Meet Our Muse: Sophie Letcher

Meet our muse Sophie Letcher

Hey Soph! Introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about who you are, where you come from and what you do. 

Thank you Atmosea 🐚🐬 very honoured and thrilled to connect & collaborate with you. I’m Sophie, born 29.11.1992 I am a Tennis Teacher & Nature Mentor here on Bundjalung Country. I have found my gift for teaching and deeply love my days with the children outdoors in nature.  I am inspired by holistic health, well-being, connection and love. I grew up in the seaside town Mt Eliza, on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. I am here now, to grow on and off the court and to embrace this journey of self-discovery. 

How did you first get interested in Tennis? Tell us the story of your tennis career and what inspired the Sunlight Collective.

I was born into a professional tennis family, so I literally followed in the footsteps of my mum, dad and two brothers, always out playing on our tennis court at home and on tennis courts all around Australia. I started playing tennis at approximately age 2. I entered the World Women's Tennis stage at age 15. I was a top ranked Australian Tennis Player. Ranked number one in Australia 2010. My career high World Women's Tennis ranking Singles #253, WTA Doubles #367. 

My passion for teaching and connecting inspired the Sunlight Collective.

I hold deep values in the importance of children growing up with a connection to the land & mother nature. I have the honour of sharing my time, skills, knowledge and joy to the community through the Sunlight Collective. 

Tennis is often seen as an individual sport, which can be similar to surfing. Have you faced any challengers finding a sense of community within the tennis world? What advice would you give to anyone who’s struggling with belonging and community? 

Yes definitely, It is really tough on tour, especially internationally. Being an individual sport, it can be quite lonely, and your friends also become your competition. The advice I would give is to love what you do, and do it the best you can. 

Celebrate one another and be kind, this life is truly beautiful. You aren’t going to get along with everyone, but trust you will find your people. At the end of the day all we want is love. 

Could you share some of the standout moments from your tennis career, as well as the aspects of tennis and teaching that you love most?

Playing at the Australian Open 2011 is for sure my standout moment. I got to play on Show Court 3 winning the match 8-6 in the third set in an epic 3+ hour battle. I also had a big win at the Sydney International the same year. 

Tennis is such an incredible game, It keeps you physically and mentally healthy, social, outside, moving, focusing, concentrating and playing. The sport can teach you a lot about yourself, your mindset, your routines and approach to life. I am honoured to share what I know and my experiences through tennis. I love teaching tennis to children, as they will have the skills for life, it really is a game for life. 

In both tennis and surfing, women are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be strong, fierce, and feminine. What advice would you give young women who are just starting to explore their own athletic passions?

It is so amazing to see and be a part of the movement. Since finding the world of Yoga, my mindset has changed immensely, I am very grateful for this experience and looking after my vessel. Health is wealth. It’s important to look after your body, mind and spirit. Being a women athlete is so empowering! Women are so strong. Have goals, inspiration, friends and believe in yourself. Keep striving and be committed to be your best self. 

What are you working on at the moment? Any exciting new projects to come? 

It has been a wonderful year for Sunlight Tennis. A key focus has been female participation. I created a girl squad at Pottsville Beach which brought myself and the girls so much joy. 

I have recently launched my website www.sunlightcollective.au

I am working on my own health and well-being! Let’s be our best possible versions of self together. It’s always more enjoyable, when shared.

I look forward to establishing the Sunlight Tennis Social Club. This will be for adults and will be based out of Brunswick Heads. If tennis interests you, please get in touch. 

Sophie Letcher Photographed by Tirion Eilir Haf