From LEH to the LTA: Caroline Woollett, Class of 2008, on Game-Changing Moves in Tennis

How did you find your time at LEH helped you in the career you have now? 

My time at LEH gave me the confidence to explore ideas boldly and take initiative. The school empowers us to make meaningful impacts in whatever path we choose, whether we know what that path may be or not at such a young age. I’ve definitely explored lots of different areas in my career, starting as a Wine Educator in Western Australia, I then found myself back in London and thrown into the world of art at Christie’s before finding my way into the sports industry, first at the International Tennis Federation and now at the Lawn Tennis Association. 

What is working life at the LTA like?  

Life as a Competition Development Manager is very busy as the tennis season for products and programmes is all year round! This time of year also brings the added excitement of the summer grass court season at the LTA, which kicked off a few weeks ago and included the return of women to Queen’s Club for the first time in over 50 years at the HSBC Championships. The LTA is based at the National Tennis Centre with our facilities backing on to those of the AELTC Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre, with Wimbledon Qualifying starting next week - it’s an idyllic place to work!  

Two key LTA Competition projects, I manage really take off during the summer. Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone which kicks off at the Venue Stage, with 770 venues hosting events across the country over the last months – culminating in the winners from these local events progressing to the upcoming County Finals, before the ultimate prize — competing at the National Finals at the All-England Club this August!  

On the flip side, those aspiring to get to Wimbledon one day, whether spectating or with bigger ambitions, be it a beginner or advanced player, Barclays Local Tennis Leagues is a great way to meet new people. All you have to do is download the Local Tennis League app (Play in a Barclays Local Tennis League | LTA), join a league near you and we’ll add you to a group with other players of your standard. The day before the round starts, you’ll receive all the information you need to get playing. There are lots of other prizes for players throughout the year, including a summer giveaway of tickets to the grass court LTA Major events! For anyone who might be interested in joining, I’m happy to offer an exclusive LEH alumnae discount of 50% off for any league across the country. Just use the code LEH50. 

Let’s just say, there’s no ‘normal day at the office’ at the LTA!  

Who do you think are the rising stars in tennis? 

It’s an exciting time for tennis in Britain with lots of homegrown talent including Mika Stojsavljevic, winner of the 2025 Australian Open Juniors and 16-year-old Hannah Klugman who have both received Wimbledon Main Draw Wildcards for 2025 – very exciting! Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko is also one to look out for. On the men’s side, another teenager Joao Fonseca of Brazil, has created quite a buzz in the past months as he became the second-youngest match winner at Roland Garros in the past 10 years, after Alcaraz – so he’s in good company, though we’re yet to really see what he can do on the grass. 

Any tips for the finals, who do you think could make it there? 

Gone are the days of the big four with only Djokovic left fighting for a career 24th Grand Slam singles win. Wimbledon has become more unpredictable of late, I’m not sure many had Barbora Krejčíková on the cards as Ladies singles champion in 2024!  

The likes of three-time grand slam champion Aryna Sabalenka, 5-time grand slam champion and former Wimbledon Junior Champion Iga Świątek!  For the men, I don’t think we can look past a fit and determined Novak Djokovic, surging Carlos Alcaraz or resurgent Jannik Sinner. Following Sinner’s loss in the final of Roland Garros a few weeks ago and his defeat in the Quarter Finals of Wimbledon last year, he’ll be out for redemption!  

If you were able to go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice while you were at LEH, what would it be?  

I would tell myself not to be afraid of uncertainty. Some of the most rewarding opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and know that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away!