Spanish legend Iciar Montes has been appointed LTA Padel International Performance Coach, working alongside Libby Fletcher on the GB women’s team.
As a player, Montes was world number one for 12 years and won nine world titles, before becoming head coach of Spain’s women’s national team. She led them to five world championships and three European crowns. Montes also leads the recently-launched FIP Beyond Tour for amateur-level players, seniors, juniors, former pros and legends.
Montes will be joining the LTA Padel performance team with the renowned Argentine, Agustin Gomez Silingo, who was appointed as LTA Padel International Coach last May ahead of the FIP Euro Padel Cup. Silingo will transition from the women’s to the GB men’s national team.
Since 2023, Montes has been working with the LTA as a Content Developer for Padel Coach Education alongside the LTA’s Coach and Official Education team.
Comprehensive on-court support
In her new role, Montes will support the preparation and activities of the Great Britain’s women national padel team, contributing to team selection processes, travelling to FIP-sanctioned international team events, and providing comprehensive on-court support.
She will deliver education, guidance and strategic input to the LTA’s padel team and national coaches to enhance expertise and ensure international performance standards are consistently met.
Montes will assist in the delivery of selected national training camps and contribute to talent identification initiatives throughout the year. The role also includes offering advice and performance guidance to selected players within the pathway, alongside supporting additional areas such as coaching courses, workshops and clinics.
LTA National Performance Pathway Manager and Great Britain coach Libby Fletcher (pictured above) will captain the GB women’s team, supported by Montes’ extensive international experience.
On the men’s side, John Leach will step into the role of captain, with the support of LTA Padel Performance Coach Agustin Gomez Silingo.
As a player, Silingo reached a career-high ranking of 21, then in 2024 he made the transition to becoming coach of Juan Lebrón (Spain) and Martín Di Nenno (Argentina), two players of the world’s elite players.
Sandy Farquharson will play a reduced role but continue to provide his expertise while contributing to wider areas of strategic collaboration.
Tom Murray, LTA Head of Padel said: “From supporting team selection to competition preparation, Iciar’s influence will be felt across the entire programme.
“Working closely with Libby Fletcher and our wider coaching team, she will play a key role in ensuring our British squads are equipped to compete with confidence at the highest level.
“Her appointment alongside Silingo’s selection last May, reinforces our commitment to creating a first-class performance team, whilst embedding world-class expertise within British padel for the long term, and we are excited about the journey ahead.”
