By Alesha Capone
Point Cook’s Liz Ross says tennis has brought both friendship and love into her life.
Ms Ross has been a line umpire for four years and a court supervisor for three years – this year she started training as a referee and lines coach.
She has been selected as one of three finalists in this year’s Victorian Tennis Awards ‘Excellence in Officiating’ category, along with her friends Phillip Goodman, of Mill Park, and Ken Young, of Lyndhurst.
Ms Ross said she was “very pleased” that the club she plays for, the Royal Park Tennis Club, is also a finalist in the Most Outstanding Club or Centre category.
Ms Ross said she played netball while at school, but gave tennis a go at the suggestion of a friend.
“We actually won the grand final in my first season, so after that I was hooked,” Ms Ross said.
“As my netball career came to an end I was very thankful to have tennis to continue from a fitness/sport perspective.
“I have made so many tennis friends over the years and I actually met my husband through tennis and my club.”
Ms Ross said she enjoyed several aspects of her role as a tennis official.
“I enjoy being part of a team and specifically with lines, the excitement you get from being accurate and loud when needed,” she said.
“The people you get to work with make it very special too.”
Tennis Victoria will announce the award winners on October 18.
