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.
Having recently earned a bronze medal at the 2023 Pacific Games, she has taken on a new role in developing and mentoring the next wave of tennis talent in the Oceania region.
Coffin admits that her coaching journey has brought its challenges, but she has wholeheartedly embraced this opportunity.
“My coaching philosophy in tennis is about giving as much as you can, and even if it’s just that 1%, it’s valuable. I’ve played tennis for 15 years and have been coaching for five. While coaching in Fiji has its challenges, it is incredibly rewarding to work with talented players in the Pacific. We need to focus on promoting discipline, consistency, stability, and structure,” Coffin explained.
The two-week championship not only highlights emerging talents but underscores Coffin’s commitment to the future of tennis in the Pacific region.
She emphasized the significance of hosting the ITF event in Fiji, stating, “This initiative was aimed at providing kids in the Pacific with more exposure and opportunities to earn ranking points. Fiji has become a central hub for ITF tours, offering these young players fresh chances to advance. Even when they face setbacks, they consistently return stronger. This event has been great for the kids based in Lautoka.”