Our Team
Meet the team
Director of Tennis & Head Coach PTR Certified
Alexsander Rupchin
Alex is a certified tennis professional who has more than 10 years of coaching experience on both ends of the Atlantic Ocean. He is a Kinesiology graduate from the National Sports Academy located in the European Union, where he earned his Physical Education and Tennis Teaching Credentials. Coach Alex believes in hard work and consistent progress on tennis and personal level. He combines his academic knowledge with his coaching practice to give every student a solid foundation upon which to further improve.
Instructor
George Iusan
Coach George is a PTR Certified Tennis Coach with over 100 hours of professional training and a strong passion for the sport. As a former college tennis player, he brings valuable competitive experience to his coaching. Coach George has several years of experience working with children of different skill levels, from beginners to junior high players, as well as adult players. He focuses on helping players develop their tennis skills, confidence, and love for the game in a positive and supportive environment.
Instructor
Nina Balestieri
Coach Nina is a dedicated tennis coach who has been playing the sport from a very young age. She played Varsity tennis throughout all four years of high school, earned MVP honors during her sophomore year, and served as team captain her senior year. Since the age of 16, Coach Nina has been coaching children, helping young players develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game. She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment where every player can learn, improve, and enjoy tennis.
Instructor
John Zuluaga
Coach John is a passionate soccer coach with a diverse background in management, telecommunications, and international soccer. He proudly managed Formas Íntimas, a pioneering women’s soccer team in Colombia, gaining valuable experience in leadership and player development. He also played soccer in Italy, where he developed an appreciation for combining Latin creativity with European strategy. Coach John is committed to helping players build their skills, confidence, and teamwork while inspiring them to excel both on and off the field.
Instructor
Diane Endlich
Diane grew up in the Bay Area and started playing tennis with her father at age 10. From there she played some junior tournaments and played for Los Altos High School followed by University of California at Berkeley. After college she continued playing in league tennis for many years. She started teaching some neighborhood kids at 16 years old. The kids improved so then the mothers wanted lessons too. What she likes best about tennis is you can be very behind in a match like down 6-0 ,5-0 and with a change in strategy one can still win the match. She often played her best when she had lost the first set of a match.
Instructor
Andrea Ambrosioni
Coach Andrea has been involved in the world of sports since he was a child, first as a player and then as a coach. born and raised in Italy, he earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and several sports-related certifications, most recently the PTR certification in California. Tennis has always been his favorite sport and over the years he has developed more and more interest in the art of coaching. Coach Andrea’s goal is to share his passion and knowledge with the next generation of tennis players.
Instructor
Slava Zadorognuk
Coach Slava Zadorognuk grew up in a family passionate about tennis, where everyone played and competed, fueling his own love for the game from an early age. With a strong foundation in business training and analytics, Coach Slava believes in teaching tennis fundamentals with an emphasis on correct form and technique, setting up students for long-term success on and off the court. He sees tennis not just as a sport but as a way of life that cultivates resilience, discipline, and respect for others. Coach Slava is dedicated to guiding both kids and adults in their personal and athletic journeys.
Instructor
Lucas Nguyen
Coach Lucas Nguyen’s passion for soccer began early—he picked up the game at age six, and it quickly became a staple of his athletic journey through high school and beyond. Even after graduation, he remained an active participant in local soccer events. Alongside soccer, Coach Lucas developed a keen interest in tennis, dedicating time to refining his technique and deepening his understanding of the sport’s rules and strategies. His journey eventually led him to an after-school tennis program, where he discovered a drive to share his skills and knowledge with young athletes. Whether coaching soccer or tennis, Coach Lucas aims to foster skill development, competitive edge, and most importantly, a genuine love for the game among his students.
Instructor
Golnar Sanati
Golnar is a product designer by profession and a passionate dance instructor. From a young age, she developed a love for traditional dance forms such as Indian classical, Belly dance, Turkish folk, and Persian dance.
In addition to her design work, Golnar teaches dance to young children, believing it helps build confidence, discipline, and creativity. Her classes offer a fun and supportive space for kids to express themselves through movement.
Golnar beautifully blends her technical skills with her artistic passion, bringing energy and creativity to everything she does.
