For Shellharbour local and graduate of the Tennis NSW Future Leaders program, Ella Profke, tennis has always been a big part of her life. Starting at just three years old, her passion for the sport has only continued to grow.
But a week of work experience with Tennis NSW revealed there’s far more to tennis than what happens on the court.
Ella’s work experience journey began close to home at Oak Flats Tennis Club, where she joined the Tennis NSW South East team for a council meeting focused on the club’s future development. It was an opportunity to see firsthand how Tennis NSW partners with councils and clubs to strengthen facilities, grow participation and support the long-term sustainability of community tennis.
A visit to the Tennis NSW office at Sydney Olympic Park gave Ella an entirely new perspective on the organisation. By sitting in on team meetings and spending time with staff across marketing, membership, tournaments and inclusion, she began to understand the breadth of work required to support and grow tennis across the state.
“Having the opportunity to experience what Tennis NSW does behind the scenes has really shown me what the organisation does for tennis to keep it running and thriving within NSW,” Ella said.
“There are so many different roles within Tennis NSW, some I never knew even existed but play a vital role in developing tennis across the state and making sure everything runs smoothly.”
Another standout moment came when Ella travelled to Goulburn, observing Tennis NSW staff working directly with clubs to support growth and engagement. From meeting with committee members to visiting regional facilities, she saw how tailored support and strong relationships can make a meaningful impact at a local level.
By the end of the week, Ella’s perspective on tennis, and the careers within it, had completely shifted. What she once saw primarily as a sport she loved had become something much bigger.
“This week of work experience has given me insight into how Tennis NSW operates, and I have gained many skills such as communication, teamwork and organisation,” she said. “This experience has dramatically increased my confidence in a professional workplace and helped me explore a potential career option for the future.”
Already a graduate of the Future Leaders Program and a current Youth Advisory Group member, Ella is passionate about giving back to the sport, and this experience has only strengthened that drive.
Experiences like Ella’s highlight the many pathways available in tennis, showing that the sport offers opportunities far beyond the court while inspiring the next generation of leaders in the game.
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