Vicky Mumby has won the Aegon Coach of the Month award for October for her amazing work with junior players at Ongar Tennis Club in Essex.
During her time at the club, Vicky has built up a strong junior presence with more than 100 youngsters playing regularly at Ongar.
A funny, infectious and encouraging character, Vicky engages all of her players with the variety of sessions and courses that she runs.
Vicky said: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to win this award. To be recognised for my hard word, dedication and commitment to Ongar really is an amazing feeling and means the world to me.
“I love all aspects of my job whether it's teaching my Tots a basic ground stroke, coaching my performance team or delivering a cardio tennis session, I aim to make each lesson fun!”
Coaches corner
Three main tips for an aspiring coach?
• Be a role model for your players and be professional in appearance and presentation.
• As well as having a main theme and teaching point, make each session FUN for the individual or group so they go home smiling.
• Develop good working relationships with your assistant coaches, parents and of course your players and give plenty of praise.
Coaching career highlight?
Apart from winning this award and the Essex County LTA Mini Tennis Coach of the Year in 2013, it would have to be building the Ongar Tennis Club junior section from scratch to now having over 100 junior members with a full junior and adult programme in place.
Who has been most influential in your career and why?
Absolutely 100 % my mum who sadly passed away in August this year following a long battle with Breast Cancer. She got me into tennis at an early age, drove me all over the country when I was competing as a junior and supported me when I represented Great Britain in Europe.
Being an ex-PE Teacher and Netball Coach she was very proud when I told her I was going to be a Tennis Coach and encouraged me all the time. I dedicate this award to her.
What motivates you most about your job?
Seeing the children develop from beginners to regularly competing juniors, particularly in the three internal tournaments I run each year at Easter, in the summer and at Christmas before seeing them receive their medals and trophies.
Coaching career in one word?
Inspirational
Well done, Vicky!
You can follow Ongar Tennis Club on Twitter @OngarTennis and on Facebook.
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