Fiji’s top tennis star is sharing her inspiring journey from player to coach as the Oceania Junior Championship wraps up at the Regional Tennis Court in Lautoka.
The bronze medalist from the 2023 Pacific Games has taken on a new role, focusing on mentoring and developing the next generation of tennis talent in the Oceania region.
Coffin describes coaching as a new challenge that she is eager to tackle. “My coaching philosophy in tennis is to give as much as you can, and even that 1% makes a difference. I’ve been playing tennis for 15 years and coaching for 5 years. Coaching in Fiji has its challenges, but it’s immensely rewarding to work with such talented players from the Pacific. We need to develop more discipline, consistency, and stability, while implementing a structured approach,” she explains.
The two-week championship not only highlighted emerging talent but also underscored Coffin’s commitment to fostering the future of tennis in the Pacific region.
She emphasizes the significance of hosting the ITF event in the region, stating, “Having this event here is crucial for providing exposure and opportunities for the kids in the Pacific to earn ranking points. Fiji has become the center of ITF tours, and every time the kids participate, it’s another opportunity for them to improve their standing. While setbacks happen, the kids always strive to come back stronger. It’s been beneficial for the young athletes here in Lautoka.”