2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, Illinois ● 630-907-8067 ● Directions
From first-timers to national level players, the Vaughan Junior Tennis Academy offers programming for all ability levels. Our mission is to teach young players the sport of a lifetime in a safe and fun environment. Our highly trained staff utilizes teaching techniques that will keep your child motivated to continually improve and maximize their potential.
The Vaughan Junior Tennis Academy offers year-round programming and follows USTA guidelines for QuickStart tennis. On this webpage you will find information on upcoming events, leagues, tournaments, play days, training tips and more, serving as a resource for parents and players to stay updated on everything we have going on. Enjoy!
What is your child’s Universal Tennis Rating?
UTR is a new way to assess an individual’s skill and how they rank against their peers in the tennis world. Learn more about how it works and find your child’s UTR here.
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed *Evenings and weekend hours may be extended to accommodate USTA matches
Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day)
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. *Club may close early if there are no court reservations. USTA matches only Saturday/Sunday & Weekday Evenings. Please note hours may vary to accommodate USTA matches.
Prime Hours
Monday to Friday: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Non-Prime Hours
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 6 to 7 p.m.
Vaughan Tennis Center offers lessons for all ages and abilities!
QuickStart Tennis
QuickStart Tennis is a new format to help children 10 and under learn to play tennis. Balls lower in compression are used to make it easier to hit and develop optimal swing patterns. Smaller courts and smaller rackets for little hands are used.
The Northern Illinois Traveling Tennis League, established more than 20 years ago, practices once a week and plays matches on Thursdays or Fridays. Call 630-907-8067 for more information.
Won 5 national championships as head men’s and women’s tennis coach at College of DuPage
Two-time all-state player
Teaching Style
Each player learns differently, so I prefer to teach through activity instead of lecturing. I prefer fast paced drills that focus on proper shot selection and court positioning. As Confucious says, ‘I hear and I forget. I do and I understand.’ My teaching style is that of less talk and more doing.
Brian Brooks
Areas of Specialty
High School and Tournament Level Junior Programs
Women’s Travel Teams
Private Lessons
Background
USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
30-plus years coaching at West Aurora High School
Member of West Aurora High School Hall of Fame
Illinois High School Tennis Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2004
Member of Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Assistant women’s coach at Northern Illinois University
Wilson Advisory Staff
Daughters Megan, Courtney and Shannon all played collegiate tennis at the Division I level.
Teaching Style
I give my students the most up-to-date instruction and training so they have every advantage in working to meet their goals. I love teaching and getting the most out of my students. Seeing them make progress and enjoying the game while they improve makes it very rewarding for all.
Jim Kuntzi – Head Pro
Areas of Specialty
Beginner to Tournament Level Junior Programs
Beginner to Advanced Level Adult Programs
Women’s Travel Teams
Men’s Open Drills
Private Lessons
Background
USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
40-plus years of teaching experience
Played on full scholarship at University of Illinois-Springfield
Instructed several players to IHSA state championship matches
Teaching Style
Since first picking up a racquet as a nine-year old, I have been a player, fan, teacher and promoter of the sport. There are many styles of players, and I believe each has to be equipped with the tools that best fit their physical and mental abilities.
Raja Matthew
Areas of Specialty
Women’s Travel Teams
Beginner to Intermediate adult Programs
Beginner to Advanced junior programs
Men’s Open Drills
Background
Versatile teaching experience with all levels of play
Coached son (Vivek) to Top 10 National Junior Ranking
Teaching Style
I stress the fundamentals of the game and make it fun by teaching from a player’s perspective. Winning strategies are always traced back to good fundamentals. I care about the players and love to see them improve and have fun doing it.
Jennifer McMullen
Areas of Specialty
Women’s Travel Teams
Junior developmental and advanced program
Private Lessons
Background
Teaching tennis since 1998; Vaughan Tennis Center Professional since 2003
Head Coach of Waubonsee Community College’s women’s tennis team
Conference champion at Ferris State College
Teaching Style
Being a good tennis player requires commitment and hard work. It’s also important to have fun while learning, so I make each practice session/lesson enjoyable. It’s very rewarding to see students progress and grow, not only as players, but as people.
Michael McWilliams
Areas of Specialty
Quickstart to High School and Tournament Programs
Women’s Travel Teams
Private Lessons
Background
USPTR Certified Tennis Professional
Teaching professionally since 1999
Head Pro/Tennis Director at Stonebridge Country Club
Long-time Aurora resident; Vaughan Athletic Center Professional since 2007
Teaching Style
I teach technique and consistency to create a championship type player while fostering a fun learning environment. It’s very rewarding to watch kids grow, learn and become highly ranked tennis players.
