Sport
21 December, 2025
Talented tennis players do their clubs so proud
TWO young tennis players from Far North Queensland are making waves on the national and international stage.
Edmonton and Gordonvale tennis clubs’ president and coach Guy Thomas said the clubs had produced 20 Queensland title winners over the past three years, highlighting the success of local talent.
“One of them just won a scholarship to the US,” Mr Thomas said.
“Phoebe Hill, she’s been offered five US scholarships. Now she has finished school, so she’ll go there in about August next year,” he said.
Another standout, Vanessa Fitzgerald, has already competed at a high level nationally.
“She tossed the coin for the Australian Women’s Open this year and Madison Keys. She’s been the number one Australia-ranked girl in the 10s last year and in the 11s this year,” Mr Thomas said.
He said that Ms Fitzgerald played a key role in Queensland’s victory at the Bruce Cup, the Australian primary school teams’ event, winning all 16 of her matches.
She is currently competing in the Australian Grass Courts tournament, playing against older opponents.
Mr Thomas said the players had opportunities to continue their development through Tennis Australia programs.
“She goes to a Tennis Australia camp to prepare them for Australian junior teams overseas. They start travelling at 12 overseas,” he said.
The Edmonton and Gordonvale clubs are actively welcoming new players.
Mr Thomas encouraged locals to get involved.
“They can do it with us. Just give me a call on 0417648597 and visit the Blitz Tennis, Gordonvale and Edmonton Facebook pages.”
Mr Thomas emphasised the clubs’ track record in nurturing talent, noting the challenge of attracting players amid larger urban programs.
