Fiji’s top tennis player shares her inspiring journey from competitor to coach as the Oceania Junior Championship wraps up at the Regional Tennis Court in Lautoka.
The 2023 Pacific Games bronze medalist has embraced her new role, focusing on mentoring and developing upcoming tennis talent across the Oceania region.
Coffin acknowledges that coaching presents its own set of challenges, but she wholeheartedly welcomes them.
“My philosophy in tennis and as a coach is to give as much as you can. Even that extra 1% makes a difference. I’ve been playing tennis for 15 years and coaching for 5 years. While coaching in Fiji has been challenging, it’s also rewarding to work with incredibly talented players in the Pacific. We need to promote more discipline, consistency, and stability in our training, along with a structured approach,” Coffin stated.
The two-week championship not only showcased emerging talent but also emphasized Coffin’s commitment to cultivating the future of tennis in the Pacific.
“The significance of hosting the ITF event here is to provide kids in the Pacific with greater exposure and opportunities to earn points for their rankings. Fiji has become a central hub for ITF tours, and each time the kids come, it’s another chance for them to gain points. Even if setbacks occur, they always return stronger. This event has been beneficial for the kids training in Lautoka,” she added.