Being goal-driven is in my genes. During my freshman year of high school, I boarded at Nick Bollettieri’s Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and played the remaining three years at Mt. Lebanon High School, winning the state’s doubles title in 1987. Awarded a four-year full tennis scholarship to College of Charleston, I was both MVP and Team Captain. As coach for the USC High School Tennis Team, the Lady Panthers never lost a section match and won six WPIAL crowns during my 10-year tenure. 

My quest for tennis excellence continues at USCTDP. I was a driving force behind adopting USTA standards for our “10 and Under” program. Recognized as one of the best tennis cardio instructors in the country, my strict adherence to program protocols draws a strong following from across the region. Both novice and seasoned players participate in weekly group fitness classes to lose calories and stay heart healthy.

Known as passionate and purpose driven, I was voted PTR’s National Coach of the Year, PTR’s Pennsylvania Member of the Year, and AMD’s Pro of the Year. 

KNOW YOUR PRO

Favorite Female Pro: Martina Navratilova

Martina’s a lefty and I’m a lefty, so I’ve tried to mirror her kind of play. Forget the polite, baseline game that was the signature of women’s tennis back in the 1970s. Martina was a full-court player. She had a wicked serve, would rush the net, and play a ferocious volley. What’s not to love?

Favorite Male Pro: Novak Djokovic

Like Novak, I choose mostly a plant-based diet to fuel my body. Plus, I admire how Novak never waivers from his beliefs about what he puts into his body, regardless of external pressures and economic sacrifices. Novak is both fierce and kind, my kind of player. The Instagram message he wrote to Federer upon retirement sums it up nicely, “Roger… your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise…” What’s not to love?

Favorite Tournament: US Open

I’m a big fan of the US Open, which is played on faster hardcourts. (The French is on clay, Wimbledon’s on grass, only the US and Australian tournaments are played on hardcourts.) The night matches during the US Open are terrific fun, especially when the players “play to the crowd.” I’ll never forget being in the stands for American James Blake’s match against the French “Magician,” Fabrice Santoro back in 2007. Their clashing styles were evident in every hard-fought point. Blake won that night, the first five-set win in his career, breaking a 0-for-9 drought. We went wild. 

Favorite Shot: Drop Shot

From playing juniors, through college, even today, hands-down, I love the drop shot. A drop shot can completely change the pace of the rally and the court position of both players. It’s all about finesse, as your opponent will never know when you will play the next one, so they may hedge their bets and step further inside the court.