Les Wood-Wilson: A TCAV Legend’s Impact on Australian Tennis
Les Wood-Wilson’s contribution to tennis coaching in Australia is nothing short of legendary. His unique approach to the game, his unwavering dedication to developing young talent, and his passion for the sport have left a lasting legacy. As a TCAV Legend, Les’s impact is still felt today through the many players he mentored, coached, and inspired throughout his career.
A Passion for Tennis and the Development of Young Players
Les’s journey in tennis began at the age of 12 when he started coaching with Tony Ryan at the Merrivale Club Courts in Glen Iris. This was the beginning of what would become a distinguished career in tennis coaching. Les worked with a group of young talents, including Jenny Staley Hoad, Bev Malcolm Woods, Val Finlayson, and John Stewart, who later went on to win A-grade Pennant at Glen Iris. While some of his students represented their states at junior interstate pennant level, Jenny, who was already successful in the Australian & Victorian Championships, was also one of his protégés.
Les was known for his hands-on coaching style, and he often drove his young players in his old sports car to country tournaments around Victoria, where he taught them the basics of tennis and how to plan and execute their game. Unlike traditional coaching methods, Les favoured a more interactive style—he would often have his students practice hitting together in groups of four to a court, working on their cross-court and down-the-line shots rather than simply feeding them balls. This approach helped develop not only their technique but also their ability to strategise during play.
A Unique Approach to Coaching and Life
Les was passionate about all things tennis, but his love for the game went beyond coaching. He spoke five languages, was an avid reader, and had a deep intellectual curiosity, which he brought into his coaching. Les famously disliked watching television, preferring instead to immerse himself in learning and sharing knowledge about the game. His holistic approach to coaching went beyond just teaching technique—it was about developing the whole player, teaching them how to think critically and strategically on the court.
One of Les’s most notable achievements was his work with the Coghlan family. Les relocated the Coghlan family from Warrnambool to his home in Ashburton, where he developed Lorraine and Will into Australian Junior Champions. Will later went on to play at Wimbledon, a testament to the lasting impact Les had on his players’ careers.
A Legacy Built on Excellence
Les Wood-Wilson’s career spans decades of developing and coaching talented young players, many of whom went on to achieve great success in Australian tennis. His approach to coaching—focusing on technique, mental resilience, and strategic thinking—has influenced countless players and coaches who have followed in his footsteps.
As a TCAV Legend, Les’s contributions to tennis coaching in Australia are celebrated, and his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of coaches and players. His passion for the game, his dedication to his students, and his unique coaching style have left a permanent mark on the sport, ensuring that his influence will be felt for many years to come.
