Elizma Nortje was recently honoured at the International Tennis Cham-pionship dinner in Milan for her tireless contribution to tennis in the country. She was recognised for being the first Namibian tennis player to receive the junior Springbok colours, as well as for receiving a full scholarship at an American university (NCAA) Division 1 at the San Diego State University in California. Nortje was also honoured for being the second woman tennis president in Africa as well as for being chosen as the coach for the Under 16 ITF junior team. Nortje is also the first Namibian to have competed at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour and in the Grand Slam events; she was also an all-American singles and doubles player. “They describe it as paving the way and opening doors for future players of my country and being a role model for African woman players,” said Nortje of her recognition.