Lily Miyazaki surprises LTA Rising Star & Performance Competition of the Year winners in Shrewsbury
• 3 MINUTE READ
Coach and budding tennis referee Amy Dannatt celebrated with Lily Miyazaki when the British professional tennis player took time out from a tournament to congratulate her on being crowned 2023 Rising Star of the Year.
A popular member of The Shrewsbury Club’s coaching team, Amy picked up the trophy at the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, in July. The club itself claimed the Performance Competition of the Year award for hosting the ITF W100 tournament. Amy and The Shrewsbury Club were the county’s first-ever winners of national trophies.
Lily - who has won five singles titles and seven doubles titles in tournaments on the ITF Women's Circuit - was in Shrewsbury last month to compete at this year’s ITF W100 event.
The 28-year-old took time out from her busy schedule to have a hit with Amy on court at The Shrewsbury Club in the third instalment of our three-part series on the LTA Tennis Award winners.
Lily said: “People like Amy, they are really passionate about the sport. She's been involved in tennis since she was really young. It’s great to see someone like that still involved, giving their time to the sport.
“Tennis in Britain relies on the coaches, volunteers and officials who put in so much hard work throughout the year.’’
Speaking on receiving her award, Amy added, “I was a little bit nervous about dropping the trophy because it was so heavy. It was really nice to experience winning.’
Tennis in Britain relies on the coaches, volunteers and officials who put in so much hard work throughout the year.
Amy, who was a club member from a young age before she joined the team as a coach, also runs the children’s programme.
Dave Courteen, Managing Director of The Shrewsbury Club, said: “We are so proud of Amy for all she has achieved. To see her presented with such a prestigious national award was an extremely special moment.
“She certainly is a rising star and does an excellent job as a tennis referee and official to help ensure that Tennis Shropshire’s County Championships and Battle of Shropshire are such a success.”
He added: “I am also so pleased for our team and all the volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of last November’s ITF World Tennis event. It was the biggest tournament we have staged at The Shrewsbury Club and the feedback we received from the LTA, officials, players and spectators was excellent.
“We are one of the biggest tennis clubs in the county. We think we have a responsibility to grow the game and see what a wonderful sport this is and actually get out there and get playing.’’
LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus
The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis across Britain. Nominations for the LTA Tennis Awards 2024 are open until 30 November 2023.
