Coaching Inquiries
Contact our Head Coach, Allan Harris
Phone or text: 0403 290 444
Email: alan.harris2@bigpond.com
OUR COACHES
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Allan Harris
Head Coach
With 45+ years of coaching experience, Allan Harris has made an extraordinary contribution to tennis across Queensland and continues to be a highly respected mentor within the tennis community.
A Tennis Australia Level 3 Qualified Coach, Allan has coached players of all ages and abilities, including former world No. 35 Nicole Pratt during her junior years, as well as numerous state and national champions. While these achievements are impressive, Allan is equally passionate about introducing beginners to the game and helping every player reach their own potential.
At Pioneer Tennis, Allan leads much of our Squad Program while also coaching across our Learn & Play pathway, including Red, Orange and Green Ball programs. His patient approach, wealth of knowledge and genuine love for the game have inspired generations of players both on and off the court.
Beyond coaching, Allan has made a significant contribution to the sport as a Tournament Referee, coordinated the North Queensland Junior Development Series for more than a decade, and served on the Tennis Queensland Board for six years, helping shape the future of tennis throughout the region.
When he's not developing players, Allan is often helping develop the courts themselves, having assisted clubs across North and Far North Queensland with tennis court resurfacing and maintenance.
We're incredibly fortunate to have Allan as part of the Pioneer Tennis family. His experience, humility and passion continue to enrich our club and inspire players of every age and ability.
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David "Lefty" Wright
Senior Coach
A proud Mackay local, David "Lefty" Wright has been sharing his passion for tennis with players across the region for many years. With a Tennis Australia Level 2 Coaching Qualification, Lefty is dedicated to helping players grow in confidence, develop their skills and enjoy every stage of their tennis journey.
Having grown up playing tennis on the family farm, Lefty was a talented Queensland junior before beginning his career in the motor and sugar industries. His lifelong love of the game eventually led him back to the court, where he has become a familiar and respected figure in regional tennis.
As a long-serving coach at Pioneer Tennis, Lefty works closely with our Next Gen and Junior Tournament Squads, helping young players develop both their game and their confidence as they progress through the competitive pathway. He is also known as our travelling coach, regularly accompanying players to tournaments and providing valuable support, encouragement and guidance beyond the club.
Lefty's commitment to growing tennis extends well beyond Pioneer Tennis. He has coached throughout the Mackay region, including many years in Sarina and across numerous country schools, introducing countless children to the game and helping build strong tennis communities throughout the region.
In addition to his coaching, Lefty is recognised as one of North Queensland's most respected Tournament Directors, with a reputation for delivering well-run events that provide positive experiences for players, families and officials alike.
We're proud to have Lefty as part of the Pioneer Tennis coaching team. His experience, dedication and genuine care for every player make him an invaluable mentor and an important part of our tennis community.
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Jane Shepherd
Junior Development Coach
Since joining the Pioneer Tennis coaching team in 2016, Jane Shepherd has become a much-loved and valued member of our club. As a Tennis Australia Qualified Junior Development Coach, Jane is passionate about helping young players build confidence, develop their skills and foster a lifelong love of tennis.
Originally from country New South Wales, Jane attended college in the United States before returning to Australia to raise her family. Her broad life experiences, combined with her approachable and caring nature, make her a wonderful mentor for players both on and off the court.
Jane oversees Pioneer Tennis' Learn & Play Program, guiding players through the Red, Orange and Green Ball pathway and creating a fun, supportive environment where children can learn, grow and enjoy the game. She also delivers coaching throughout the Mackay region, visiting a number of local and country schools each week to introduce more children to tennis.
As both a coach and the parent of a young competitive player, Jane brings a unique understanding of the player and family journey. Her empathy, enthusiasm and commitment to every child make her an invaluable part of the Pioneer Tennis coaching team.
We're incredibly grateful for the care, positivity and encouragement Jane brings to our club each day. Her dedication helps create an environment where young players feel supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their best.
Billy McDonald
High Performance Coach
Since joining Pioneer Tennis as one of our relief coaches, Billy McDonald has quickly become a valued member of both our coaching team and club community. Through his professionalism, approachable nature and passion for developing players, Billy has made a lasting impression on players and families alike.
As the founder of OnTour Tennis, Billy brings a wealth of coaching experience and is highly respected for his knowledge of player development and high-performance tennis. His coaching philosophy focuses on helping players build strong technical foundations, develop tactical awareness and gain the confidence needed to compete at their highest level.
Billy works with players across a range of ages and abilities, offering thoughtful, individualised coaching that challenges players while fostering a genuine enjoyment of the game. His ability to connect with players has made him a trusted mentor both on and off the court.
Whether supporting our coaching programs, assisting with squads or sharing his extensive experience with players and fellow coaches, Billy's contribution has been invaluable.
We're grateful to have Billy as part of the Pioneer Tennis coaching team and appreciate the expertise, enthusiasm and high-performance knowledge he brings to our club. His commitment to developing players continues to strengthen our coaching program and inspire those striving to reach their full potential.
Chayne Adamson
Assistant Coach
A proud local from Sarina, Chayne Adamson represents the next generation of tennis coaches at Pioneer Tennis. Having grown up playing the game himself, Chayne is now developing his coaching skills while sharing his enthusiasm for tennis with the next generation of players.
Nearing completion of his Tennis Australia Level 1 Coaching Qualification, Chayne combines his passion for tennis with a willingness to learn and grow both on and off the court.
Chayne coaches primarily within our Red, Orange and Green Ball programs, helping young players build confidence, develop fundamental skills and discover the fun of tennis in a supportive environment. His friendly nature and positive attitude make him a great role model for our youngest players.
We're excited to support Chayne as he continues his coaching journey and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our players and the wider Pioneer Tennis community for many years to come.