Catherine Graham

International Deaf Tennis Ranking:

Singles 5

Doubles 5

Catherine Fletcher BSc Hons, SPC

Senior Performance Coach

I began my coaching career by completing the Tennis Assistants course whilst in my first year at Leeds Metropolitan University. By the time I graduated I had my DCA under my belt and got my coaching experience at the University tennis centre as well as at the David Lloyds Centre in Leeds. After graduating in Sport and Exercise Science I trained and played full time tennis for 6 months in preparation for the Deaflympics in Melbourne, Australia 2005.

On my return I worked at Reigate Tennis Club for about 18 months where I did a combination of tennis coaching and fitness sessions until joining Lewis at Brightwells Tennis Club. We worked together there for 6 months before embarking on a new and exciting coaching venture at Ramsbury Tennis Club. Prior to this I completed my CCA (Performance)

We have been at Ramsbury Tennis Club since September 2006. We work both together and individually – our main base being at Ramsbury Tennis Club with associations at Bedwyn, Aldbourne and Marlborough where we run programmes and courses for all those interested. We also have close links with the County and work with them from time to time. I started playing tennis at 12/13 and as a junior I was part of the Lincolnshire County Team and continued playing for them in the Ladies County Team, captaining for them on occasion. Whilst at university I had a tennis scholarship at the Carnegie Sports Centre (part of LMU) for 2 years and represented the university team.

Since 1996 I have been a part of the Great Britain Deaf Squad. National singles champion for 6 years, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Doubles champion for 5 years – 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 and Lewis and I won the mixed title in 2007 and 2009. Currently, I am the captain of the Wiltshire Ladies County Team.

Internationally I won the British Open in 2002. In 2003 we were the eventual winners at the Dresse Maare Cup. At the Europeans in 2004 I got a silver medal and was a singles semi-finalist. In 2005 at the Deaflympics I won a Bronze for the Ladies Doubles as well as reaching the semi-finals for the mixed.

In September 2009 I participated in my 4th Deaflympics (they are held every 4 years) in Taipei, Taiwan. I reached the Quarter finals in the singles and got the GOLD in the mixed doubles - what a great feeling standing on that podium! The end justified the means and all the hard work and preparation paid off!

After the Deaflympics at the start of 2010 I went onto to complete my SPC Award.