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7 July 2021 | Tennis NSW

Tiarna Williams is a 19 year old, proud Awabakal and Dharawal woman. She currently lives in Wollongong, New South Wales and studies a Bachelor of Law/international studies at University of Wollongong. We spoke with Tiarnna about her involvement in tennis and what NAIDOC means to her as an Indigenous Woman.

What does NAIDOC week mean to you?

NAIDOC week is especially important to me because it provides all Australians the opportunity to learn more about indigenous culture. NAIDOC week is a fantastic way for both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to start important conversations for change.

You have been involved with the Evonne Goolagong Foundation, tell us about the experiences you have had and the impact that opportunity has had on you?

I have had the pleasure of knowing Evonne for about seven years and since then I have been heavily involved in her foundation, which aims to promote a healthy lifestyle through a good education and the avenue of playing tennis. I have travelled across Australia with Evonne promoting her message and coaching young children on how tennis can provide you with amazing opportunities. In 2018, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Scholarship for academic and sporting achievement, which enabled me to attend Pymble Ladies College (a prestigious private school in Sydney). I can’t thank Evonne enough for everything she has done for me and the amazing experiences I have enjoyed thanks to her. She is the most down-to-earth person I have ever met and is truly an inspiration to not only Indigenous Australians, but the entire world.

You are a member of the Tennis NSW Youth Advisory Group (YAG), why did you put yourself forward for that opportunity and what do you hope to contribute?

I wanted to join the Tennis NSW YAG because I believe that the voices of young people can make a significant change within a community. Being involved with the tennis community for over 10 years, I have experienced several instances when youth voices could have made a difference to how tennis is advertised and implemented in relation to young people. Through my involvement with the YAG and expressing my opinions on different topics, I believe tennis in NSW could be greatly improved and therefore more enjoyable for young people.

How did you get involved in tennis and what keeps you involved in the sport?

I started playing tennis when I was seven. I have been playing sport since I can remember, but when I was about seven I decided that I enjoyed tennis the most. Tennis has taught me so many great life lessons and it is a fantastic way to keep fit and have fun while doing it. When I was younger I competed regularly in tournaments, but now I just play socially, because it is so much more fun! I currently play for the University of Wollongong tennis club, who host a weekly social comp and they often have match-play days against other universities.