Class addition to coaching team

Merrifield Park Tennis Club announced its latest signing, with division one US college tennis player John Peacey now part of its coaching team.

Peacey comes to Albany after coaching at Peppermint Grove Tennis Club in Perth since moving back to Australia from the US, and he will also coach at Albany Tennis Academy during his time in the region.

The experienced tennis player and coach was also captain of the men’s State league team.

While spending time in the US, Peacey played division one USA college tennis representing University of Tennessee Chattanooga playing top grade and captaining the team in 2016.

“I moved down here as a medical student, one of the coaches at my old club in Perth knew David so he got in contact with me and gave me some work around my work at the hospital,” Peacey said.

“I grew up in small country towns so I'm really passionate about local tennis and seeing it improve.

“I am keen to get involved down here coaching and will play if there are some big tournaments.

“I just wanted a change of scenery and I’m really keen to get involved with the Albany (tennis) prospects”.

In 2015 Peacey was selected as an academic all-American athlete, while in 2012 he was the doubles winner of the Fiji International Tennis Federation tournament.

Peacey is available for group and private lessons.

ATA and MPTC head coach David Kerr said Peacey is a huge addition to the local tennis ranks. “We are very excited to have john join our Albany Tennis Association coaching team for 2020,” Kerr said.

“He came to Albany very highly recommended by many players and coaches in Perth and brings more youth and energy to our coaching team.”