The recently appointed tennis director at Leisure City Epping is a coach and talent spotter, whose skill has helped eight of her students gain US college sport scholarships and many more to play in junior and senior world competitions.

‘‘That’s what I try and do, help kids realise their talent,’’ says Doyle, 35.

‘‘For me, it’s why I coach. When a child turns a corner, it’s very rewarding, and seeing them develop into great people is what makes it all worthwhile.’’

Doyle uses her experience and knowledge from her own successful playing career to help guide others. She’s played since she was eight years old and won a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University, where she was awarded most valuable player in 1995.

‘‘I played state grade for a number of years. Post that, I played some satellite tournaments and did well,’’ Doyle says.

‘‘But for me, it’s always been about coaching. It was my first part-time job, at 15, and I’ve always been able to pick it up very easily. I’ve got a very good eye for analysing and correcting technique.’’

With 20 years’ coaching experience — including stints in the US, Canada, Mexico and England — Doyle says she’s only recently hit on a ‘‘formula’’ to help identify special talent.

‘‘For me, it’s the kid for whom the sport looks natural, but it’s also technique plus their competitiveness that equals talent. When people come to see me for an assessment, to see where their child is at, there’s a number of areas that I look at. Obviously we look at the athleticism of the child, we look at their hand-eye, their motor skills, we look a their athletic development, their mental age and then obviously you’ve got your technique and your tactics. When you combine that all together, you’ve got so many factors that make up a player, but some kids have the X-factor and some kids don’t.’’

Doyle is determined to make tennis a major sport in the area, hopeful there are a couple of superstars she can help nurture on the court.

‘‘Growing up in the north myself, I want to give back to the northern suburbs,’’ she says. ‘‘I want to help provide a professional, world-class training environment. I’m really excited about creating a clear pathway for player development, so when they enter, players and the parents can see how they can stay in the sport, enjoy the sport and improve over a number of years.’’