Australia, 30 July 2023 | Vivienne Christie
The collective coaching credentials couldn’t be disputed when a group of women coaches gathered for a workshop during the Australian Junior Claycourt Championships in Canberra earlier this year.
Each of the participants had been named as recipients of Tennis Australia’s President’s Women in Tennis Scholarships and as established coaching professionals, their contribution to the sport was already vast.
“I’m delighted to congratulate this terrific group of 20 women from across the country on being awarded coaching scholarships,” said Tennis Australia President and Chair Jayne Hrdlicka.
“They’ve already achieved and contributed so much to tennis and I look forward to following their continued progression.”
Alongside the value of the women’s combined coaching experience, the opportunity to connect and learn from each other was arguably even more profound.
Building a network and support system of coaches through Tennis Australia’s Coach Connect program – which aims to engage, educate and connect women coaches through mentoring and professional development opportunities – was a key focus for the diverse group.
> LEARN MORE: About Tennis Australia’s Coach Connect program
Ranging in age from 18 to their 60s, some of the women had travelled from as far as regional Western Australia, as well as Darwin and Northern Queensland, to participate.
Former professional player Nicole Pratt, now Women’s Coach Lead at Tennis Australia, was a driving force in establishing the Coach Connect program and is delighted to see its positive impact.
“What has been a surprise to me is how having women at different ages and stages within the coaching pathway has been a winning formula,” said Pratt, who is also the coach of Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) team.
“It has been a melting pot of past experiences, new ideas but commonly a passion to give back to others through tennis.”
Helen Magill, whose award-winning coaching career spans more than four decades, noted how receiving a President’s Women in Tennis Scholarship had helped her make valuable new connections in the sport.
“I want this group of female coaches to form a powerful collective force, be role models and mentors, and help shape the pathway for young females starting their coaching journey,” said Magill, who is based in Parkes, New South Wales.
“I love connecting with like-minded female…
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