18 Dec Quick-Fire Interview With Head Coach Valentina
Quick-Fire Interview with LTA Awards 2026 Coach of the Year Nominee – Head Coach Valentina | TwistFizz
At TwistFizz, we pride ourselves on the people who make our community special.
As part of our coach spotlight series, we sat down with Head Coach Valentina Iancu, an LTA Awards Coach of the Year nominee, to learn more about her journey, coaching philosophy, and the experiences that have shaped her both on and off the court. From her early days with TwistFizz to unforgettable lessons from junior tennis, Valentina shares honest insights, humour, and wisdom gained from years of dedication to the sport.
Head Coach-Valentina Iancu
How long have you been with TwistFizz?
V:
I’ve been with TwistFizz for 8 years now, and I joined almost at the very beginning, shortly after it was founded. Being part of its growth and development from the early days has been a really rewarding experience.
What’s one unforgettable piece of advice you received from a coach during your junior tennis development?
V:
One unforgettable piece of advice my junior coach gave me was:
“The match isn’t over until you shake hands.”
This taught me at a young age to never mentally check out, no matter what the score looked like. That lesson carried beyond tennis for me—it taught me to stay composed under pressure, keep fighting through challenges, and believe that momentum can always shift if you stay committed. It’s a philosophy I still apply today in my work and personal life.
In your opinion, which is more crucial for players: tactical awareness or technical precision?
V:
I believe both tactical awareness and technical precision are essential, but if I had to choose, I’d lean slightly towards tactical awareness.
While technical skills are important, they only become truly effective when applied with a strong understanding of the game. A tactically aware player can compensate for limited technical ability by reading the game well and supporting the team effectively. On the other hand, a technically skilled player without tactical understanding may struggle to contribute consistently.
So overall, I’d say tactical awareness plays a more decisive role in performance and team success.
Can you share the funniest moment you’ve ever witnessed on a tennis court?
V:
This one comes from personal experience during my university days.
It was match point in a BUCS doubles game, an easy ball down the middle—and both my teammate and I ran for it at the same time… only to crash into each other and miss it completely!
We laughed so hard we almost forgot to finish the match. It definitely taught us that communication is key in doubles.
How would you describe your approach to player development?
V:
My approach to player development is very much person-first. I focus on who is in front of me—understanding each player’s personality, motivations, strengths, and challenges—before designing any training plan.
I believe development is most effective when it’s tailored to the individual, not just their skill set. From there, I work on building fundamentals, improving tactical and technical skills, and fostering mental resilience.
Open communication and reflection are really important to me. I want players to understand themselves as much as they understand the game. Ultimately, my goal is to support each player’s growth both on and off the court.
Do your children participate in tennis, and how do you balance coaching with being a parent?
V:
Yes, both of my children play tennis, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to support them on their journeys. Seeing my youngest follow the same pathway has been especially meaningful.
When I’m on court with them in a coaching capacity, I keep the environment professional—clear expectations, constructive feedback, and a focus on development, just like with any other player.
Once we leave the court, I switch back into the parent role. My job then is simply to be supportive, encourage enjoyment, and build confidence. Maintaining that balance helps ensure tennis remains a positive and motivating experience for both of them.
Many thanks,
Valentina Iancu
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