Fiji’s top tennis player is sharing her inspiring transition from athlete to coach as the Oceania Junior Championship wraps up at the Regional Tennis Court in Lautoka.
Coffin, a bronze medalist from the 2023 Pacific Games, is now focused on mentoring and developing emerging tennis talent within the Oceania region.
She acknowledges that coaching comes with its own set of challenges, but she has wholeheartedly accepted this new role.
“My coaching philosophy is centered on giving as much as possible, and even that extra 1% makes a significant difference. Having played tennis for 15 years and coached for five, I’ve found the experience in Fiji both challenging and fulfilling, especially coaching the incredibly talented players from the Pacific. We need to instill more discipline, consistency, stability, and a structured approach,” Coffin stated.
The two-week championship has not only served as a platform for showcasing up-and-coming talent but has also emphasized Coffin’s commitment to nurturing the future of tennis in the Pacific.
“The significance of hosting the ITF event here is to provide Pacific kids with greater exposure and ranking opportunities. Fiji has become a central hub for ITF tours, and each time the kids come down, it’s a new chance to gain points. While there may be setbacks, they always bounce back. This has been beneficial for the children in Lautoka,” she added.