We recently celebrated the extraordinary career and legacy of Goran Marsic, a man who has been at the heart of junior tennis at PLTC for the past 30 years.  

For three decades, Goran has been more than just a coach; he has been a mentor, a motivator, and a role model to thousands of young players who have come through our club.  And let’s be honest—coaching kids for three decades requires the patience of a saint, the endurance of a marathon runner, and at times, the diplomacy of a UN negotiator. 

Before stepping onto the courts, Goran’s early days in New Zealand saw him working as a Corrections officer.  As we know, Goran is of a large build, with an unmistakable Eastern European accent—attributes that likely made him a pretty authoritative figure.  But while he may have looked intimidating, those who know him best will tell you that beneath that exterior is someone with a heart of gold, and an incredible ability to connect with, and nurture and inspire, young people.

Goran’s love for sport was already ingrained, having been involved in amateur athletics in Croatia. After his stint at Corrections, he channelled that passion into tennis coaching, earning his initial qualifications and searching for the right place to begin. 

As fate would have it, Goran was introduced to Peter Fletcher at PLTC.  Upon hearing his surname, Peter immediately asked if he was related to the Marsics who owned the Fish and Chip shops – the business synonymous with the family.  Let’s just say Peter was well-acquainted with his takeaways! 

Juniors weren’t exactly Peter’s top priority at the time, so when Goran arrived—eager and motivated —Peter saw an opportunity.  What started as an 8-week weekend program for our youngest juniors quickly expanded under Goran’s leadership.  Within a few years, he took charge of holiday programs and, ultimately, the Saturday morning sessions in Terms 4 and 1, and all other junior coaching.  By his retirement, Goran had built up the numbers to around 90 juniors—a significant achievement for the Club. 

Goran’s coaching style was unique. He combined technical precision with a warm, family-friendly approach, earning him the reputation of being the "Pied Piper of junior tennis." Wherever he went, hordes of young players followed, drawn by his charisma, encouragement, and infectious enthusiasm. 

His philosophy was clear—tennis should be for everyone, but he also laid the foundations for those who aspired to compete at the highest level.  Under his guidance, many of New Zealand’s top players took their first steps on the court, including his daughter Gorana, his granddaughter Una, and, in time, we hope his grandson Leo, who might just outshine them all! 

Beyond his own family, Goran played a pivotal role in the early tennis development of some outstanding players, including Sasha Situe, current New Zealand Davis Cup player Jack Loutit, and even the now-world-famous Cameron Norrie. 

Goran’s true legacy, however, is not just the elite players he has helped shape, but the thousands of young people he has inspired, encouraged, and sometimes gently cajoled into the sport.  He has imparted not only tennis skills but also discipline, resilience, and a love for the game that will stay with them for life. 

Goran, on behalf of everyone at PLTC, thank you.  Thank you for your passion, your dedication, and the unwavering commitment you have shown to our club and its young players.  You have left an indelible mark on this club, and we are all the better for it. 

We wish you a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and, of course, plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere at the club you helped shape.  And who knows?  Maybe we’ll even see you sneaking in a bit of coaching from the sidelines—we know you won't be able to resist! 

Article added: Friday 28 February 2025