“Being able to create that environment is something that I really loved…
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