In honoring the life of beloved former WTA tour coach and ATP tour player Andrew Florent, last week the WTCA named its ‘Spirit of Coaching’ award after him. At the WTCA Conference NYC, Nicole Pratt was named the winner of the inaugural ‘Flory Award’.
Fittingly, the Australian Fed Cup captain was once Flory’s mixed doubles partner. The WTCA board nominated 6 finalists; Jeremy Bates, James Jackson, Kevin O’Neill, Kathy Rinaldi, Can Uner and Nicole Pratt. The winner was voted on by a 30,000 strong WTCA social media community.
Andrew Florent was a much loved and respected member of the global tennis community. We will always remember Andrew as a charismatic, generous, and fun-loving personality after the Australian doubles specialist passed away, aged 45.
Florent waged a spirited fight after first being diagnosed in January 2013 with bowel cancer, which subsequently spread to his liver. At the time he was told he had between three and 18 months to live, but he fought on bravely for three-and-a-half years and even competed in the legends’ doubles at the Australian Open 2014.
Florent is survived by his wife Rachael and their two sons, Ollie, 18, and Jai, 15.
“Flory could light up a room like no other. He was the life of the party and never took himself too seriously,” said his close friend and former doubles partner Paul Kilderry.
Long-time doubles partner Josh Eagle said Florent had an “insatiable zest for life”. – (Tennis.com.au 17 August 2016)
WTCA CEO, Sarah Stone, reached out to Andrew’s wife seeking her blessing in naming the award after him.
Stone shared with Rachael that “our criteria for the coach that will be selected to win the Flory award was created by me when I spent time with the player I currently coach. It was simple, she said tell me all of the things you loved about Andrew.”
-Treats others with respect
-Acts in a professional manner
-Displays good sportsmanship
-Caring and kind to others
-Supportive of their player/s
-A supporter of women’s tennis
Sarah added, “Flory was a friend to all of us in the tennis world and a person who personally made me feel so valued as I navigated the rigors of the WTA tour. As you know, he was loved by everyone and is dearly missed.”
It seemed fitting to name such an award after a man that epitomized the ‘spirit of coaching’.
Rachael said, “I know Andrew and our family would be so proud and chuffed for him to be remembered in this way. He definitely had a great rapport with many female players and they really looked up to him and the positive, happy way he lived his life.”
The inaugural ‘Flory Award’ winner Nicole Pratt, shared a heart felt acceptance speech with the 250 strong congregation. Nicole is the head of women’s tennis in Australia. The former top 40 WTA player is widely known for her passion, dedication, and advocacy for women’s tennis.
The Flory Award will be showcased in Melbourne during the Australian Open, an honor that will be bestowed upon one very deserving coach each calendar year.