Coach Profiles
Head Coach: Hugo Strang
About Me:
I have been coaching professionally for over 15 years and as a trainee prior to that. Over the years, with the help of a great coaching team, we've created an excellent player pathway for juniors and adult players at TKHP. I've enjoyed travelling with juniors to regional, national and international tournaments. I am a strong technical and strategical coach, but my unique strengths are my energy and motivational skills and the ability to adapt to individuals' characteristics and their stage of development. Perhaps my favourite aspect of coaching is sharing the excitement players get as they progress.
Coaching Role:
My core role at TKHP is to manage the majority of our coaching programmes; junior interclub team coaching, Junior and adult development squads and adult tennis Xpress (Our junior Hot Shots programme is managed by Noah Holmes).
The role includes leading and developing our coaching staff, monitoring the progress of the players and delivering lessons. I do some private lessons for players who are trying to maximise their potential, training multiple times per week and competing regularly in regional and national tournaments.
Playing Experience:
I have been playing tennis since I was 9 years old, and still enjoy competing. As a coach it's a great help to understand things from a players' perspective. I enjoy the challenge of playing at the premier interclub level, especially playing alongside our younger players who have made their way up through the junior ranks. Playing highlights for me have been playing interclub in Germany and picking up a silver medal at the World Masters Games in Auckland in 2017.
Assistant Head Coach and Hot Shots Head Coach: Noah Holmes
I have been coaching tennis for 5 years now. I started coaching when I was in school and living in Wanaka. I played tennis from a young age, and traveled around New Zealand competing. Sadly, I had to stop playing in my later junior years due to an injury. I shifted my focus to coaching, learning my trade under highly regarded Wanaka coach Perry Crocket. I loved playing the sport, but soon I discovered how much I loved teaching it.
In late 2019 I moved to Christchurch to work at Te Kura Hagley Park, which has advanced my tennis into a coaching career that is rewarding and is expanding my areas of knowledge. I have experience coaching all ages and levels, both in group situations and in a one-on-one dynamic. My strong points are communication and having a positive attitude, both on and off the court.
I enjoy sharing my passion for all elements of this sport I love, and discussing the strategies and performance with you. My main aim is to help you maximise your ability, find your individual strengths and help you reach your goals. At the same time, I want you to enjoy the learning process playing such a fantastic sport.
I’m happy to say that I’ve recovered from my injury and I’m enjoying playing again. I’m excited to be coaching and playing at TKHP and looking forward to travelling to tournaments as a player and a coach too.
Senior Coach: Christine Yap
Coaching Experience:
I have been coaching at TKHP for the last 4 years. My interest in coaching started with my involvement with Hot Shots Community Play at TKHP 7 years ago. I now coach Hot Shot groups, inter club groups, training groups, one to one private lessons with children and adults of all ages and ability. It does not matter what level your game is at – I will ensure that you have a positive and fun experience while progressing your tennis ability. You will come away enjoying the session and love playing tennis at social and or competitive levels.
Playing Experience:
I started playing tennis in my early teenage years in Malaysia and have represented my State as a junior. I continued to play into my adult years in New Zealand, initially in Auckland then in Christchurch at various inter club levels. I now represent TKHP in Division 1 Ladies and Mixed. I also play regular tournaments on the Canterbury Tennis Senior circuit and represent Canterbury in many regional tournaments. Tennis is a game for life.