RSTA COACH WINS AUSTRALIAN COACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Canberra Coach, Brett Lennard, has been awarded the inugural national award for Coaching Excellence by Tennis Australia.

Lennard, who earlier this year won the 2010 Tennis ACT Coach of the Year, was presented his latest award by 16 time Grand Slam Champion, Todd Woodbridge at Melbourne Park.

Tennis Australia presented its awards at a glittering black tie ceremony attended by 500 tennis identities including, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, John Newcombe, Tony Roche, Wally Massur, John Fitzgerald and Alicia Molik.

World No 6 Sam Stosur was presented with the Newcombe Medal as the Elite Athlete of 2010 after a thrilling run to the French Open final.

Tennis ACT CEO Ross Triffitt said Lennard, Head Coach of the Rising Star Tennis Academy, was nominated for the award for his passion, commitment and drive to contribute to every facet in the tennis community.

"Brett's highly motivated and committed to professional development as a coach, for himself and his staff," Mr Triffitt said.

"We are proud that Brett has won the award for Coaching Excellence at a club when there were more than 3000 eligable contenders throughout Australia."

"Be it a small child picking up a racquet for the first time or an elite athlete striving to compete at the top level, Brett's Academy (RSTA) offers a large complement of programs to cater to the diverse needs of the Canberra community."