Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis Concluded Fiji Workshops
The leadership program supported women from six Pacific nations with professional development and networking.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Tennis
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Participants of the fifth Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis initiative gathered in Fiji for a week of intensive workshops. The program provides women from across the region with professional development, networking opportunities, and practical leadership experience.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to bolster the representation of Pacific women in leadership roles throughout the sport both on and off the court. Supported by the Australian Government through PacificAusSports, the program seeks to create pathways for career advancement in tennis.
This fifth-year iteration of the program hosted participants from six distinct Pacific nations. The curriculum featured collaborative workshops organized by Tennis Australia and the Oceania Tennis Federation.
The players
Jennifer Mark
She is a participant in the 2026/27 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme from the Solomon Islands.
Isabelle Gemmel
She leads the Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme for Tennis Australia.
Tennis Australia
This is the governing body for tennis in Australia which organizes developmental workshops and facilitates regional leadership programs.
Oceania Tennis Federation
This organization co-conducted the leadership workshops alongside Tennis Australia to support regional talent.
The details
Led by Isabelle Gemmel of Tennis Australia, the sessions focused on equipping attendees with the skills necessary to take on significant leadership positions. Jennifer Mark of the Solomon Islands was among the cohort of seven women who engaged in the developmental training during the event.
Timeline
September 13-18, 2026: The program was held in Fiji.
January 2027: Participants will travel to Melbourne for graduation.
Season Trajectory
The program reflects a broader trend of utilizing sports diplomacy to build administrative capacity within the Oceania region. By aligning with PacificAusSports, the initiative creates a pipeline for regional leaders to integrate into the global tennis infrastructure.
The program strengthens the administrative and coaching pipelines in the Pacific by connecting local talent with high-level industry mentors. This preparation is designed to facilitate the transition of regional women into key leadership roles across the international tennis circuit.
The takeaway
The program highlights the importance of targeted professional development in diversifying the sport's administrative leadership. Aspiring leaders should look for similar regional mentorship opportunities that bridge local expertise with established governing bodies.
What happens next
Participants will travel to Melbourne in January 2027 to attend final workshops and participate in the program graduation during the Australian Open.
Further reading
For more news on the sport, visit the Tennis section.
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