28 October 2025 | Tennis Tasmania

This award celebrates senior 30+ players who have shown long-term dedication to Seniors Tennis as players, administrators, or both. It recognises individuals who have helped elevate the sport’s public profile through excellence and integrity on and off the court.

This year’s finalists – Jon Aufder-Heide, Shaun Summers, and Stephen Dance have each made an outstanding contribution to the growth, success, and reputation of Seniors Tennis in Tasmania.

Jon Aufder-Heide
Jon has been a driving force in Seniors Tennis for more than 30 years, combining success on court with leadership off it. He has captained 10 Tasmanian state teams, including leading the first-ever Division 1 National Championship victory by a Tasmanian side in the Over 40s division, and has claimed over 100 Seniors titles across singles, doubles, and mixed events.
In addition to his playing achievements, Jon has served on the Australian Seniors Executive Committee and continues to promote and support the sport through his involvement in State Seniors Championships and mentoring of other players.

Shaun Summers
Shaun has been instrumental in revitalising Seniors Tennis in Tasmania through both leadership and performance. As Chairman of the Tennis Seniors Tasmania Working Group, he has led the delivery of two national ranking tournaments and developed a growing statewide network of players through social media and community engagement.
On court, Shaun’s season included multiple singles and doubles titles, as well as a gold medal at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast. His passion for the sport and inclusive approach have made him a key figure in strengthening Tasmania’s Seniors tennis community.

Stephen Dance
Stephen is one of Australia’s most accomplished senior athletes and a global ambassador for Tasmanian tennis. In 2024–25, he captained the Australian 70+ team to a World Championship victory in Florida and claimed medals in all three individual events, gold in mixed doubles, silver in doubles, and bronze in singles. He also achieved World No. 1 rankings in doubles and mixed, and World No. 3 in singles on the ITF Masters World Tour.
Beyond his results, Stephen is known for his humility and generosity. During the Australian Teams Championships in Adelaide, he stepped in to assist the 35+ Tasmanian team, embodying leadership and sportsmanship. His achievements and attitude continue to inspire both local and international tennis communities.

Each of these finalists exemplifies the spirit of Seniors Tennis through their dedication, integrity, and passion for the game.

Congratulations to Stephen Dance (pictured holding plate), winner of the 2025 Tasmanian Tennis Awards Most Outstanding Senior 30+ Player, for his remarkable achievements and his ongoing contribution to tennis in Tasmania and beyond.