Instructor
Gillian Wallace
Gillian started her dance journey when she was 5 years old at a local after school class in ballet. This only increased her passion for dance and at the age of 11 she began her competitive dance career. Participating in various dance teams and as a soloist at multiple competitions, her consistent efforts earned her numerous High Gold and Platinum awards in her age division’s categories, along with many high places in the overalls. Her training includes jazz, hip-hop, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and gymnastics. Gillian’s passion for dance has led her to continue her journey at community college, where she’s also picked up tap and modern.
Recently, Gillian has been assisting at Dance Arts Academy, guiding younger students and sharing her dance moves. She’s passionate about inspiring the next generation to embrace dance as a powerful way to express themselves and discover their true selves, no matter what life throws their way.
Instructor
Balaji Lenin
Balaji played four years of high school varsity tennis and has over 15 years of coaching experience with both children and adults. He has more than 5 years of USTA experience and currently competes in USTA leagues at the 4.5 level and in 8.5 combo doubles. His coaching blends competitive experience with a passion for teaching, helping players develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and a love for the game.
Instructor
Tomás Betancur Monsalve
Tomas brings a wealth of soccer experience, having played at the college level and with several teams, including his current role in the SWPL (Southwest Premier League). He has also served as an assistant coach, supporting squads with training, match preparation, and youth development. Tomas is passionate about sharing his knowledge and leadership to help young players grow and enjoy the game.
Instructor
Nisha Neelakantan
Nisha is a wonderful new addition to our team, bringing a deep passion for holistic growth and well-being to our after-school programs. As a certified yoga instructor with over five years of dedicated practice, she believes strongly in yoga’s ability to help individuals connect with themselves and find inner balance.
She’s especially excited to share this practice with children, seeing it as a powerful way to support their mental health and emotional resilience from an early age. Nisha’s approach blends wellness with learning, helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her dancing, exploring new places, or diving into new opportunities to learn and grow. She’s excited to be part of the Euro School of Tennis community and looks forward to making a positive impact in her students’ lives.
Instructor
Nehir Kuralay
Nehir Kuralay is a student at San Francisco State University whose sports journey began with competitive handball in Turkey and continued with high school tennis after moving to the United States. Alongside athletics, Nehir has taken on leadership roles, including serving as a camp counselor for diabetic youth and supporting students as Instructor Support Staff at the Boys & Girls Club. These experiences strengthened Nehir’s ability to guide, motivate, and mentor others, building the discipline and coaching mindset that now drive a passion for working with Euro Tennis.
Instructor
Derek Chavez
Derek has been involved in sports from a young age, developing a strong passion for basketball early on. After returning from college, he discovered a love for coaching and joined Euro School of Tennis, where he also developed a growing passion for tennis while continuing his commitment to basketball. Derek hopes to build a lifelong career working in sports and inspiring young athletes along the way.
Instructor
Alex Tran
Alex is a kinesiology major with a lifelong passion for sports. He started playing football at a young age and competed through middle school, high school, and four years at the collegiate level, finishing his career at the University of La Verne. With experience coaching and teaching multiple sports, Alex is dedicated to helping kids not only learn the fundamentals but also develop a love for physical activity. He aspires to become a full-time physical education teacher and eventually an athletic director. When he’s not on the field or in the gym, Alex enjoys traveling to new places and playing video games.
Instructor
Alejandra Ramos Ortega
Alejandra is a student at San Jose State University with a passion for working with youth. She has experience leading children in both academic and athletic activities and enjoys creating positive and engaging environments where they can learn and grow. With experience in soccer, tennis, and weight training, Alejandra is passionate about helping children develop their skills and confidence. She hopes to encourage young athletes to explore their talents and find joy in the sports and activities they enjoy.
Instructor
Misha Punjabi
Misha brings great energy and enthusiasm to every pickleball session. She loves introducing the sport to players of all ages and creating a fun, welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable learning. With her experience working with kids in camp settings, she knows how to keep lessons engaging, positive, and easy to follow.
As a coach, Misha focuses on helping players build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and enjoy the process of learning. She believes pickleball is not only a great way to stay active, but also a fun and supportive way to grow skills and connect with others.
Instructor
Watson Young
Watson Young is an English major who began playing tennis at a young age and later competed on his middle school and high school teams. He has over ten years of experience as a tennis instructor, teaching students of all ages. In his free time, Watson enjoys reading and writing. As a coach, he prioritizes fun and fundamentals, helping students develop a love for the sport while improving their skills through tailored instruction.
