By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A FORMER world-class tennis player will share her skills and experience as a coach at Beaconhills College.
As well as boasting a formidable tennis career, Maria Bailey (nee Purcell) is a qualified psychologist and mother of six.
She will work with Pakenham Campus students on Mondays, coach in after school programs and work with players in the college’s Tennis School of Excellence.
Among Maria’s impressive list of credentials is a bachelor of education (secondary) majoring in physical education and psychology, a post graduate diploma of psychology and a master’s of psychology in educational and development.
She is also a registered psychologist and has conducted research into children’s cognitive development and academic performance.
A former elite athlete, Maria played on the world tennis tour, held the number one junior rank and represented Australia at both a junior and masters level.
She played tennis at Oklahoma State University in the United States.
Maria said she was excited to be able to foster student health and wellbeing at Beaconhills.
“As a mother of six, I encourage tennis participation for families to enhance health, wellbeing and promote quality family time – as well as striving for optimal personal performance,” she said.
“I am delighted to be involved with the tennis program at Beaconhills College.”
