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MY STORY

After playing Division 1 College Tennis at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), I set out on a mission to become the best coach I could be.

The first chapter of my career focused on skill development across all levels, eventually leading to coaching Australia’s world junior tennis teams. But by the mid-2000s, I was burnt out. I realised I was no longer bringing out the best in my players — or myself.

That’s when I stepped away from the game and met Natalie Ashdown, CEO of Open Door Coaching — an extraordinary coach and mentor. Natalie introduced me to a whole new approach to coaching. My style shifted from directing and “telling,” to listening and asking powerful questions. I learned how to truly coach for clarity, confidence, and connection.

My definition of coaching evolved from needing to “know all the answers” to something far more powerful:

“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their own performance. It’s helping them to learn, not just teaching them.”

That shift changed everything. It’s why I’ve partnered with Open Door Coaching — to bring the Aussie way of coaching into the hearts and minds of leaders and companies across the USA.

THE PATH WASN’T LINEAR

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a coach – but it wasn’t a straightforward journey. I wasn’t a top-level junior. I didn’t play on the pro tour. And I doubted myself often.

But I never lost my curiosity or drive to be the best coach I could be. After taking my first tennis lesson at age 14, I walked off the court thinking, “This is the greatest job in the world.”

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the world’s best coaches – including Nick Bollettieri, Judy Murray, and Patrick Mouratoglou in sport, and Claude Silver, Natalie Ashdown, and Tracey Ezard in business. These experiences have helped shape my coaching lens and fuelled my passion for helping others unlock their potential.

As the host of The Coaching Podcast, I’ve interviewed over 500 leading coaches in sport and business – uncovering the stories, mindsets, and strategies behind great coaching.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Together with Natalie Ashdown, I co-authored the book What Makes a Great Coach? – a true passion project and professional milestone that brings together decades of lived experience, powerful stories, and practical tools for coaches and leaders everywhere.

📘 Click here to explore the book and grab your copy.
👉 What Makes a Great Coach?

Natalie Ashdown, Chief Executive Officer, The Open Door Coaching Group – Melbourne, AUS

Carla McKenzie, Huntington Crescent Club, NY

Claire Nelson, CEO Sirens Netball Team, Scotland

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 "It has been an absolute delight to work with Emma Doyle, collaborate on her book: What Makes a Great Coach? And now partner together to bring the Open Door Coaching Methodology to the US.

Emma is an excellent coach, a creative and enthusiastic facilitator and a leader in the coaching field. I highly recommend her coaching style and frameworks to help people achieve their goals and dreams.” 

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“Emma Doyle is the greatest coach I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet. She brings so much energy to her coaching and presentations and has the ability to keep everyone engaged. Over the years, Emma has helped me with so many things including my retention, conflict resolution strategies, my presentations skills, the delivery of my communication and she has changed the way I coach for the better. I can’t thank Emma enough for all the knowledge she has shared with me over the years and I look forward to what she has in store for the future.”

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“Emma Doyle has the unique ability to smash through your limiting beliefs and barriers to unlock and unleash your true potential.  By stretching your comfort zone and equipping you with an array of practical tools and exercises, she prepares you for success both on and off the sports field. 

Full of energy and with a wealth of top-flight experience and expertise under her belt, Emma helped our UWS Sirens Netball Superleague athletes to find their ‘Super Powers’ and to commit to behaviours that will drive the core values and vision of the team as they compete for the League title #NoLimits.” 

Natalie Ashdown, Chief Executive Officer, The Open Door Coaching Group – Melbourne, AUS

_

"It has been an absolute delight to work with Emma Doyle, collaborate on her book: What Makes a Great Coach? And now partner together to bring the Open Door Coaching Methodology to the US.

Emma is an excellent coach, a creative and enthusiastic facilitator and a leader in the coaching field. I highly recommend her coaching style and frameworks to help people achieve their goals and dreams.”

Carla McKenzie, Director of Tennis of The Shore and Country Club, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA

_

“Emma Doyle is the greatest coach I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet. She brings so much energy to her coaching and presentations and has the ability to keep everyone engaged. Over the years, Emma has helped me with so many things including my retention, conflict resolution strategies, my presentations skills, the delivery of my communication and she has changed the way I coach for the better. I can’t thank Emma enough for all the knowledge she has shared with me over the years and I look forward to what she has in store for the future.”

Claire Nelson, CEO Sirens Netball Team, Scotland

_

“Emma Doyle has the unique ability to smash through your limiting beliefs and barriers to unlock and unleash your true potential.  By stretching your comfort zone and equipping you with an array of practical tools and exercises, she prepares you for success both on and off the sports field. 

Full of energy and with a wealth of top-flight experience and expertise under her belt, Emma helped our UWS Sirens Netball Superleague athletes to find their ‘Super Powers’ and to commit to behaviours that will drive the core values and vision of the team as they compete for the League title #NoLimits.” 

EMAIL: [email protected]

Or download Emma's Speaking Menu below.