Melbourne, Australia, 3 October 2013 | Leigh Rogers

Reigning MLC Tennis Hot Shots Coaching Excellence award winner Helen Magill has nothing but fond memories to relive from the 2012 Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards.

Magill, from Parkes in New South Wales, describes receiving her award as a humbling experience.

“I was overwhelmed to be even nominated in what is a male dominated industry and then to be recognised by Tennis Australia to be providing the highest quality of service and best practise to the Shire of Parkes through something that I am truly passionate about was certainly gratifying,” Magill said.

Magill leads an after-school MLC Tennis Hot Shots program for over 300 participants as well as reaching more than 900 students through four local primary schools as part of the National School Partnership Program.

Not only did her win provide recognition and motivation, it has also had a positive flow-on effect to her coaching business.

“The media exposure and heightened profile amongst your peers always gives satisfaction and through this I have been able to grow both personally and professionally as a coach,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for me knowing that I now have an increased opportunity through winning the award to drive this amazing program forward and grow our game.

“The numbers of participants and the trust from the schools in my Hot Shots programs has been evident with more than 12% of the Parkes population registered in MLC Tennis Hot Shots. We also now have a sponsor with Advice4Life Financial Planning jumping on board to support various arms of the program which allows me to experiment with different activities and events both internally and externally to promote MLC Tennis Hot Shots.”

Magill encouraged clubs and coaches to nominate for the 2013 Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards, which will be presented at a gala dinner in December. Nominations close on 7 October.

“The Newcombe Medal is an amazing evening. To have the ‘who’s who’ of Australian tennis all gather together on one night to celebrate and recognise people in all different categories throughout our sport is a special event,” she said.

“Just completing an application for an award forces you to take the time to look at what you have achieved, and where you want to take the business or club in the future. This can not only be satisfying to take a step back and see how much you have accomplished but will also motivate you to carry on building towards the future.

“It is a great source of credibility to be nominated for an award let alone a big motivator internally, making staff proud to be part of the business, as well as the excitement generated for your club, players and throughout your community.”

> Who is eligible for the award and how do I make a nomination?

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