As a child, Salome was bursting with energy: from playing football to cricket, she would always be moving. Her energy endless, she yearned for more. But growing up in poverty in Commewijne, there were no means for her to afford a coach, not even a ball to play. Today, Salome gives back to the children of her community, ensuring that tennis is available to anyone.

At 8 years old, Salome would often sit with her friends close to the Mariënburg tennis court, waiting for a ball to fly over. Then, it would be a race between them and the dogs fetching the balls. For the neighbourhood kids living in poverty, there was no access to tennis.

Motivated by her own experiences, Salome strives to make tennis accessible for anyone. But getting there was not easy. Despite having done coaching training and having competed in the Netherlands, the tennis club in Mariënburg would still not recognise her status as a coach, forcing her to work under another coach for months. But Salome had bigger plans: to start her own club, now known as Community Tennis Suriname. As the name suggests, community comes first. Though some might view tennis as a solo sport, Salome emphasises the importance of supporting one's fellow tennis players - whether during practice, while sharing a meal or on the court during a qualifying match. 

A coach who encourages anyone to play, and teaches them passion, discipline and the importance of community. Known to all as “Coach”, and viewed by many as a second mother, Salome Veerman is the irreplaceable heart and soul of the neighbourhood tennis community.