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
Alin Cimpoaie
Alin started playing tennis at the early age of seven back in Eastern Europe. Over the years he competed successfully in tournaments at all age groups where he gained his extensive and knowledge for the game of tennis. Furthermore, he is immensely gifted, skillfull, and accommodating tennis instructor with several years of conducting group tennis clinics. He goes to say: “nothing in life comes easily without hard work and the game of tennis is like everything else: it requires discipline, commitment, and perseverance.
Instructor
Wilson Rodrillo
Coach Wilson Rodrillo started tennis late at the age of 17. Played in tournaments in LA a year after and fell in love with the game because of the mental toughness that is needed playing the game. His goal as a coach is not just to teach but show how the game of tennis can reflect the day to day lives of kids and adults through practice and the mental toughness that tennis forces one to have! There’s always room for improvement.
Instructor
Jason Carino
Coach Carino wasn’t always interested in tennis, but in 2009, an encounter with the Japanese anime Prince of Tennis began a love affair with the sport that has never ended. For more than ten years, Coach Carino worked on his game, and that only improved when he began studying Kinesiology at California State University – East Bay. He began to apply the knowledge from his studies to the sport, and today, he plays on a regular basis. Coach Carino works to emphasize the strategy behind the win with every student. The game is so much fun, he can’t wait to share it with you!
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
Sarah Lopez
Coach Sarah is a passionate soccer coach with years of experience playing the sport since a young age. They played competitively in high school as a goalkeeper, traveling for games and tournaments, and currently play as a midfielder at Foothill College. Alongside their soccer experience, Coach Sarah is studying Child Development and Kinesiology, reflecting their passion for working with and teaching children. They are committed to helping young athletes develop their soccer skills, learn new techniques, and build confidence while creating a fun 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
Mateo Flores
Mateo began dancing at the age of eight, and from that point forward, their passion for the performing arts flourished. During high school, they joined a reputable competition program and a pre-professional dance company, experiences that affirmed their commitment to pursuing a career in dance. Currently, Mateo teaches at two studios in the Bay Area and is enthusiastic about working as a dance coach, aiming to inspire the next generation through artistic expression and creative freedom.
Instructor
Ashjeet Kaur
Ashjeet’s journey in sports began at the age of six, starting with soccer and later discovering a deep passion for volleyball at age nine. As his love for the game grew, he continued to play competitively and now plays for West Valley College. With a year of coaching experience, Ashjeet is CPR, First Aid, and PCA certified, and is currently pursuing a career in physical therapy. Through coaching, he hopes to share his enthusiasm for the sport and inspire young athletes to grow both on and off the court.
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
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
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
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
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
Shahrzad Sartippour
Shahrzad is a dedicated yoga instructor with teaching experience since 2015. She has worked with a wide range of students and teaches various styles of yoga, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, and Kids Yoga. Shahrzad has extensive experience working with seniors and individuals with disabilities, skillfully adapting practices for both mat-based and seated or modified poses. Her teaching style is inclusive and supportive, with a strong focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment where every student can move, breathe, and grow at their own pace.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mohammad Ghaffarian
Moe Ghaffarian is a lifelong athlete and instructor with a strong background in sports and physical education. Growing up in a family of physical education teachers, he developed a passion for sports from an early age and has experience in soccer, swimming, table tennis, and recreational tennis. Moe also teaches swimming and is completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. With a patient, energetic, and thoughtful teaching style, he focuses on making sports fun and approachable while helping children build confidence, develop new skills, and build a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.
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
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
Rachana Patel
With over 10 years of dance experience in both performing and teaching, Coach Rachana brings a dynamic and movement-focused approach to coaching dance, youth fitness, volleyball, and tennis. They have experience guiding young students through choreography, coordination, and stage performances at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Milpitas. Coach Rachana focuses on patience, positive reinforcement, and creating an energetic and supportive environment where every child feels encouraged to learn and improve. Through coaching, they are passionate about helping children build confidence, teamwork, coordination, and a lifelong love for staying active.
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.