About Us

Matt Goodwin

Director of Coaching

At 11 years of age, Matt discovered his love for tennis. Originally from the UK, he pursued his dream of becoming a tennis pro by playing competitively up to 6 times a week.

Emigrating to Australia in 1995, Matt settled in Port Macquarie with his family and progressed through the junior ranks with grit and determination. Playing with Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt in the Under 18’s Australian Championships remains a career highlight!

Channelling his enthusiasm from playing to teaching tennis was a natural progression. As a highly ranked player with over 10 years of coaching experience, Matt’s energy for helping his clients learn is contagious. With accreditation as a Master Tennis Professional with the Australian Tennis Professional Coaches Association (ATPCA), Matt’s teaching style is dynamic, fun and practical.

Still driven to be competitive, Matt currently holds the title of NSW State Champion 2019 for Men’s Singles 40-45, is currently ranked 5th in Australia and 154th in the world (International Tennis Federation) for his age group.

Laura Marsh

Director of Business/Operations

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Behind every good business, there’s an awesome multitasker looking after the day to day operations. Lucky for us, we have one of the best!

With a strong background in marketing and events, Laura is an effervescent member of our team. She’s the friendly voice you’ll hear when you call us. The efficient one to answer your online enquiries. And the tech-savvy one who looks after our social media and website.

Originally from the UK, Laura is also partner to Head Coach Matt and mum to their little boy Rio. The ultimate multitasker, she’s currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences while juggling her business role with being a mum and a student like a champ.

With not a lot of time to spend at the courts, Laura brings a great balance of professionalism and fun to Goodwin Tennis - a true asset in customer service and everything that goes on behind the scenes!

Emily Dennis

Marketing Manager

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When it comes to marketing, authenticity is key—you want to believe in the brand and trust its story and that’s why Emily is our marketing co-ordinator.

Born and raised in Port Macquarie, Emily now lives here with her husband, Aran. She first joined Goodwin as a young adult looking for a new hobby and quickly fell in love with playing tennis each week. Now, as our Marketing Coordinator, she’s the creative force behind our social media, website, and digital content.

Currently completing a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Event Management, Emily balances her studies with crafting engaging campaigns that connect our community and grow the Goodwin brand. Whether she’s capturing highlights on the tennis court or sharing club updates, she brings energy, creativity, and a love for the game to everything she does!

Nathan Wilkins

Head Tennis Coach

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Meet Nathan, our tennis whiz from Forster turned local hero at Lake Cathie. Growing up as a national-level junior tennis ace and a school pathway star in cross country and athletics, Nathan has always had a knack for sports. After hanging up his competitive sneakers, he found his true calling in coaching, mentored by the great Jaime McDonagh. In 2006, he took the plunge and got his formal coaching stripes to help mould the next generation of tennis talent.

Nathan's journey took him to Tennis NSW, where he played a pivotal role in promoting tennis across Central West NSW and spearheaded the Central West Regional Squad. His flair for coaching caught the eyes at Tennis Australia, making him the go-to ambassador for their Cardio Tennis Program and a presenter at the Grand Slam Coaches Conference.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Nathan took the helm as Head Coach in Mudgee, where he transformed a modest group of 6 juniors into a bustling community of over 250 eager players in just a few years. Under his guidance, local kids have clinched both local and regional titles!

Ready to up your game with Nathan? He’s just as excited to meet you as you are to hit that first ace!

Vanessa Kendal

Tennis & Pickleball Coach

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Vanessa, affectionately known as Ness, is a cornerstone of the West Port Macquarie Tennis Club, not only serving as our dedicated Secretary but also as one of Goodwin Tennis’ esteemed coaches. An ATPCA Graduate Tennis Professional and a certified Pickleball Level 1 Coach Vanessa brings fun, commitment and a strategic mindset to the courts - qualities that deeply enrich our community.

Vanessa is a formidable presence in tennis, renowned for her skill and passion for the game. Her love for tennis transcends the sport, embracing the physical and mental benefits it brings to her life. She's more than just a coach; she's a vital part of our tennis family, inspiring players with her dedication and zest for life on and off the court.

Her blend of professional rigor and sporting excellence makes Vanessa a beloved and respected member of our community, constantly pushing us all to strive for greatness in every serve and volley.

Tom Graham

Tennis Coach

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Tom Graham recently moved to Port Macquarie from Sydney where he...

Julia Gray

Brand & Community Assistant

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Julia joins the club as our new Brand & Community Assistant, bringing with her a strong background in retail management, all aspects of administration and a genuine passion for customer service. Originally from the UK Julia followed her heart and moved to Port Macquarie over 20 years ago to get married. Now as a busy mum of two sporty teenage boys, Julia understands the role sport plays in bringing families together and fostering confidence, teamwork and fun.

She is also a passionate pickleball enthusiast and is excited to support the continued growth of both tennis and pickleball at the club.

Whether it’s helping members, supporting events, or strengthening the club’s brand and community presence, Julia is looking forward to being a familiar face around the courts and building meaningful connections within the Goodwins community.

Elijah Livingston

Tennis Coach

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Introducing Elijah, a cornerstone of the coaching team at Goodwin Tennis, whose lifelong passion for tennis started at the young age of 7. Growing up in a family where tennis was a staple, Elijah not only embraced the sport but excelled in it, becoming a competitive player celebrated for his numerous wins on the court.

While a gifted athlete in multiple sports, Elijah chose to dedicate himself to tennis, captivated by its intricacies and the profound satisfaction it offers. His decision to become an ATPCA Graduate Tennis Professional Coach was driven by a desire to share this love for the game and the personal growth it fosters.

Elijah’s coaching style is marked by his empathy and exceptional ability to connect with young players, making every session both fun and enriching. He thrives on seeing his students develop and for Elijah, the ultimate reward is watching someone's pride when they realise how much they've progressed.

His deep understanding of the sport’s emotional and technical complexities makes him a beloved coach here. Elijah’s guidance is sure to enrich your tennis journey.

Banjo Ferris

Pickleball Coach & Assistant Tennis Coach

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Say hello to Banjo, a vibrant and pivotal member of our community at West Port Macquarie Tennis Club. Banjo's enthusiasm for both tennis and pickleball is contagious, playing competitively in both arenas and bringing a spirited energy to every match, whether partnering with adults or juniors.

His passion for the game is evident in every serve and volley, inspiring players of all ages with his dedication and competitive spirit. Banjo's ability to engage and connect with both adults and juniors not only makes him a favorite on the court but also strengthens the bonds within our tennis family. His commitment to the sports he loves deeply enriches our club’s culture, making every game he plays a lesson in passion and perseverance.

Sam Buttle

Assistant Tennis Coach

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Sam has been playing tennis since he was five years old and quickly developed a strong passion for the game. Now in Year 8 at St Columba Anglican School, where he has studied since kindy, Sam enjoys sharing that passion by helping younger players learn and improve their skills on court. He loves seeing players build confidence and progress in a sport that has given him so much enjoyment. Sam is also one of our Academy players, competing regularly, joining squad lessons and additional privates so he is regularly at the courts whether for coaching himself or coaching others. Outside of tennis, Sam is a keen musician who plays piano and has recently started learning guitar.

Luka Semchyshyn

Assistant Tennis Coach

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About Luka here

Rachael Garley

Tennis Coach

Rachael finally returned to the Mid North Coast after spending the past two decades in the Albury Wodonga region. Her love for tennis began in primary school, progressing from junior leagues to adult social competitions. For Rachael, tennis has always been more than a sport. It is a way to connect with people, build community and create lifelong friendships. Growing up, many family tennis matches ended with a barbecue, reinforcing her belief that tennis is the ultimate social sport. A mum of three (plus one fur baby), Rachael’s whole family can often be found at the courts each week. Her motto is simple: have a crack, have a laugh and fun will always follow.

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Goodwin Tennis is an independent tennis coaching academy located on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

Our Values

Radiate Positivity

Nurture our Community

Embrace Professional Excellence

Champion Mental Well-being

Create a Lasting Impact

The Team

Matt Goodwin

Laura Marsh

Emily Dennis

Nathan Wilkins

Vanessa Kendal

Tom Graham

Julia Gray

Elijah Livingston

Banjo Ferris

Sam Buttle

Luka Semchyshyn

Rachael Garley

Our Approach & Ethos

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