'Make my mark': ITF appoints new Development Officer for Europe
Whether directly or through its member nations, the ITF reinvests 90 per cent of its income each year into the game, helping to grow tennis across the world for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Improving the sport for future generations is an integral purpose of the ITF, while the global development of tennis, particularly in developing tennis nations, will always be a priority.
Key to implementing the ITF’s development strategy is the highly regarded Development Officers’ programme, which has a wide-ranging remit but essentially relates to the developmental boots on the ground.
Under the supervision of the ITF and by working closely with National and Regional Associations, Development Officers oversee the delivery of education, participation, performance, events, facilities and resources and admin.
In practical terms, this means establishing the ITF Junior Tennis Initiative in a particular nation, helping to recognise & upgrade facilities and ensuring a promising player has the necessary support to pursue their career – and much more besides.
Starting in mid-October, Olha Lazarchuk of Ukraine will assume the role of ITF Development Officer for Europe, taking over from Vitor Cabral who had been in position since 2017.
Lazarchuk is a former professional tennis player who won four ITF World Tennis Tour titles during her playing days, reaching a career-high of No. 146 in the WTA Rankings in 2005.
Since 2008, Lazarchuk has worked at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies SEI – the Prydniprovska State Academy of Physical Culture in Sports – in Dnipro, assuming the position of associate professor in 2014.
Lazarchuk, who can speak Ukrainian, English, Polish and Russian, has authored and co-authored more than 30 scientific publications, as well as co-authoring the book Modern Tennis School: Preparing the Beginners.
She is also an experienced tennis coach and is currently coaching at Maximus Tennis Academy in Dnipro having captained Ukraine’s girls across various age groups and travelled as a Grand Slam Player Development Programme coach.
“It is an honour to be appointed as the ITF Development Officer for Europe and I cannot wait to get started and contribute to the continued development of tennis across the region,” said Lazarchuk.
“My whole professional career has revolved around tennis and sport, and the role of ITF Development Officer enables me to bring all the experience I have gained over the years and make a real difference.
“I am passionate about coaching and the development of players in both the participation and performance space, and I cannot wait to immerse myself and make my mark in the world of tennis development.”
Luca Santilli, the ITF’s Executive Director of Tennis Development, added: “We are really looking forward to starting work with Olha as we continue to grow the game of tennis across Europe.
“Olha is a very talented individual, and I am sure she will be a really good fit for the region. We are excited to see her build upon the work done by Vitor and take tennis development within Europe to the next level.”