Simon Body, formerly a professional tennis coach, has come back to studying and taken up teaching.

Simon Body has gone from being a student of the Graduate Diploma in Physical Conditioning to teaching on the programme, while also lecturing in Occupational Therapy and Massage Therapy.  He is simultaneously undertaking his Master of Professional Practice, with Trish Franklin as his facilitator and Jo Kirkwood as academic mentor.

He began his Otago Polytechnic studies after 18 years as a professional tennis coach working with juniors in Dunedin, Christchurch and Melbourne.

“I felt it was time for a change, but I still wanted a career working with athletes. I already held a physical education degree so the Graduate Diploma seemed like a natural progression.”

Since focusing on physical conditioning, Simon has had some covetable roles working with elite rugby teams.

“My internship with the Highlanders was a real highlight. It was such a great learning experience and helped me to become comfortable working at that level, where I was dealing with All Blacks and Super 15 players.”

He’s also worked as a strength and conditioning coach for three international rugby teams, including the Fiji 2015 World Cup squad.

“The first game was against England before a crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham, which was just incredible – it was an awesome feeling to walk into that environment. Playing Australia and Wales in front of the vocal crowds at Cardiff was also a moving experience.”

His roles have included gym- and field-based conditioning and monitoring – often using GPS technology – and fostering players’ overall wellness. These are skills he uses in his teaching as well.

“I thoroughly enjoy the teaching and coaching aspects of my roles and the commitment to experiential learning here at OP. And the professional development opportunities here are outstanding.”

As well as lecturing and studying, Simon is coaching a handful of junior tennis players, and is also kept on his toes being father to two boys aged two and four.

“That all keeps me pretty busy, so when I get the chance to just chill out, I try to make the most of it!”

Read more about the Master of Professional Practice programme.