There was a robust connection to group as James Dean turned the primary First Nations umpire to officiate on the Nationwide Indigenous Tennis Carnival
Darwin, Northern Territory, 20 August 2025 | Nadia Dimattina
James Dean turned the primary Indigenous umpire to officiate on the Nationwide Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) this yr – a milestone second for each his profession and the occasion.
Born and raised in Shepparton, Victoria, Dean’s tennis journey started on courtroom as a participant.
“I performed tennis after I was rising up, however after I moved to Melbourne, there wasn’t a neighborhood membership close by, so I took a break,” he mentioned.
That break become a brand new alternative when he noticed an indication at college stating ‘Line Umpires Needed’.
“I believed I can nonetheless be concerned in tennis indirectly. Twelve years later, I’m nonetheless doing it,” he mentioned.
Core reminiscences from NITC 2025 🫶 pic.twitter.com/Ca0ND7juL2
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) August 11, 2025
Dean’s debut on the NITC was greater than only a skilled achievement, it was a private expertise.
“It’s my very first time right here, and I’ve completely beloved the sense of group,” he mentioned. “Being across the mob and tradition, it’s simply one thing particular. Past the matches, it’s the connection to group which means probably the most.”
The carnival itself was a showcase of expertise, tradition and connection. Dean mirrored on some standout moments from the 18/u boys’ matches.
“Monster serves, unbelievable high quality – it was exhausting to trace, however I gave it a go,” he laughed. “The expertise right here is simply wonderful.”
READ: Goolagong Cawley hails power of tennis at NITC
Past the sport, Dean believed his presence on courtroom was a robust assertion about illustration, alternative and the rising inclusivity throughout the sport. He hopes to encourage the following technology of gamers.
“[This tournament is] about placing a face to somebody in an official place,” he mentioned. “To point out different Indigenous gamers that you are able to do this too. For those who get pleasure from it, who is aware of the place it’ll take you.”
His recommendation to aspiring First Nations athletes is straightforward but highly effective.
“Simply give it a go. I joined after watching my sister play and thought, ‘That appears like enjoyable.’ You possibly can’t lose something by making an attempt, and also you may fall in love with it too.”
Trying forward, Dean has his sights set on the worldwide stage. His umpiring profession has already taken him throughout Australia, the place he has officiated at Professional Tour and ITF occasions. Nevertheless, Dean believes it’s simply the beginning.
“My subsequent purpose is to get my subsequent grade in chair umpiring and hopefully officiate at Grand Slams – Wimbledon, Roland Garros, the Australian Open,” he mentioned.
“Worldwide appointments can be a dream come true.”
Discover your solution to play: Go to play.tennis.com.au to hit the courtroom and have some enjoyable!
