Vaughan Tennis Center

Jim Bowers

Areas of Specialty

• Beginner to Advanced Level Junior Programs
• Beginner to Advanced Level Adult Programs
• Women’s Travel Teams

Background

• ITA and ITF Certified Tennis Professional
• 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
• Tennis Director, Dunham Woods Riding Club, 2006-present
• 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 Salerna 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.