If you’ve been watching the Aussie Open and have entertained the idea of being the next Alex de Minaur, Ash Barty, Alexei Popyrin, or Alex Bolt, you’re in luck as Mudgee District Tennis Club has signed a new coach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Todd O’Kelly was introduced to tennis at the age of five and instantly fell in love with the sport.
“I’ve been playing tennis since I was old enough to hold a racquet,” he said.
“I just fell in love with it [tennis].”
O’Kelly has an extensive list of achievements in the sport including making representative teams for his local club, Nepean, and went on to later represent Central West at the NSW State Titles in juniors winning the under 20 age level, while representing his home club in various inter-district competitions as well as playing for his high school team.
Having visited Mudgee frequently and with his partner recently opening a coffee and cake shop in town, O’Kelly says “all the stars just aligned.”
“Having visited a lot, I fell in love with the place and decided it was somewhere I wanted to move to,” he said,
All the stars just aligned. It was the sort of opportunity I couldn’t say no to.
- Todd Kelly
Alongside Mudgee tennis, Todd aims to get people of all ages and abilities involved in tennis either in a social or competitive capacity, with cardio tennis on the table.
“I’m so excited to get out to Mudgee and try and grow the game,” Todd said.
“It gives people another option to get active and get outside and get the involved in such a good sport you can play for life.
We want to have an offering for people of all ages. We want it to be as accessible and open to everyone.
While the sport is challenging, O’Kelly says it’s the type of game you can play for life.
“It’s a traditional Australian sport that’s always been in our sporting DNA,” he said.
“It’s challenging, no two matches are the same. It’s just a really exciting sport.”
Read more | Women in Sport | Story of Cheryl Crockett
For those who dream of taking to the court, O’Kelly encourages everyone to have a go regardless of ability.
If you ever think about having a go at tennis, come down and give it a go. We will organise a level of tennis for everyone.
“We’ll get out on the court and have some fun.
“It’s a great time for those who might be casual tennis fans to jump into it and give it a try when they’re watching it on TV. Come see if it’s for you, hopefully you’ll fall in love with the sport as well.”
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
