The Maribyrnong Sports Academy emerged victorious at the Victorian Tennis Awards, taking home awards for Coaching Excellence and Most Outstanding School.
Head of the tennis coaching team Marc Sophoulis was awarded for his coaching excellence, something he has been doing since he was 14.
“I started coaching through work experience and really enjoyed working with kids and helping others get better, now I have been with the Maribyrnong academy since it started,” he said.
“My favourite thing about coaching is the ability to impact so many lives and not just in tennis.
“Impacting people’s lives and helping them create the characters that they want to be in the future to create good citizens in our community is what I love.”
Mr Sophoulis teaches 43 student-athletes in the tennis program from years 7 – 12.
Other coaching staff include Benson Pisanelli, Nick Busuttil, Rani Goodland and Lucas Vuradin.
Sport director Mark McAllion said the Most Outstanding School award reflects the teaching efforts of the staff as well as the dedication of the students.
“The staff that work incredibly hard, but the kids are also very committed and dedicated.
“Mark has communicated to the kids really well that both of those awards are a reflection of the commitment that the kids put in.
“As well as the work that the staff does on the tennis court, as well as the strength and conditioning staff, the rehab staff, all of which help the kids get the most out of the programme and have the best experience that we can provide while they’re here.”
Unlike other sports, Mr McAllion said the a tennis program is based more on training rather than competing, meaning this award is special for everyone.
“Our model here is an individual development model, which means largely the aim of our program is to develop the individual student to their highest level.
“The kids are playing some competitions and tournaments for the school, but the sole focus is on individual development.
“So this award is a great recognition for what happens here early in the morning and late in the afternoon every day.”
The awards took place on Tuesday, October 17 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, where the Maribyrnong community was celebrated and 15 awards were announced.
