STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: Liza-Mari Olivier, a tennis coach from Vryburg, has been selected to join the Tennis South Africa Board (TSA) as the Special Interest Group representative for all registered and licensed coaches in South Africa.
This marks the first time a female coach from North West and a rural town has secured such a position.
“Growing up in a small town, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to contribute to tennis at a national level,” said Liza-Mari. “It’s an absolute honor to be chosen for this role, I’m excited to represent the voices of coaches across South Africa,” she said. “This opportunity is not just for me, but for everyone in rural areas who dreams of a making a difference in the sport. It shows that talent and dedication can shine through, regardless of background.” Olivier’s appointment is a significant victory for the representation of female coaches and those working in rural areas. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by coaches is expected to bring valuable insights to the boardroom. Olivier’s journey serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring coaches across the country. Her appointment not only celebrates her personal achievements but also paves the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps and contribute to the growth of coaching in South African tennis. TSA President Gavin Crooks said Liza-Mari was appointed to the Tennis South Africa Board in September 2021. Crooks said she is also the chairperson of the National Coaches Committee which is made up of representatives of coaches from the nine provinces of South Africa. “Her position is important as, not only does she bring a coaches’ perspective to the TSA Board (which is made up of passionate tennis stakeholders with varied skill-sets), but she is responsible and accountable for the maintenance of South Africa’s “Gold Accreditation Status” for its coaching structure and programmes with the International Tennis Federation,” says Crooks. Tennis South Africa is one of 19 countries (there are 220 member countries of the International Tennis Federation) that has this highest accreditation status with the International Tennis Federation – this means that South African tennis coaches are widely acknowledged and respected in the world. Crooks added that Olivier is also a strong advocate for gender equality which is an imperative for the International Tennis Federation, SASCOC, the Department of Sport and Recreation and Tennis South Africa that currently has four ladies serving on the Board of twelve. Crooks concluded by saying that Olivier’s contributions to Tennis South Africa are always well considered and with the best interests of the game of tennis being her sole intention.
