We’re pleased to announce we’re offering our summer tennis program at Washington Park beginning June 13. Several adjustments have been made to the program including staggered start times and smaller class sizes to follow the State’s COVID-19 guidelines for tennis programming. In most cases, we will not have the ability to accommodate wait-lists as we must adhere to our pro to student ratios. However, we do encourage you to register for the wait-list if a program you desire is full. If we have the ability to create an entirely new class at a different time to accommodate a wait-list, that’s the route we will take. Registration is currently open and available online only.
Tennis tailored to you!
Whether you’re experienced competitor or a purely social player, you’ll love the action and spirit on our courts. Join us for lessons, leagues and open play from late August to May!
Enhanced pro shop featuring racquets, apparel, footwear, accessories, and stringing and gripping services
Nine newly resurfaced deco-turf (hard) indoor courts
Home to 10 Northern Illinois Traveling Tennis League (NITTL) women’s teams
Home to the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Annual Conference and Workshop
Choice of off-site practice alternative for regional high schools and colleges such as Aurora University, North Central College, West Aurora H.S., Illinois Math and Science Academy
Also available:
Advance reservations
Men’s and women’s skill clinics
Discounted court rates
Traveling team sign-up
League and tournament play
Private instruction
Fun, exercise, connection and upping your game at a great value – contact us at (630) 907-8067 to further discuss our tennis tailored to you at Vaughan Tennis Center.
United States Tennis Association
The national governing body for tennis, USTA promotes and develops the sport’s growth on every level in the U.S. It focuses on community tennis; diversity and inclusion; officiating; player development; and the organization’s 17 regional sections.
USTA court time is reserved at select times on weekends at Vaughan Tennis Center. If you’re interested in playing on a team or becoming a captain, please contact us at (630) 907-8067 or bschmidt@fvpd.net.
Junior Tennis
The Vaughan Junior Tennis Academy offers year-round tennis for young people ranging from first-timers to national-level players. Led by Youth Tennis Coordinator Jonathan Kerch, the academy teaches the essentials of the sport and inspires young players to pursue their potential in a fun and safe environment.
We offer lessons for all ages and skill levels – call (630) 907-8067for details!
10 And Under Tennis
The 10 and Under program participants learn how to play and enjoy tennis. Lower-compression tennis balls allow them to hit more easily while developing good swing patterns. The program also includes smaller courts and rackets for smaller children.
10 and Under follows USTA guidelines for youth tennis.
Adult Weekly Drop-in Drills (Indoor Season)
Please call (630) 907-9600 up to six days in advance to reserve your spot.
Established more than 20 years ago, the league practices once a week and plays matches on Thursdays or Fridays. For more information, please call (630) 907-8067.
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.
Tom Girdler
Areas of Specialty
Youth & High School Development
Women’s Travel Teams
Private & Semi-private Lessons
Background
USPTR Certified Professional
International Certified Coach
USRSA Certified Racquet Stringer
College All-American & ATP Satellite Player
Teaching Style
I take what each player brings to the court and develop them into the best they can be. Tennis is not only a lesson on court, but a lesson in life.
Brent Hargrave
Areas of Specialty
Tournament Training
Doubles Strategy
Private Lessons
Ages 10 & Under
Background
USPTR Certified (10 & under, 11-17, adult)
1 Singles/1 Doubles- St. Ambrose University
2014 Missouri Valley Iowa Player of the Year
USTA Iowa Committee Member
USTA 5.0 Player Rating
Teaching Style
There’s always something new to learn. I like to provide the necessary tools to make someone a better player each time they walk off the court.
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 love teaching and getting the most out of my students. Seeing them make progress and enjoy the game while they improve makes it rewarding for everyone involved.
Tyler Livingston
Areas of Specialty
Youth
High School and Adult Programs
Doubles Strategy/Positioning
Private Lessons
Background
Girls’ Head Coach: Aurora Central Catholic HS
Playing since 1996
Loras College Tennis Player
Teaching Style
I help players understand the game while creating a fun learning environment. I’m very passionate about the sport and love to see players develop and improve every aspect of their game.
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 an exciting environment for all my students. Everyone learns differently, and I strive to provide a positive, motivation, serious-but-fun learning experience.
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!
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.
Lee McMullen
Areas of Specialty
Women’s Travel Teams
High School/College Players
Private lessons
Background
USPTA Certified Coach
Teaching professionally for 20+ years
Waubonsie Community College
Women’s Assistant Coach
Teaching Style
Tennis is a life-long sport. It is very important to enjoy both the learning and playing experiences.
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 also creating a fun environment. It’s very rewarding to watch kids grow, learn and become highly-ranked 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 conducive to the student’s growth and development. As a former competitive player, I truly enjoy sharing my passion and love for the game.
John Tsang
Areas of Specialty
Men’s Drills
Youth Private Lessons,
Youth Development
Background
USPTA Certified Elite Professional
USNTA Certified Tennis Professional
Head Varisty Coach- Rosary High School
Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration
Teaching Style
The focus is for incremental improvement each time an athlete steps on the court; to get better every day while developing a love for the game.
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
Tennis is a sport that can be played for fitness or fun at all ages. Good technique and hard work is important, but fun is essential for adherence!
We will follow the Federal Government’s advised social distancing measures (defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as keeping six feet apart), including arriving at and departing from a court.
Other than during actual match play, face coverings must be worn at all times. Players must wear face coverings upon entering facility, while present in pro shop, restroom, and upon entering and exiting tennis courts. They can remove their masks for match play.
Players must bring their own water bottles. Facility water coolers and water fountains will not be accessible.
No drop-ins, players must have a reservation to play.
Limiting programs to small groups and private lessons.
We’ll not provide any congregation areas on court or in pro shop.
We will have signage posted asking participants to leave the premises immediately following play.
Tables and chairs will be removed or cautioned off in Tennis.
Players should come to the facility no more than 10 minutes before the time expected to play.
Lessons – privates and small group lessons are permissible. Safe play guidelines will be followed.
Travel Leagues – USTA League Match Play- USTA League Play Protocol will be followed.
Open court reservations – Courts open for reservation with staggered start times. We would reserve every other court when feasible. If there is demand for more than 5 courts, when possible, we would stagger the courts so neighboring courts do not start or stop at the same time.
Encourage Social Distancing
Players should stay at least six feet apart to maintain social distancing.
Pro staff will keep participants spaced appropriately.
Players will stay on their side of court and avoid changing ends during match play.
Minimizing contact between participants and staff.
Pro staff will use court their own assigned court markers to help keep participants spaced.
Only one parent/guardian should accompany younger children to the site when possible.
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Michael McWilliams
Paul Pridmore
Natalie Van Blerk