Louise Pleming awarded Spirit of Tennis Award #Newks21

Alcott and Barty won the coveted Newcombe Medal over worthy nominees and top 20-ranked doubles stars John Peers (Vic) and Sam Stosur (Qld).

The Newcombe Medal is the pinnacle award presented at the Australian Tennis Awards, which unites the sport’s players, coaches, clubs, communities, volunteers and officials across the country, in recognition and celebration for their service to the sport.

Hosted by Casey Dellacqua and Todd Woodbridge as a virtual gala ceremony, the 2021 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards is the eleventh instalment of the coveted awards.

The Spirit of Tennis Award was presented to RALLY4EVER founder Louise Pleming, by good friend Jelena Dokic, who she has also coached.

The respected former player, coach and commentator was recognised for her dedication to and work on improving the wellbeing and mental health of homeless and disadvantaged communities through RALLY4EVER. Designed to connect people from all walks of life through tennis, the initiative is being implemented by clubs and coaches across the country.

“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be the recipient of the Spirit of Tennis Award,” Pleming said.

“Tennis has given me so much in my life and I just want to share that with everyone that needs a hand… What drives me is the laughter, love and social connection that this sport brings to our community. It doesn’t matter where you are in your life or where you have come from, mental health doesn’t discriminate and neither does RALLY4EVER. We are committed to breaking the barriers through our amazing sport”.

Read the full article here: https://www.tennis.com.au/news/2021/12/17/ash-barty-and-dylan-alcott-share-newcombe-medal-honours