A lot of people ask me why I decided to become a tennis coach. Today I’m going to share that story with you.

When I was 8 years old, grade 2 at Grayston Preparatory School I met someone who, without either of us ever realising it would change my life. His name is Andrew Falk. He was my first tennis coach.

Andrew was far more than a tennis coach though. Andrew sparked an undying love for sport and for tennis. He taught me how to believe in myself. He became a mentor. A role model. A leader.

To me tennis coaching is far more than tournament results. It’s about life lessons and learning what you are capable of. It’s helping those you coach see the best in themselves and helping them reach their goals and their dreams. It’s about providing them with a space to grow and learn in a way and at a pace that works for them and it’s about pushing them not to be hard on them but because you see something in them they may not see in themselves. Andrew did this for me and I can honestly say I would not have chosen this path (which I love and wouldn’t change for anything) if it weren’t for him.

If I can be a role model, a mentor and a leader the way Andrew was to me I will be so happy. Thank you Andrew!