Head Coach - Jack Hardie
Background
I have been playing tennis since I was 6 years old and have continued all the way through school, university and alongside coaching. I am Men's 1st team captain at East Division 1 side Lomond Park where I learnt to play over 20 years ago.
I have been coaching for 10 years now across Edinburgh, Stirling, Fife and also a season on the sunny grass courts of Sydney, Australia. My main ambition in coaching is to help everybody who steps on court with me to enjoy it and improve. I have experience in coaching children and adults of all ages and abilities ranging from beginners to junior county and national champions.
Favourite part about coaching at Hotshots
I enjoy coaching on both the clay courts at Thistle and the indoor hard courts at Merchiston school. Both facilities are excellent and the players can enjoy the switch in surface also. The club is incredibly social and friendly and I have enjoyed developing the program and helping members and players reach their goals.
Favourite player
Growing up initially it was Lleyton Hewitt, since then I've always been a Rafael Nadal fan. I love the grit and the fight from both of them on court.
Shannon-Anne O'Brien - Assistant Coach
Background
I started playing tennis in my home country South Africa when I was 7 years old and have continued to play the sport through school and university. I have played in the women’s league from age 14 and competed in junior tournaments, singles and doubles throughout Scotland and South Africa.
I was awarded my level 1 and level 2 coaching levels through the Tennis Scotland Apprenticeship. I have volunteered at different clubs for 3 years and have been a qualified coach for 5 years. I have recently been accepted on the level 3 coaching course and will be a qualified head coach in March 2022. I have experience coaching children and adults of all ages and abilities, from beginners to county players. My main aspiration is to make fun and creative environments to help all players learn, grow and improve at the sport, mentally and physically.
Favourite part about Hotshots
My favourite part about being a coach at Hotshots is the friendly and social environment created by my fellow coaches and players. I have enjoyed getting to know all the players and being accepted into the Hotshots family. Hotshots have fantastic facilities, inside and outdoor, with different surfaces for the players, which not many clubs can offer.
Favourite Player
My favourite player is Daria Saville. She is entertaining to watch because of her witty personality and humour, but she also has a fighting character and never gives up. I admire her for that.
Calum Liddle - Assistant Coach
Background
I have been coaching sport for the last 10 years both in Scotland and Overseas. Having played tennis from a young age, I am passionate about helping young people have fun and fulfil their potential.
Favourite part about Hotshots
We have a great team of coaches who do their best to ensure the sessions are fun and improve the skills of those who come to play. The club has fantastic courts and is very welcoming. The recent addition of the impressive Merchiston school facility is brilliant.
Favourite Player
My favourite player over the years has been Roger Federer. The way he has performed consistently at the highest level for so long and the elegance he shows on court is brilliant to watch. I have always enjoyed watching the grit and determination of Andy Murray too.
Murray McKay - Assistant Coach
Hey everyone, my names Murray and I’m originally from Inverness. I’ve been working with Jack on a support basis since April and have been enjoying getting involved again with coaching at Thistle. I started my coaching journey in Inverness and coached full time for a year when I left school in 2014. In that time I achieved my Level 2 and coached with a variety of ages abilities as well as adult sessions. I’ve also done a number of sunny seasons in Nort Carolina working as a coach at summer camp as well as working my way up to a position of leadership of an age range in my fourth summer. I’m currently working at an outdoor nursery which has helped my coaching as im working with children full time currently. Over the years I’ve played some club tennis in the Northern leagues and coached in Edinburgh whilst studying sports coaching and development at Edinburgh college