Paul Pridmore
Areas of Specialty
High School and Tournament Level Junior Programs
Private Lessons
Background
Teaching professional since 1999
Illinois high school state champion
Played No. 1 singles and doubles at University of Minnesota
Big 10 Conference singles champion
Professional tennis player for five years
Teaching Style
I strive to provide a fun learning environment that is conducive to students’ growth and development of their tennis skills. As a former competitive player, I truly enjoy sharing my passion and love for the game with students; it’s rewarding to see them improve.
Sarah Marcoux
Areas of Specialty
High School and Tournament Level Juniors
10 & Under Tennis
Adult Levels
Private Lessons
Background
Coach at Rosary High School for 10 years – Varsity and JV
Coach at Waubonsie Valley High School for 3 years
ASEP (American Sports Education Program) Certified in Tennis
Women’s Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Winner in Singles and Doubles
Teaching Style
I provide a fun environment for all of my students. Being a teacher, I understand everyone learns differently and I strive to provide a positive, motivating and serious – but fun – learning experience. I want to bring out the best in all of my students!
Jake Lipka
Areas of Specialty
Quickstart Tennis
Junior Programs
Private Lessons
Background
I have been playing tennis for 10 years – starting in youth programs just like here at the Vaughan Center – and currently play collegiate tennis at Aurora University. I was named to the NACC All-Conference team in 2014, the All-Academic team in 2014 and 2015, and the All-Sportsmanship Team in 2015.
Teaching Style
I’m a firm believer that students benefit most from these programs when they are engaged. From Quickstart Tennis up to the Elite program, I like to keep my students active and alert. Keeping each student happy during the entirety of each session is of the high priority, especially young students. While they are here to learn tennis, having fun is of great importance, too. When conducted right, fun and progression go hand-in-hand.
Jonathan Kerch
Areas of Specialty
High Performance Juniors
Youth Programming and Special Events
Stringing
Background
USPTA & USPTR Certified Tennis Professional
CARDIO Tennis Certified
B.A., Piedmont College; played tennis all 4 years
Coached High School state championship team in North Carolina
Teaching Style
I give my students the most up-to-date instruction and training so they have every advantage in working to meet their goals. I love teaching and getting the most out of my students. Seeing them make progress and enjoy the game while they improve makes it very rewarding for all.
Jean Maren
Areas of Specialty
Women’s Travel Teams
Women’s Pro Doubles
Background
Vaughan Tennis Center professional since 2012
Played No. 1 Singles all four years at Augustana College
Conference champion as senior at Augustana
Tennis professional at Stonebridge Country Club since 2014
USTA NTRP rating of 5.0
Teaching Style
I enjoy interacting with other women who like being active and share a love for the game. I strive to make drills fun and competitive. It is rewarding to watch participants improve and compete each week.
Natalie Van Blerk
Areas of Specialty
Beginner USTA Quickstart to Elite Junior Level Programs
Beginner to Advanced Level Adult Programs
Women’s Travel Teams
Private Lessons
Background
USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
Ph.D (C) in Exercise Physiology – focus on USTA Quickstart program
Played four years full scholarship at Delta State University (Mississippi)
Assistant Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Delta State
Teaching Style
I believe tennis is a life-sport and can be used as a means of fitness or fun for all ages. Although good technique and hard work are the most essential aspects for improvement, fun is the most essential aspect for adherence. My teaching style encompasses my background knowledge and experience so different types of players can achieve their various goals, whether it is fitness, recreational or competitive based.
Andrew Moment
Areas of Specialty
10-and-under to High School Development
Women’s Travel Teams
Private Lessons
Background
USPTR Certified Tennis Professional
Teaching professional since 2011
Played in Vaughan Elite Program as a junior;
Played No. 1 Doubles for Judson University
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education
Teaching Style
I have a passion for seeing players improve. I believe players improve best when in a positive environment and I tailor my style around that belief. I coach with enthusiasm and I am dedicated to developing and refining every player instruct.
Robert Salerno III
Areas of Specialty
10-and-under Tennis
Junior Programs
Private Lessons
Background
USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
Coach Youth Tennis Pathway Certified
Collegiate playing experience at Aurora University and Waubonsee Community College
NJCAA Academic Team of the Year in 2014 & 2015 at WCC
Teaching Style
I strive to create a light atmosphere for my students to enjoy and progress because, above all, it is important for these students to have fun but also become athletes along the way. I have an exceptional love for the game, and by trying to instill this in my students (while adapting my teaching style to better fit the needs of the every pupil), I believe each and every one can reach their full potential.
