Performance Tennis

At Loughborough University, we’re proud to offer a tennis environment where players thrive both on and off the court. Our performance programme is a true dual career pathway, enabling student-athletes to pursue a world-class degree while training and competing at a level that supports aspirations toward WTA/ATP competition.

With five men’s and five women’s teams competing in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), there are vast opportunities to represent Loughborough at a high level. Our coaches recruit year-round, and prospective students are encouraged to attend our tennis-specific experience days. Team selection takes place during trials in the first week of the academic year.

Built on the core values of commitment, consistency, and a willingness to learn, the programme combines elite coaching, academic flexibility, and holistic development, preparing players for success in both sport and life.

A wheelchair tennis player about to hit the ball with their racket

Wheelchair Tennis

Our wheelchair tennis programme is designed to support wheelchair players looking to progress as performance athletes.  Students will be supported by Lottie Howard and our expert performance support team to develop as high-level performance players.

Benefits

7x on court squad training sessions per week (14 hours)
Weekly BUCS matches
2x gym sessions in Powerbase
2x on-court S&C sessions per week
Comprehensive Performance Support, including access to physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, physiology, and more
Performance Lifestyle support to help you balance elite sport with academic success
Scholarship opportunities for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment

Our star alumni

Lloyd Glasspool wearing a white top and holding a tennis racket

Lloyd Glasspool

Loughborough University MBA graduate

Tennis

  • Lloyd has established himself as a top professional on the tennis circuit.
  • He achieved a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 19, highlighting his success and dedication at the highest level.
Olivia Nicholls on a tennis court holding a racket

Olivia Nicholls

BSc Sport Science with Management graduate

Tennis

  • Olivia has forged a strong professional tennis career, reaching a career-high WTA doubles ranking of No. 64 on the international stage.
George Houghton wearing a medal whilst stood on a pink and purple tennis court

George Houghton

BSc in Sport and Exercise Science graduate

Tennis

  • He has competed professionally, reaching a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 1157, showing consistent commitment to his sport.
Nadia Rawson on a pink tennis court holding a racket

Nadia Rawson

BSc Sport and Exercise Science graduate

Tennis

  • Nadia has combined academic success with professional tennis ambitions, achieving a career-high WTA doubles ranking of No. 784.

I think Loughborough has a unique culture where you are constantly surrounded by top level athletes that are all striving for success, this collective mindset really motivates you to be the best you can be. We’re a close knit group here so it’s a great feeling knowing you’ve got your teammates supporting you and vice versa. We’re always there for each other on and off the court as I think that shows in the attitude that we have on court.

Ryan Golesworthy
BSc Finance and Management

Coaching staff

Tom Kisiel wearing a grey Loughborough sport top

Tom Kisiel

Head Coach

Tom has guided Loughborough’s tennis programme through its most successful era to date, highlighted by the Women’s National League and Cup double victory in the 2021–2022 season. Under his expert leadership, players like Lloyd Glasspool and Olivia Nicholls have risen into the top 100 of the ATP and WTA doubles rankings, reflecting his ability to develop elite talent.

Lottie Howard wearing a purple and grey Loughborough sport top

Lottie Howard

Assistant Tennis Coach

Lottie joined Loughborough University in September 2023. She trained at the National Tennis Centre and competed internationally on the ITF tour, winning several national titles. Currently pursuing her Level 4 Senior Performance Coach qualification, Lottie brings player experience and fresh coaching insights to the programme.

Dave Boddy holding a tennis ball and racket

Dave Boddy

University Tennis Coordinator

Dave is a Level 5 LTA Accredited Plus coach with over 30 years’ experience. Formerly Tennis Coach Development Manager, he now leads as University Tennis Coordinator, mentoring student coaches and delivering LTA qualifications and CPD courses.

Prospective students

If you need more information about the programme or have general queries, please contact us, and a programme staff member will respond.

Email Tom Kisiel, Head Coach