Meriden was announced as the Most Outstanding School at the 2024 Tennis NSW Awards. This award is testament to Meriden’s dedication and commitment to tennis coaching and development.
“Meriden has made tennis a vital part of the school experience, with over 200 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 actively participating in weekly games and training sessions during Term 1 in 2024 alone,” said Mr Mark Heathcote, Meriden’s Director of Sport.
“Tennis is also a key component of our Personal Development, Health and Physical Education curriculum, with all students participating in practical tennis lessons during Terms 1 and 4, helping them develop their skills on the court.”
“Our coaches are committed to continuous improvement, with two of them currently pursuing certification as Tennis Australia High Performance Coaches – a process strongly supported by Meriden. The school is equally committed to the professional development of its administrative and coaching staff, providing various opportunities for growth and advancement.”
Meriden’s on-court success
Meriden has a proud history of achievement in tennis and supports active student participation in interschool competitions and gala day events.
This year, Meriden successfully retained the Tidelsley Shield for the fifteenth consecutive year, and achieved a remarkable clean sweep at the tournament, securing both the singles and doubles titles against other top independent girls’ schools in NSW.
In 2023, Meriden won the Gallipoli Youth Cup, Australia’s National High School Tennis Championships, the school’s ninth national title. The school also consistently triumphs at interschool competitions, this year winning the Senior Division 1 and Junior Division 1 titles of the IGSA Championship Tennis.
Meriden’s tennis program has enabled students to compete at external tennis tournaments, with two students winning their respective age divisions in the National Championships, one earning their Junior Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open and the other at Wimbledon.
Meriden Tennis Academy: nurturing tennis players at all skill levels
One of the components contributing to Meriden’s success in tennis is its development program, the Meriden Tennis Academy. The Academy aims to nurture and develop the skills and love of tennis in players of all abilities.
The program is designed to cater for students at all skill levels, from beginner through to Australian-ranked players. It is held on Meriden’s Senior School campus at its indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as Meriden-managed Southend Tennis Centre.
“The program not only hones the players’ tennis skills but also fosters resilience, teamwork and leadership. The program caters to elite athletes, providing pathways to reach their full potential, as well as grassroots participants, offering tennis as a social and recreational activity,” Mr Heathcote says.
“Students involved in Meriden’s tennis programs experience a dynamic and enriching journey that balances athletic excellence with personal growth. They are part of a supportive community where they receive top-tier coaching, participate in regular training sessions, and compete in prestigious tournaments at state, national, and even international levels.”
In addition to the Tennis Academy program, Southend Tennis Centre also provides a comprehensive range of programs for both children and adults, including professional coaching, ANZ Hot Shots, competitions, and public court hire, all of which contribute to the development and growth of tennis in the community.
Meriden Olympus Program: pathway for student-athletes
Meriden’s commitment to excellence is embodied in the Olympus Program – a program designed to support student-athletes succeed in both their academic and sporting goals.
Meriden’s top tennis players receive specialised support tailored to their unique needs, alongside students from other elite sporting backgrounds, including workshops on topics such as nutrition, media management, training load and recovery. These workshops, led by experts in their respective fields, provide a well-rounded approach to the development of young sportswomen.
The program also supports our student-athletes to navigate their post-school options and sporting journeys, including identifying and applying for university and collegiate scholarships.
Winning the Tennis NSW Most Outstanding School Award means Meriden is now in the running for Most Outstanding School at the Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards, which will be held in December.