Instructor
Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen is a passionate tennis enthusiast and community sports advocate based in California. With years of experience playing and organizing recreational tennis and pickleball activities, he is dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle and helping beginners build confidence on the court.
Khoi enjoys coaching youth and new players, focusing on strong fundamentals, discipline, and a positive learning environment where players can enjoy the game while developing their skills. Alongside his professional background in business operations and leadership, he remains actively involved in tennis and basketball through local training, match play, and community programs. His goal is to inspire players of all levels to improve while fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere on the court.
Instructor
Wai Htet
Coach Wai is a dedicated coach with a strong background in basketball and a passion for introducing young athletes to sports. They played varsity basketball throughout high school and also enjoy playing tennis and pickleball with friends. With experience coaching children, Coach Wai focuses on giving clear and simple instructions, making drills fun and engaging, and ensuring every child has an opportunity to participate. They are passionate about supporting and encouraging young athletes while helping them build confidence, skills, and a love for the game.
Instructor
Ethan Schechter
Coach Ethan is a dedicated tennis coach with a lifelong passion for the sport and experience playing tennis from a young age. With a background in both competitive and recreational tennis, they enjoy helping players develop their skills and confidence on the court. Coach Ethan also has experience working with children through classroom teaching and volunteering with individuals with mental and physical disabilities, creating supportive and encouraging environments for learning and growth. They focus on skill development, positive communication, and encouraging every player to improve, no matter their experience level.
Instructor
Oscar McCammond
Oscar grew up in Finland with a lifelong passion for soccer, playing from a young age and continuing to enjoy the sport today. As a Project Engineer, he brings strong problem-solving and teamwork skills to coaching, helping children build soccer skills, confidence, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Outside of coaching, Oscar enjoys hiking, making homemade pizza, playing soccer, and spending time with his family.
Instructor
Maryam Honardar
Coach is a dedicated tennis coach with 20 years of coaching experience, an ITF Level 1 certification, and an Associate Degree in Physical Education. They previously ran a children’s tennis academy and served as President of the Women’s Tennis Association of Fars Province for five years. With extensive experience working with children, Coach creates a positive, fun, and encouraging environment where young athletes can develop their skills, confidence, and love for tennis. Passionate about youth development, they are committed to helping every child grow both on and off the court.
Instructor
Melanie Munoz
Coach Melanie Muñoz is a passionate dance and yoga coach with 8 years of dance experience and 4 years of teaching experience. She believes in creating a positive and supportive learning environment through kindness, patience, and encouragement. Coach Melanie is passionate about helping students build their skills, confidence, and love for movement. She finds great fulfillment in seeing her students learn, grow, and succeed, and looks forward to inspiring them throughout the upcoming season.
Instructor
Caroline Esquivel
With experience in volleyball, this coach enjoys helping children discover the sport and develop a love for the game. They find working with children especially rewarding and strive to create a positive, encouraging environment where young athletes feel comfortable learning and growing.
As a coach, they hope to inspire students to pursue volleyball at any level, whether for fun, personal development, or as a pathway toward a future career. Their goal is to help every player build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the experience of playing volleyball.
Instructor
Nathan Tran
Coach Nathan is a dedicated soccer coach with 9 years of experience playing the sport and a passion for working with young athletes. He enjoys helping children develop new skills while creating fun and engaging practices. Coach Nathan focuses on skill development, confidence, and a love for the game, encouraging students to improve while enjoying the experience of playing soccer. He is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where young athletes can learn, grow, and have fun.
Instructor
Ryan Cole
Coach Ryan is a passionate and energetic tennis coach who enjoys helping students build their skills, confidence, and love for the game. He brings a patient, positive, and encouraging approach to every lesson, focusing on tennis fundamentals, coordination, movement, and teamwork. Ryan enjoys working with children and creating a fun and supportive environment where students feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, and improving. He is committed to helping every student grow as a player while developing confidence and positive skills that extend beyond the court.
