Tennis Officiating: Vanuatu Gaining Experience on the Pacific Stage
Building Tennis Beyond the Court: Kaycee Nimoho’s Experience in New Caledonia
Tennis in Vanuatu is growing not only through players, but also through officials who help raise the standard of the game. One of those officials is Kaycee Nimoho, Tennis Coordinator with the Vanuatu Tennis Federation, who recently represented Vanuatu at an international tennis tournament in New Caledonia.
From 4 to 10 January, Kaycee took part in the ATP Challenger Tour in Nouméa, a professional men’s tournament that brought together high-level players and officials from across the Pacific. She was one of four officials from Vanuatu, working alongside officials from Tahiti and New Caledonia.
“It was a great opportunity for us to be part of such a high-level tournament,” Kaycee said. “You really feel the pressure, but it helps you grow.”
Rising to International Standards
As the tournament progressed, officials were closely assessed on their performance. Only a selection were chosen to officiate the semifinals and finals, where the pressure and expectations were highest. Kaycee and her fellow officials from Vanuatu were selected, showing the confidence placed in their work.
“On those days, you really had to give your best,” she explained. “Everyone wanted to be selected, so the level was very high.”
Kaycee joined Teva Maurice, Naomi Sipiti, and Mathis Jacobe at the Challenger BNC Tennis Open, with support from the Ligue Calédonienne de Tennis, which continues to open international opportunities for Vanuatu officials.
Challenges and Learning Moments
One of the main challenges for Kaycee was working in a French-speaking environment, as French is not her first language. However, having attended tournaments in New Caledonia since 2019, she has learned to adapt and improve her understanding over time.
“Language was a challenge at first, but over time you learn and adjust,” she said.
She also described how officiating alongside very experienced officials pushed her to stay focused and professional throughout the tournament.
What She Brings Back to Vanuatu
For Kaycee, the experience was about more than one event. She believes officiating offers a strong pathway for people who love sport and want to stay involved at a high level.
“Officiating teaches you discipline and professionalism,” she said. “If you work hard, there are opportunities.”
She also acknowledged the importance of support from partners and the tennis community in helping local officials gain international experience.
Looking Ahead
Kaycee is now looking ahead to future opportunities, including a return to the ATP Challenger Tour next year and the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, where she hopes to continue officiating and representing Vanuatu. Experiences like the Nouméa tournament help prepare officials for higher-level competitions and highlight how tennis in Vanuatu continues to grow; not only through athletes, but through strong governance and dedicated people working behind the scenes.
