A blazingly hot March afternoon might tempt most to enjoy the last remnants of the Nelson summer at the beach. For 11-year-old Indiana Wincer, the sun instead signals another chance to work on her tennis game.
Indiana has established herself as one of the most talented and promising junior tennis players to come out of Nelson and is now also recognised as an up-and-comer in Canterbury. She has been selected to represent Canterbury at the upcoming 12 and under national teams’ championships in Christchurch and is the only player chosen from outside the region.
Indiana first picked up a racket when she was three, and her love for the game has continued to grow. Her determination to improve sees her training at Wakapuaka Tennis Club up to nine times a week, with her dedication and natural ability placing her among the country’s top young players.
Last December, she qualified for direct entry into her first 12 and under National Junior Championships just after turning 11. Competing against the nation’s best, she finished a credible 10th in a draw of 32 players.
This year also marked her first season competing in the local senior interclub tennis competition. Despite her age, Indiana impressed older and more experienced opponents, earning praise for both her ability and her calm on-court demeanour.
Asked whether playing against adults is harder for someone so young, Indiana’s response belies her years.
“A little bit. I don’t worry that they are older at all, but because they have played a lot they know how to make me run around a lot more, so they play slices and volleys a lot.”
As Indiana continues to climb the national rankings, opportunities are increasing, but so too are the challenges of being a self-funded athlete.
She currently receives no local support, a situation that, while not uncommon in minority sports, has been difficult for both Indiana and her coach and father, Tim.
“I took on the role as her full-time coach a few years ago to reduce costs despite my limited tennis experience,” Tim says.
“She receives no financial support, coaching support, equipment, or promotion from the local tennis clubs. We’re on the lookout for any business in the community that is keen to sponsor her journey.”
Tim says the financial pressures have already forced tough decisions.
“This year she was invited to play in the national clay court championships in Martinborough, which is a closed invite-only event. Although she would have loved to have competed, she had to decline due to travel costs.”
“From reading, watching, and gathering as many insights into tennis as we could together, we have got to a point where she is nationally ranked inside the top 10 in the country for her age.”