Instructor
Victoria Lochead
Coach Victoria is a passionate tennis and soccer coach with experience playing and coaching both sports from a young age in London. They began coaching at local sports clubs at age 15 and continued their coaching journey after moving to the Bay Area. Coach Victoria enjoys helping young athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and discover a love for the sports they play. They focus on creating fun, educational, and encouraging sessions through positive communication, engaging activities, and games that students enjoy. With a supportive and enthusiastic approach, Coach Victoria strives to make every session a positive experience where students feel motivated to learn, improve, and have fun.
Instructor
Veraaz Khan
Coach Veraaz is an experienced tennis coach with 12 years of playing experience and four years competing on their high school varsity tennis team. With over three years of coaching experience, they have worked with students of different ages and skill levels, helping players develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and a greater appreciation for the sport. Coach Veraaz is passionate about creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to challenge themselves and improve. They focus on skill development, positive communication, and making each lesson engaging and rewarding for every player.
Instructor
Gursharan Grewal
Coach Gursharan is a dedicated coach with a strong background in soccer, having played the sport from a young age through high school, including several years of club soccer. He also has experience playing tennis during high school. Through volunteering at youth camps and spending time with his younger sibling, Coach Gursharan has developed experience working with children and enjoys helping them improve their skills step by step while having fun.
His coaching approach focuses on creating a positive and supportive environment where students feel comfortable learning, building confidence, and developing important skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience. Outside of coaching, Gursharan enjoys watching and analyzing soccer games, working with Photoshop and video editing, and spending time with friends. He is currently studying Business at San Jose State University.
Instructor
Pranav Kachhwaha
Coach Pranav is a passionate dance coach dedicated to sharing the joy of dance while helping students build confidence, creativity, and self-expression. He has received formal dance training for over 12 years at several dance schools across the Bay Area and has five years of experience teaching and choreographing group dance fitness classes at major tech companies in Silicon Valley. His experience includes choreographing and leading performances for tech conferences, DEI events, weddings, workshops, and city showcases, as well as reaching the semifinals of a dance reality TV show and leading his team to first place in the global Hackdance competition. Coach Pranav is committed to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where every child feels encouraged to express themselves, grow in confidence, and discover that anyone can dance.
Instructor
Katelyn Osborne
Coach Katelyn is a passionate coach with experience in volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and yoga. She has worked with children through a variety of teaching and volunteer roles, creating positive and supportive environments for young learners. Her coaching philosophy centers on fun, teamwork, and collaboration while encouraging growth, perseverance, and confidence. Coach Katelyn is committed to helping every child develop their skills while enjoying the experience and building strong connections with others.
Instructor
Jizelle Mercado
Coach Jizelle is a passionate volleyball and pickleball coach who brings energy and enthusiasm to every session. She played varsity volleyball throughout high school and continued competing in college, gaining over ten years of experience through training and tournaments. She also has two years of pickleball experience and enjoys introducing young athletes to the sport. Coach Jizelle focuses on building strong fundamentals, teamwork, confidence, and discipline while keeping classes fun and engaging. She is dedicated to helping every student grow as an athlete, build resilience, and enjoy their time on the court.
Instructor
Manuel Castellon Flores
Coach Manuel (Manny) is a passionate soccer coach with years of playing experience, including club and varsity soccer in high school. He also brings 3–4 years of experience working with children with disabilities, which has strengthened his patience, communication, and ability to support each child’s individual needs. As a coach, Manny focuses on creating a fun, positive, and encouraging environment where every student feels comfortable and confident. His goal is to help young athletes develop their soccer skills, build confidence, and most importantly, enjoy the game.
Instructor
Yoko Rivett
Coach Yoko is a certified yoga instructor with a lifelong passion for movement and a strong belief in the connection between physical and mental well-being. She has experience working with children through babysitting and as an elementary school teacher’s assistant. Coach Yoko enjoys helping children build confidence through playful yoga, dance, and mindfulness activities in a safe and welcoming environment. She strives to create positive and engaging classes where children can enjoy movement, learn to relax, and feel good about themselves.
Instructor
Gianina Nepomuceno
Coach Gia is a passionate dance instructor with nearly 20 years of experience in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. They also have experience in sports such as tennis and pickleball, bringing a well-rounded approach to working with young athletes. She strives to create a fun and engaging environment where students can learn, play, and build confidence. Their goal is to inspire a love and passion for dance that continues beyond the classroom.