Director of Tennis News

Director of Tennis Chris Hirst is moving on at the end of July.

Highgate’s tennis section has been very lucky over the past couple of years to have worked with Chris Hirst, who became the club’s Head of Performance in October 2012 and Director of Tennis in September 2013. Chris recently informed us that after much deliberation he is moving to New Zealand in September with his partner Heidi (who has got a fantastic job offer there and where her family are based).

Over the past couple of years the tennis section has developed under Chris’ stewardship. We have seen some good progress at junior level including success at county and national level in HPT, a HT programme that continues to attract lots of local talent, the bringing together of HPT and HT under one junior programme and very successful holiday camps. On the adult side, Chris has led the development of our adult courses, strong participation in team trials and the need for continued training at all levels.

Chris has instilled a sense of continual development across juniors and adults and his boundless enthusiasm, passion for the game and knowledge has been appreciated by everyone. He has brought his infectious energy to the rest of the coaching team and he has been a pleasure to work with.

The coaching sub-committee together with the Tennis Committee will now start a process of looking for a replacement for Chris. We will advertise the post from next week and hope to have someone in place soon, so they can have a hand over with Chris and that they are in place before the start of the school term in September.

This is fantastic news for Chris and Heidi and though we will be sad to see them go, we know that everyone in the club will wish them both the best of luck in the future, including a fabulous wedding to look forward to in December. We will keep everyone posted on a date for Chris’ leaving party!