A record equalling eight finalists are set to lead South Australia at the upcoming 2023 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards.
The Australian Tennis Awards will celebrate the achievements and contributions of tennis clubs, volunteers, officials, coaches, schools, and talented junior players across 13 award categories at a gala event to be held at the Palladium Crown in Melbourne on Monday 11 December.
Helen Rice has been announced as a finalist for the Coaching Excellence Club award, while Domenic Marafiote will be a finalist for the Coaching Excellence Development award for the second time. Darren Cahill will also represent South Australia in the Coaching Excellence Performance category.
Casey Jackson will be in the running for the Excellence in Officiating award, while Martin Richards has been announced as a finalist in the Most Outstanding Tennis Master category.
Torrens Valley Christian School will be vying for the Most Outstanding School award, with Seacliff Tennis Club looking to win the Most Outstanding Event for their Junior Development Series tournament held in February. Golden Grove Tennis Club will look to claim the title of Most Outstanding Tennis Club or Venue.
“We are thrilled to congratulate our eight South Australian finalists,” Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey said.
“These finalists are fantastic ambassadors for our sport. Their selection is a wonderful recognition of their tireless efforts and commitment to ensuring that tennis continues to thrive in our state.
“We wish our finalists the very best of luck, we can’t wait to cheer them on.”
South Australian finalists for the 2023 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards:
Coaching Excellence – Club
Helen Rice
Coaching Excellence – Development
Domenic Marafiote
Coaching Excellence – Performance
Darren Cahill
Excellence in Officiating
Casey Jackson
Most Outstanding 30+ Tennis Master
Martin Richards
Most Outstanding School
Torrens Valley Christian School
Most Outstanding Event
Seacliff Tennis Club
Most Outstanding Tennis Club or Venue
Golden Grove Tennis Club
Past South Australian award winners at the Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards:
2022
David Grainger (Coaching Excellence – Club)
Robyn Tucker (Excellence in Officiating)
Edward Winter (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)
Julie Polkinghorne (Volunteer Achievement Award)
2021
Domenic Marafiote (Coaching Excellence – Club)
Sam Wall (Coaching Excellence Development)
Cobdogla Primary School (Most Outstanding School)
2020
Event not held due to COVID pandemic
2019
Darren Wunderer (Volunteer Achievement Award)
Elizabeth North Primary School (Most Outstanding School)
City of Playford Tennis International (Most Outstanding Professional Tournament)
2018
Henley South Tennis Club (Most Outstanding Club)
Darren Cahill (Coaching Excellence – High Performance)
John Pick (Volunteer Achievement Award)
2017
Helen Rice (Coaching Excellence – Club)
2014
Thanasi Kokkinakis (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)
2013
Lleyton Hewitt (Newcombe Medal)
David Grainger (Coaching Excellence – Hot Shots Tennis)
2012
Luke Saville (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)
2011
Luke Saville (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)
Lleyton Hewitt (President’s Spirit of Tennis Award)
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