About Tennis Cook Islands
Tennis Cook Islands is the national body for tennis in the Cook Islands. We support the growth of tennis across our islands through community participation, junior development, local events, competitions and pathways for players to represent the Cook Islands.
Tennis has a long history in the Cook Islands, with the first recorded match at the Rarotonga Tennis Club in Takuvaine in 1924. Since then, the sport has continued to grow through the work of volunteers, players, families, coaches and supporters who have helped keep tennis active in our community. Today, much of our tennis activity is based in Rarotonga, including at the National Tennis Centre in Nikao. Our courts and programmes support players of all ages and abilities, from beginners and social players through to competitive athletes representing the Cook Islands locally and overseas. Tennis Cook Islands is led by a volunteer Executive Committee.
Our role is to support good governance, fair opportunities, player development and the continued growth of tennis in the Cook Islands.
2026 Executive Committee
President
Davina Hosking Ashford
Member, supporter, and proud representative of Tennis Cook Islands since the age of 9 (we don't need to count how many years ago that is). Davina hopes that Tennis will once again flourish in all Cook Islands communities and that juniors will be able to access higher education through sporting achievement.
Vice President
Kathy Numanga Wearing
Kathy is Vice President of Tennis Cook Islands and a keen tennis player, often seen on court enjoying doubles, chasing down every single ball that comes her way. As a parent of children who have come through the junior tennis programme, Kathy has a strong community perspective and a passion for keeping tennis active and accessible.
Secretary
Hinano Ellingham
Hinano has been part of Cook Islands tennis for many years, both on court and around the committee table. A lawyer by profession and a Cook Islands representative at junior and senior level, she brings sharp thinking, steady organisation and a player’s perspective to her role as Secretary. Hinano is also on the 2026 Athlete's Commission, representing tennis.
Treasurer
Marcelle Rossouw
Marcelle serves as Treasurer for Tennis Cook Islands, keeping a close eye on the numbers, which is no small task in a volunteer-run sport. With extensive experience in finance and management, she plays a key role in helping Tennis Cook Islands stay organised, practical and focused on making the most of the resources available.
Committee Member
Deon Rossouw
Deon has contributed greatly to the maintenance and improvement of Tennis Cook Islands facilities over the years. With a background in construction, he brings practical skills and hands-on support to help keep the grounds and facilities moving forward. You can also find him on the court given his opponents a run for their money.
Committee Member
Lucile Meyer
Originally from France and a Cook Islands resident for over 15 years, Lucile brings to the committee extensive experience in management, hospitality, and project coordination. As a parent of young athletes, she is passionate about junior tennis and helping young players build skills, confidence, and access opportunities to compete locally and internationally.
Committee Member
Tayla Beddoes
Tayla is a Cook Islander who grew up playing tennis in Rarotonga from the age of 4 and went on to represent the Cook Islands internationally as a junior and senior player. Now the Founder and Director of Pacific Group AI, she supports Tennis Cook Islands through communications and digital solutions, and is proud to give back to a sport that has shaped much of her life.
Committee Member
Soko Teinakirahi
Soko is a dedicated tennis player hailing from the Northern Group island of Rakahanga. Soko has also represented the Cook Islands internationally on several occasions. A regular presence on court, he brings a calm, humble and hard-working approach to the committee, along with a genuine passion for supporting the sport.
Committee Member
Nicole Hansen
Nicole is a supportive committee member, often involved in local events, fundraising and practical support, helping with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Tennis Cook Islands activities running smoothly.
National Coach
Malcolm Kajer
As a Life Member and National Coach, Malcolm has been part of Tennis in the Cook Islands for over 40 years and coaching for at least 30 of those.
From mowing the lawns, organising tournaments, to travelling and training our youth, Malcolm truly encompasses grassroots Tennis as its best.