Distinguished regional tennis coach Megan Henry is the first women ever to receive the Arthur Marshall coaching excellence award at the Tennis West Awards against Statewide nominees.

Henry was supported by family, friends, tennis students and Dumbleyung Tennis Club members when she accepted the award at the Optus Stadium Riverview Room on May 9.

The 45-year-old started coaching at 22, leading to the establishment of Megan Henry Tennis which offers mentoring, training, cardio tennis and more across 32 Wheatbelt and Great Southern locations.

Henry said the award was a milestone in WA sport because she was the first woman to win the category.

“It is a very male-dominated industry and I learnt after the awards I’m only one of four business operators in the State who are female, so it’s a massive milestone for women in sport and coaches in WA,” she said.

“I am very blessed to be able to coach and mentor other female coaches across the State.

“I had all male coaches growing up and I really noticed that as a female, and then one lady came along who was a female coach, and it was like a light-bulb moment.

“That’s a drive for me, to be visible in so many communities so young girls and boys can see there sisters, mums and daughters can be coaches.”

Growing up in Wagin and a dedicated Dumbleyung Tennis Club member after living there for years, Henry said the award showed regional tennis was thriving.

“It is not just a win for myself and my business but a win for regional tennis, women coaches, and small rural clubs,” she said.

“Our small clubs are bursting, with participation levels going through the roof.

“I feel really proud because it’s a lot of hard work, hours, early mornings and late nights on the road.

“It’s wonderful for our clubs, the schools and communities that support me. It’s like a beautiful ecosystem.

“The kids and adults are getting physical and mental health wellbeing, focusing on movement, connection, friendship and life skills, so coaching is not just about the sport.”