USUST Associate Professor appointed as ITF tennis development officer in Europe

Olha Lazarchuk, Associate Professor at the Department of Sports Games of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska Academy of Physical Culture and Sports’, has been appointed as a Tennis Development Officer for the European region by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

 

This honorary appointment, effective from mid-October, shows a new level of Ukraine’s representation within international tennis institutions and highlights the growing recognition of Ukrainian professionals in the global sports community.

Olha Lazarchuk successfully combines academic and coaching activities: she is a Candidate of Science in Physical Education and Sports, as well as a coach of the Ukrainian national girls’ team under 12 and a mentor for the GSPDP ITF/TE Touring Team for girls under 16.

 

Previously, as a professional athlete, Olha achieved a WTA singles ranking of No. 146 and won four titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour – an experience that will now contribute to the development of tennis at the continental level.

For Olha Lazarchuk, this appointment is not only a recognition of her professional achievements but also a great responsibility. She emphasizes that this role provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the coaching community, federations, and Olympic institutions, as well as to enhance the training level of young athletes in Ukraine and across Europe.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) appoints Development Officers on a competitive basis, and this position offers a chance to work directly ‘in the field’, implementing development projects and educational initiatives aimed at advancing tennis in the region.

 

The appointment of Olha Lazarchuk also holds great significance for USUST, as it enhances the university’s international reputation, opens up new opportunities for cooperation in the field of sports science and practice, and creates fresh prospects for students and coaches of our institute.

 

We sincerely congratulate Olha Lazarchuk on this important milestone in her professional career and wish her every success in implementing tennis development programs at the European level!