In this edition of our Coach Spotlight Series, we sit down with Olivia Ley, a 28-year-old tennis coach from Adelaide, Australia. Olivia has lived the highs and lows of professional tennis — from competing on the ITF junior and women’s circuits to battling back from injury — and now channels her experience into coaching the next generation.
Good morning Olivia, it’s great to have you as our guest on our newest series of ‘Coach Spotlights’. Please tell our readers a little about you and your career in tennis so far?
A: I am a 28-year-old tennis player from Adelaide, Australia. I first picked up a racquet at the age of three and never looked back. I have been fortunate to play on the junior ITF tour, the women’s tour, and club tennis in both Adelaide and Sydney, winning seven premierships — six in Adelaide and one in Sydney.
Olivia Ley, Australian tennis coach,
Thanks very much Olivia… Can you please tell us first of all about your playing career?
A: One of my earliest memories was winning my first tournament at age 10. From there I represented South Australia on multiple occasions before moving onto the ITF junior circuit. A career highlight came in December 2013 when I reached the semi-finals of the 16s National Championships, finishing third after a tough three-set battle.
In January 2014, I was fortunate to compete in the Australian Open Juniors qualifying draw before finishing Year 12. I then transitioned onto the women’s ITF circuit, which came with highs and lows.
2017 was a turning point when I rolled my ankle badly and was told it was a career-ending injury. I refused to accept that and spent 18 months on rehab. My first tournament back ended with a win — a moment I’ll never forget.
The following years saw more tournaments, until COVID interrupted everything. Despite that, my team was awarded the premiership by default in 2020 and then went on to win another five premierships in a row. Captaining and leading that group remains a career highlight.
In 2022, I moved to Sydney to further my coaching career — but I couldn’t resist returning to competition, where I helped a new team capture another title. Team tennis seems to follow me everywhere!
Congratulations on your success there Olivia. At what age and what were the reasons that you decided to become a coach?
A: Coaching came naturally. In Year 12 I needed to earn some money, so I started feeding balls. Over time, I grew to love it. Helping kids improve, giving back, and seeing their progress became incredibly rewarding.
What would you say are your biggest achievements as a coach?
A: Being part of the development team for young Aussie junior Sarah Mildren, who is currently ranked 120 in ITF juniors and has a WTA ranking of 1028. Watching her grow from age 8 to now competing internationally has been amazing.
Another highlight has been coaching at the National Junior Teams Event, where coaches are allowed to sit on court. My teams have finished second and third multiple times — experiences that stand out in my coaching journey.
So, you are 28 now and time is very much still on your side… Can you tell us more about your short, medium and long-term goals within the tennis industry?
A:
- Short-term: Head overseas, work with international coaches and players, and begin touring more.
- Medium-term: Create pathways for Australians to train and compete overseas, giving them more opportunities to develop.
- Long-term: Represent Australia as a team coach at world junior events and eventually coach at a Grand Slam.
Having played tennis as a junior and pro and now coaching yourself, who are the coaches that you have learnt most from in your career to date?
A: Three people stand out:
- Todd Langman – former coach of Thanasi Kokkinakis. His relentless work ethic and intensity shaped my mindset on hard work and preparation.
- Todd Ley – my brother, who was a world number one junior at 12. His advice on nerves — “That’s what you signed up for” — still resonates.
- My dad, Max – my first coach, who instilled discipline, repetition, and a no-excuses approach to training.
Quick-fire Questions
- Go-to Lunch: Something fresh, simple, and filling.
- Padel, Pickleball or Beach Tennis? Pickleball all the way.
- Other Sports Followed: AFL, NRL, Basketball, pretty much everything.
- Dream Holiday: Anywhere in Europe or the Maldives.
- Relaxing Means: Spending time with friends and family over good food.
- Favourite Sports Person Outside Tennis: Too many to name.
- Winners of Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka & Novak Djokovic.
- Favourite Author: Mel Robbins.
Closing
Thank you Olivia for sharing your story with us. From ITF junior events to coaching promising Australian juniors, your journey shows the resilience and passion that define great coaches.
Inspired by Olivia’s story?
▪️ Explore tennis coaching jobs worldwide: www.sportsprosconnect.com/jobs/
▪️ Join SPC today and connect with our global network of coaches.
▪️ Check out Oliva’s SPC profile here: https://sportsprosconnect.com/profiles/olivia-ley/
