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, Junior Hot Shots, and Adult tennis Xpress.
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 player's 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.
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, interclub groups, training groups, one-on-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 interclub levels. I now represent TKHP in Division 1 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.