Head Coach - Jack Hardie

I have been coaching and working in Scottish tennis for 10+ years now since leaving Stirling University in 2015. I have spent time coaching and playing overseas in Australia working at White City Tennis in Sydney, a former Davis Cup venue. I have been the Head Coach at Thistle Tennis Club since the Summer of 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed growing the kids’ program and helping develop players and members games.

The team and I offer a range of individual and group sessions for all ages and abilities and welcome any new members and players to the club. I am also involved with the East of Scotland junior program and work with various players when captaining county teams and travelling to tournaments. I have had junior national champions across age-groups with hopefully more to come in the next few years.

There is something on offer for everyone at the club and I look forward to helping you on your tennis journey and achieving your goals.

Luke McFaralne - Assistant Coach

Background

I have been playing tennis since I was 5 years old and I continued to play at school at Merchiston Tennis Academy where I competed nationally across the UK whilst being vice-captain of the team. I played in various county cups and I'm currently a member of the Barnton Park Men's Division 1 Team.

I have been coaching for 3 years now in Edinburgh and Glasgow. My main ambition in coaching is for every player to reach their maximum potential whilst trying their very best. 

Favourite part about coaching at Hotshots

I love working with the staff and pupils since everyone is so friendly and looking to improve their tennis. Also the fact that players can adapt to playing in all conditions outside at Thistle which will help them overcome certain obstacles in tournaments.

Favourite player

I think it would have to be Roger Federer because just watching his pure talent and skill really opened my eyes to tennis. 

Catherine Cowie- Assistant Coach

Background 

I started tennis when I was 10 years old at Aboyne Tennis Club, playing throughout my time at secondary school. I continued to play at university as a member of Edinburgh’s BUCS teams, and since graduating I have been playing for Thistle’s 1st ladies team. I have been coaching for the past 5 years now, at clubs in the North East and at Thistle, and nothing beats the feeling of seeing players’ hard work pay off!

Favourite part of coaching at Hotshots

I love seeing players of all abilities getting involved at Hotshots. I’m especially passionate about getting female players of all ages on court and Hotshots provides a great opportunity for this.

Favourite player

I have loved watching Iga Swiatek recently, an amazing player and such an inspiration for young girls in tennis and sport!