Coaching isn’t just about forehands and footwork – it’s about shaping resilient, positive, and purpose-driven people. In this episode, we’re joined by the mother-daughter duo Helen Rice and Saskia Rice-Schaffeler from the Helen Rice Tennis School, whose legacy is grounded in developing tennis players and great humans. From decades of experience in Adelaide to coaching in Germany, they share insights into the art of communication, active listening, and creating trust in the coach-student relationship. Whether you’re in the hospitality industry, on the tennis court, or leading a team, this conversation is packed with wisdom on mindset, mentorship, and lifelong learning.

About Helen Rice – Professional Tennis Coach & Business Owner

Helen Rice has been coaching tennis for over 45 years and founded the Helen Rice Tennis School in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1979. Alongside her coaching team, she has coached hundreds of children and adults – ranging from three to eighty-seven years old – including many third-generation families. The school currently operates across three clubs and numerous schools.

A qualified Tennis Australia Club Professional coach, Helen has coached teams and squads for Tennis SA and has served as a mentor for Tennis Australia’s Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis programs. She has also presented at both state and national coaching conferences. In 2017, she was awarded the prestigious Tennis Australia Newcombe Medal and has been a finalist on four other occasions.

Helen currently serves on the board of the Women’s Tennis Foundation and is a member of the Tennis Australia Coach Coalition. She and her daughter Saskia were honoured to be part of the inaugural Tennis Australia Women’s Coach Connect workshop led by Nicole Pratt in 2022—an initiative designed to elevate and support women in coaching across the country.

Outside of coaching, Helen’s passions include art (she has sold numerous paintings at exhibitions), golf (with a best handicap of 6), learning German, and staying active.

About Saskia Rice-Schaffeler – Professional Tennis Coach & Business Owner

Saskia Rice-Schaffeler is a Tennis Australia–qualified Club Professional coach and joint business owner of the Helen Rice Tennis School. Her coaching journey began in high school as a casual role in her mother’s business, continuing through university where she also supported the business in administration.

She holds a Bachelor of Human Movement (Sport and Exercise Science) and, after considering careers in teaching and physiotherapy, chose to pursue tennis coaching and business management full-time. Saskia has coached in talent development for Tennis Australia and spent time coaching in Germany (in German).

A passionate advocate for coach development, Saskia has worked in this space both within the Helen Rice Tennis School and for Tennis Australia. In 2022, she and Helen were invited to participate in the inaugural Tennis Australia Women’s Coach Connect workshop with Nicole Pratt – a groundbreaking initiative supporting the growth and visibility of women in coaching.

Saskia is committed to helping people reach their potential, believing that trust and effective communication – both verbal and non-verbal – are fundamental to every successful coaching relationship.

Connect:

Website: https://www.helenricetennis.com.au 
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/helenricetennis/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenRiceTennisSchool/