Celebrating Angie Cunningham: A Legacy of Excellence

We are incredibly proud to recognise Angie Cunningham (née Woolcock), a Launceston Grammar alumna from the Class of 1990, who has been posthumously inducted into Tasmania’s Tennis Hall of Fame. This honour is a reflection of Angie’s extraordinary achievements, both on and off the court, and her enduring legacy of determination, humility, and inspiration.

A Tennis Prodigy

Angie’s tennis career began at a young age, and her talent was evident early on. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest-ever Pardey Shield champion whilst attending Launceston Grammar. Her remarkable talent propelled her to international success, where she was ranked second in the world for junior doubles and reached the finals of three junior Grand Slam doubles tournaments, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Leadership Beyond the Court

Beyond her athletic prowess, Angie made an indelible impact in the world of tennis administration. Her decade-long career with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) saw her rise to the role of Vice-President of Player Relations and On-Site Operations, where she helped shape the global tennis landscape.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Resilience

Angie’s legacy extends far beyond tennis. Following her diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2012, she became a tireless advocate for raising awareness and funds for MND research. Her Laugh to Cure campaign raised over $400,000 within its first year, highlighting her unyielding drive to make a difference.

Angie’s recent induction into the Tasmania Tennis Hall of Fame was a moving tribute to her life and achievements. Family, friends, and former colleagues gathered to celebrate her contributions to tennis and her inspirational character. Her brother Sam’s (Class of 1988) words resonate deeply with the community:

“You can do anything you like if you’re determined enough and work hard enough — and that’s what Ange did.”

As part of her enduring legacy, Angie’s name graces the champion’s trophy at the Hobart International, a tournament she helped shape during her career. Her daughters have had the honour of presenting this trophy each year, a poignant reminder of their mother’s profound impact on the sport.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Angie’s story is a testament to the power of determination and compassion. Her contributions to tennis, her advocacy for MND, and her unwavering commitment to living life to its fullest continue to inspire us all.

As a school community, we are immensely proud to celebrate Angie Cunningham’s enduring legacy.

Source: The Examiner