Derek Cagney — Head Coach & Academy Owner, Cagney Tennis Academy
Derek has been a full-time professional tennis coach since 1991, when he took over the coaching program at the Eleebana Tennis Centre. He has been an accredited Tennis Australia Coach since 1996 and a Level 2 Advanced Coach with the Australian Tennis Professional Coaches Association (ATPCA) since 2012. He also spent several years as a member of the United States Professional Tennis Registry and the United States Racquet Stringers Association.
A Lifelong Passion for Tennis
Derek first picked up a racquet in 1981 at the age of seven. His love for the sport has continued throughout his entire life. As a dedicated and patient coach, he has taught more than 10,000 players over his long career. Derek also helped pioneer Cardio Tennis in Australia and introduced online booking systems to tennis centres in the Hunter Region, improving how players access coaching and court time.
Derek has held several leadership roles within the tennis community. He was the Head Coach of the Hunter Academy of Sport from 2018–2019 and has managed numerous NSW State Teams Carnival squads for both the Northumberland and Metro Sydney regions.
In 2021, Tennis NSW appointed Derek to the NSW Tennis Country Management Committee and named him Chair of the Northumberland Regional Matchplay Committee. These roles support the growth, structure and future development of tennis across the region.
As Head Coach and Owner of Cagney Tennis Academy, Derek works across centres in Eleebana, Fletcher, Lakelands, Valentine and the wider Newcastle area. He continues to support players of all ages looking for a tennis coach near me, social tennis, cardio tennis, or a trusted tennis centre near me.
Derek’s experience, innovation and commitment to player development make him one of the most respected coaches in the region. His goal remains the same today as it was in 1991—to help every player enjoy tennis and reach their full potential.