The University of Stirling’s tennis programme has enjoyed a successful start to 2026 – with its players triumphing in major competitions and its coach winning a top award.
Anna McBride scooped her fourth singles title in a row – and her third doubles title in four years – at the Australian Open’s Intellectual Disability Championships.
In further success for the programme, Lead Coach Scott MacAulay was crowned Performance Coach of the Year at the Tennis Scotland Awards 2026.
David Bond, Director of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, said: “It has been an incredible start to the year for our high-performance tennis programme, with major wins in prestigious competitions and a well-deserved award for Scott.
“For Anna to win her fourth consecutive singles title, and her third doubles title in four years, at the Australian Open’s Intellectual Disability Championships, is a phenomenal feat – we are delighted to see her continued dominance at this major competition.
“Under Scott’s leadership, the high-performance tennis programme continues to go from strength to strength.
“For Scott to be recognised by his governing body for his contribution to performance sport in Scotland is brilliant – and we send him our congratulations.”
Anna McBride at the Australian Open
At this year’s Intellectual Disability Championships at the Australian Open, held in Melbourne, third-year student Anna put in another impressive performance to win the Women’s Intellectual Impairment-1 (II1) singles, beating Eva Blanc 6-2, 7-6 in the final, before winning the doubles with her Australian partner Kelly Wren.
Anna said: “This event continues to be a real highlight of my year – competing at such a prestigious event, alongside so many talented athletes, is always incredibly special and inspiring.
“I am proud to win the ladies’ singles title for the fourth consecutive year, and to claim the ladies’ doubles title alongside Kelly – my third doubles title.
“To achieve this success four years in a row is truly amazing, but it’s the experience itself and the incredible atmosphere that makes it even more special.
“Competing at the Australian Open, surrounded by world-class athletes, is an unforgettable experience – being so close to some of the best players in the world is incredibly inspiring and motivates me to keep pushing myself.”
Performance Coach of the Year
Scott was celebrated at the prestigious Tennis Scotland Awards 2026, where he was recognised with the Performance Coach of the Year award.
The accolade was presented following Scott’s unprecedented achievement in securing the ‘quadruple crown’ of national BUCS titles and Anna’s performance at the Australian Open 2025.
Speaking afterwards, Scott said: “I am incredibly honoured. Success in tennis is never a solo effort – this award is testament to the hard work, discipline and resilience of the players that I’m lucky enough to work with every day.
“Watching these players grow and compete at the highest level has been the real reward.”
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling.